Smartphone OS rollouts: What to expect from Google, Apple and Microsoft

Google, Apple and Microsoft are all expected to show off new enhancements to their respective smartphone operating systems over the next few months. Google, for example, is reportedly developing a version of Android that would be built directly into the consoles of cars, obviating the need to have a smartphone connect to the car's infotainment system. That functionality is expected to be built into Android M and could represent a major shift in how Google's Android Auto software interfaces with cars.

For its part, Apple is putting a "huge" focus on improving the stability and quality of iOS, which could come in the form of iOS 9, according to a February report from the usually reliable 9to5 Mac. Meanwhile, a key theme of Windows 10, especially for phones, is the idea of universal apps. Microsoft wants to make the Windows 10 user experience seamless and fluid across multiple screen sizes and device formats. 

For an in-depth analysis of what to expect from the three major OS vendors, check out this FierceWireless special report from Editor Phil Goldstein.