Google Boosts Android XR with Strategic HTC Vive Team Acquisition

Google Welcomes HTC VIVE Team to Accelerate Android XR Development

In a move to speed up the development of its augmented reality platform, Android XR, Google has announced that it is welcoming a team of engineers from HTC VIVE to join its ranks. As reported by 9to5Google, the agreement was announced yesterday, with an expected closing date set for the first quarter of 2025.

A Familiar Partnership

This isn’t the first time Google has worked with HTC. In 2017, the company acquired a portion of HTC’s smartphone business to build out its Pixel division, bringing on board around 2,000 employees for $1.1 billion. This new agreement is similar, with Google paying $250 million in cash for the acquisition of the HTC VIVE engineering team, pending customary closing conditions.

Strengthening the Android XR Ecosystem

The incoming team is a strong technical group with a proven track record in virtual reality, says Google. They will be working closely with the existing Android XR team to accelerate the development of the platform, covering both headsets and glasses. This acquisition also brings with it a non-exclusive license for HTC’s XR intellectual property.

HTC’s Future Plans

HTC, however, is not selling its Vive business to Google and will continue to develop its existing product line, including the recently announced $999 Vive Focus Vision headset for enterprise and gaming. In a statement, HTC emphasized its strategy of focusing on product development, operational efficiency, and financial flexibility, with its commitment to delivering innovative VIVE XR solutions remaining unchanged.

Growing Presence in Taiwan

This deal will boost Google’s presence in Taiwan, which is already its largest hardware engineering hub outside of the US, with multiple offices. This acquisition is expected to grow the company’s foothold in the region, driving further innovation and development.

What’s Next?

Google’s focus on Android XR is clear, with the company emphasizing the importance of software in this futuristic platform. The deal is a significant step forward in the development of Android XR, which is expected to be a major player in the rapidly growing augmented reality market.

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