Key Points
- Google is acquiring HTC’s XR talent and technology rights for $250 million. The deal will bring key HTC’s Vive engineering team members to Google.
- Google will obtain a non-exclusive license to HTC’s XR technology, allowing HTC to continue its XR business.
- The partnership aims to accelerate Google’s Android XR ecosystem for headsets and glasses.
- The first Android XR devices, including Project Moohan with Samsung, are expected this year.
Google has announced a $250 million deal with HTC to advance its plans for the Android XR ecosystem. Several HTC’s Vive engineering team members will join Google as part of the agreement. The tech giant has described them as an incredibly strong technical team with a proven track record in the VR space.
HTC, which introduced its first consumer-focused Vive VR headset in 2016 in collaboration with Valve, has continued to innovate in the extended reality (XR) space. Its latest product, the Vive XR Elite, follows the launch of its first standalone consumer VR headset, the Vive Focus Vision, last year.
Under the agreement, Google will gain a non-exclusive license to HTC’s XR technologies. This allows HTC to retain its intellectual property and continue developing and supporting its XR hardware. The partnership also leaves room for potential future collaborations between the two companies. Google believes the deal will accelerate its efforts across the XR ecosystem, including headsets and smart glasses.
In December, Google outlined its vision for a unified Android XR ecosystem to support various mixed and virtual reality devices. This year, the first Android XR devices are expected to launch, including a highly anticipated headset developed in partnership with Samsung under the codename “Project Moohan. “
Acquiring HTC’s XR expertise could strengthen Google’s competitive position in the evolving immersive technology landscape, where rivals such as Meta and Apple have already made significant strides.
HTC, despite the transfer of part of its XR team, remains committed to its XR business and plans to continue developing innovative solutions for consumers and enterprises. The deal is still subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be finalized within the first quarter of the year.