Google Acquires HTC Vive Team to Boost Android XR Development

Recently, Google made a significant move by bringing on board several of HTC’s XR engineers, with the goal of speeding up advancements within the Android XR framework for headsets and glasses. This strategic acquisition marks a notable pivot in the XR landscape, aligning Google more competitively especially with Samsung poised to unveil a headset powered by Android XR soon. Despite the buzz, there’s a bit of skepticism lingering about Google’s long haul commitment to the XR realm, given their history of shelving numerous projects—Google Daydream being one from their past ventures into XR back in 2016.

Google hasn’t been a stranger to raising eyebrows with such initiatives, but they did attempt to put some doubts to rest in an exclusive conversation with Road to VR. Although it helps build some confidence, a long list of axed technologies still sets a cautious backdrop.

In an exciting recent revelation, Google confirmed it reached an agreement to incorporate a segment of HTC’s XR engineers. While specific details are under wraps, speculation suggests Google’s tapping into HTC’s renowned hardware capabilities to strengthen its footing in modern XR markets. In their announcement, Google shared, “For over ten years, we’ve invested in XR. Last month, the Android XR platform launched with support from strategic partners. Now, we’ve agreed to bring some of HTC VIVE’s technical expertise to Google, pending usual closing requirements. Their proven excellence in VR is something we eagerly anticipate working with to fast-track Android XR developments across the ecosystem.”

Interestingly, this isn’t Google’s first raid into HTC’s talent pool. Back in 2017, Google significantly invested $1.1 billion to snatch up HTC’s smartphone engineering experts. Following this, HTC decided to merge its smartphone and VR divisions, signaling a shift towards XR.

As for HTC, it remains a guessing game with details of the deal still under wraps. Based in Taoyuan, Taiwan, HTC has been a staple in the space, specializing in XR headsets aimed at enterprises and advanced consumers. Their latest launch is the Vive Focus Vision, a sophisticated standalone mixed reality headset priced at $1,000. This continues HTC’s blend of technology, standing on the shoulders of past products like the Vive Focus 3 and Vive Elite XR.

Though primarily focused on XR now, HTC has flirted with other tech ventures. In 2018, they introduced the HTC Exodus 1—a crypto-phone, followed by another the following year. In 2019, the market saw their at-home 5G hub coinciding with the 5G buzz. Presently, these products have disappeared from HTC’s lineup, leaving us with a curious wait to see future moves.