Google Acquires HTC To Pursue XR

In December 2024, Google introduced Android XR, a platform for VR headsets and AR smart glasses. To accelerate its development, Google has partnered with HTC, bringing some HTC Vive engineers on board.

In 2017, Google took possession of HTC’s mobile business by paying $1.1 billion to bolster its Pixel development efforts. Even back then, it did not fully acquire the Taiwanese company. Instead, the agreement involved the transfer of an unspecified number of HTC employees working on Pixel phones and the relevant IPs (intellectual property) to Google.

Google is following a similar strategy once again. In its Google blog announcement, the company revealed an agreement to bring part of the HTC VIVE engineering team onboard. This move is aimed at advancing Android XR development. While Google did not disclose the deal’s value, HTC stated it is worth $250 million.

As part of the deal, Google will also gain non-exclusive access to HTC XR’s IPs. This ensures the Taiwanese company can continue developing and working on its Vive AR/VR products in the future without any restrictions.

The agreement doesn’t signal the end for HTC’s Vive products. On the contrary, the company sees this deal as a boost for its AR initiatives and upcoming innovations. With regulatory approvals underway, the transaction is expected to close by Q1 2025.

VR/AR Not Much Popular In The Past

Google is not the only company that is heavily investing in and focusing on its AR/VR efforts. Apple started the trend with the Vision Pro, and while the $3,500 headset might not have sold in large numbers, it likely gave the company valuable insights to refine and enhance its future AR products. Apple is reportedly working on several AR headsets, including a pair of smart glasses rumored to launch in 2027.

Google is collaborating with Samsung on Project Moohan, Samsung’s first VR headset built for Android XR. After teasing the headset in late 2024, Samsung plans to launch it later this year.