Google has bought HTC’s VR division

Google continues to advance its augmented and virtual reality technologies with another major deal with HTC. The company announced that it has acquired part of HTC Vive’s engineering team, which specializes in VR technology.

The company’s acquisition of HTC Vive is a major step forward.

Details of the deal and its value

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According to an official statement, the deal cost Google $250 million. As part of the agreement, the company also received a non-exclusive license to use HTC’s XR (Extended Reality) intellectual property. This was the next step in strengthening Google’s virtual and augmented reality technology.

According to the official statement.

“This is an incredibly strong technical team with proven expertise in virtual reality. We look forward to working with them to accelerate the development of the Android XR platform in the headset and smart glasses ecosystem,” Google emphasized.

“We’re looking forward to working with them to accelerate the development of the Android XR platform in the headset and smart glasses ecosystem,” Google representatives emphasized.

Android XR: a new step in technology

Google and its partners are actively working on a new Android XR platform designed for headsets and smart glasses. Among the platform’s features are integration of the Gemini assistant, support for Google Maps, Chrome, YouTube, and the creation of multiple virtual screens.

Android XR

The first Android XR-powered headset will be Samsung’s Project Moohan device. However, an exact launch date for this new product has not yet been announced.

An exact launch date for this new product has not yet been announced.

The Future of Android XR: Hopes and Challenges

Although acquiring a strong team from HTC looks like a logical step to strengthen Google’s position in the XR market, success isn’t guaranteed. The company has a history of shutting down ambitious projects like Stadia despite investing heavily and setting up an internal studio to develop games.

The company has a history of shutting down ambitious projects like Stadia despite investing heavily and setting up an internal game development studio.

Nevertheless, buying part of the HTC Vive team could be key in Google’s quest to bring Android XR to the forefront and avoid the mistakes of past initiatives. The company appears to be serious about integrating XR technology into its ecosystem and making sure it succeeds.

It’s a big deal.