Google has agreed to acquire part of HTC’s extended reality (XR) business for $250 million, expanding its push into virtual and augmented reality hardware after the recent launch of the Android XR platform. The deal includes moving some of HTC VIVE’s engineering staff to Google and giving it non-exclusive intellectual property rights, according to the Taiwanese company. HTC will retain the right to use and develop the technology. The transaction marks the second major deal between the companies after the $1.1 billion purchase of HTC’s smartphone unit in 2017. Google said the acquisition will accelerate the development of the Android XR platform in headsets and glasses. The move comes as tech giants race to establish dominance in XR technology, with Apple and Meta maintaining leadership in the virtual reality market. Google and HTC will explore additional collaboration opportunities, he said.
Google bought part of HTC’s XR business for $250 million
