Google’s Acquisition of HTC XR Talent Sparks Speculation on HTC’s Future Plans

Google’s recent move to acquire a group of HTC’s XR engineers marks a strategic step forward in enhancing the Android XR platform across various headsets and glasses. According to Google, this acquisition is set to “accelerate the development” of the new platform, hinting at a promising future for the XR ecosystem.

Last month, Google introduced Android XR, signaling a significant shift in the market landscape, with Samsung expected to lead the charge by launching a headset powered by this new platform. Although the news injected excitement about familiar brands re-entering the XR space, skepticism remains about Google’s long-term commitment to such endeavors. This is partly due to Google’s history of shelving numerous products, including their initial XR venture, Google Daydream, back in 2016.

In a recent announcement, Google revealed its agreement with HTC to bring on board several of their XR engineers. While the specifics of this deal are still under wraps, it seems Google is keen on leveraging HTC’s hardware expertise to solidify its standing in the XR sector.

“We’ve been committed to XR for over a decade. Just last month, we launched the Android XR platform alongside our strategic partners,” Google explained. “Today, we’re excited to announce the addition of some HTC VIVE engineers to our team, pending usual closing conditions. They’re a remarkably skilled group with a strong VR track record, and we look forward to them helping drive forward the Android XR ecosystem in headsets and glasses.”

Interestingly, this isn’t Google’s first foray into acquiring HTC’s talent. Back in 2017, Google spent a hefty sum, $1.1 billion to be exact, to onboard HTC’s smartphone engineering team. A year later, HTC merged its smartphone operations with its VR division, emphasizing its commitment to XR technologies.

While the finer points of the current transaction with Google remain unclear, questions linger about HTC’s future direction. The Taiwan-based company continues to focus on XR headsets aimed at both enterprise clients and tech-savvy individuals, as seen with their latest Vive Focus Vision. This standalone mixed reality device offers a blend of features from both the Vive Focus 3 and Vive Elite XR models, retailing at about $1,000.

Despite this XR focus, HTC hasn’t entirely shied away from other tech ventures. In 2018, they launched the HTC Exodus 1, a smartphone designed for cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Following its modest reception, a successor was released the subsequent year. HTC also sought to tap into the emerging 5G market with a home 5G hub in 2019. However, none of these products are currently part of HTC’s active lineup, so only time will tell what the future holds.