Google’s Latest & Bold Move!!

Acquiring a part of HTC’s XR business for $250 million?

Trying to rule the XR space?

Google is damn serious about competing in the advanced technology space.

What’s happening?

Let’s start from scratch.

1. What is XR?

  • XR, or Extended Reality, is a collective term that includes:
    • Virtual Reality (VR): Fully immersive digital environments.
    • Augmented Reality (AR): Digital overlays on the real world (think Pokémon GO).
    • Mixed Reality (MR): A mix of both VR and AR.

2. What’s the Deal About?

  • Google is buying a part of HTC’s XR business for $250 million.
  • The deal includes:
    • Engineering staff: HTC VIVE engineers known for their expertise in VR headsets and technology will now work for Google.
    • Intellectual Property (IP): Google gets non-exclusive rights to HTC’s XR technology, meaning HTC can still use and develop it.

3. Why Is This Important?

  • Google recently launched its Android XR platform, a system for running XR applications (like headsets and smart glasses). This acquisition will speed up the development of this platform.
  • Google will be a strong competitor to companies like:
    • Meta (Facebook): Known for Oculus VR headsets.
    • Apple: Vision Pro and much more (who doesn’t know them?)

4. History Between Google and HTC

Lifetime collaboration on the way?

 5. What Does this deal have for HTC?

  • HTC will retain the rights to use and develop XR technology, so it’s not about losing its entire XR division.
  • This allows HTC to still innovate in the XR space while having funds from Google.

6. The Bigger Picture

Who will play a long-run game?

Google is trying to catch Meta and Apple, which are already ahead in their XR devices. Investing heavily to become Top 1 and become a key part of the future.

Google, Apple, Meta or any other pro player rule the XR game?

Time will tell.

Stay tuned to techi.com to get regular updates.

Read More: Google Stance on European Union Fact-checking Mandates