Google Purchases HTC Vive Engineering Team to Boost Android XR Development

Google has taken a significant step forward in the world of extended reality (XR) by bringing on board several engineers from HTC. This move, according to the tech giant, is expected to “speed up the development of the Android XR platform across both headsets and glasses,” which is an exciting prospect in this rapidly evolving field.

Last month, Google introduced Android XR to the market—a development that might just shift the balance among tech competitors. Samsung is expected to be the first to release a headset using this platform, which is generating quite a buzz. However, despite the enthusiasm, there’s been a fair amount of skepticism about Google’s long-term commitment to such projects. Given Google’s history of shelving various products and services, including the Google Daydream initiative in 2016, concerns are not unfounded.

In a recent exclusive with Road to VR, Google tackled some of these anxieties, but memories of projects like Google Daydream—Google’s initial foray into XR—remain fresh. This is a reminder of how unpredictably Google can pivot, leaving users and markets wondering about the stability of its offerings.

The details of Google’s agreement with HTC to acquire some of their XR engineers are sparse, but it likely signals an intention to strengthen their hardware capabilities in the competitive XR space. As Google stated, they’ve been investing in XR technology for over a decade, and now, by welcoming talented engineers from HTC VIVE, their goal is to fast-track the enhancement of the Android XR platform. This effort includes creating a comprehensive ecosystem for headsets and smart glasses.

This acquisition is a déjà vu moment for Google since this isn’t their first rodeo with HTC’s talent. Back in 2017, Google made a significant investment, about $1.1 billion, to bring on HTC’s smartphone engineers. This move preceded HTC’s strategic decision to merge its smartphone and VR divisions, signaling a newfound focus on XR technologies.

Presently, the specifics of Google’s latest deal with HTC are under wraps, leaving the industry curious about HTC’s direction. Based in Taiwan, HTC has been focused on developing XR headsets tailored for both enterprise-level use and tech-savvy consumers. Their recent venture, the Vive Focus Vision—a $1,000 standalone mixed reality headset—borrows features from their earlier models, Vive Focus 3 and Vive Elite XR.

HTC’s past ventures outside XR haven’t created as much buzz. In 2018, they launched the HTC Exodus 1, a blockchain-based phone, followed by a second version a year later. They also rolled out a 5G hub amidst the initial excitement about 5G technology in 2019. However, these gadgets are no longer part of HTC’s current lineup, leaving room for speculation about what comes next.

As the industry waits and watches, both supporters and skeptics alike are keeping a close eye on how Google and HTC will navigate this evolving XR landscape.