The morning of the 23rd brings a piece of great news for VR enthusiasts as Google signs an agreement with HTC, specifically HTC Vive- a line of virtual and mixed reality headsets produced by HTC Corporation, to accelerate the newly launched Android XR platform. The agreement aims to bring some HTC VIVE engineering team to Google. Google welcomes the team with utmost regard and confidence calling it an incredibly strong technical team. 

This partnership aims to boost Google’s position in the market of AR/VR headsets and also boost its share in the VR headsets market but in the end of all this, what’s for the people to expect, that’s something worth understanding here. The deal goes as Google pays a sum of USD 250 Mn to HTC in Cash and certain HTC employees from its XR team will join Google. This would also grant Google a non-exclusive license for HTC’s XR intellectual property (IP), the press release by HTC stated. 

Google X HTC: Plans  

To people, this agreement will offer a more streamlined product portfolio with a focus on platforms, greater operational efficiency, and financial flexibility owing to the continuous development around the XR ecosystem by both companies. HTC claims, that its VIVE XR solutions such as the VIVE Focus Vision remain unchanged, with existing product lines and solutions to be supported and developed without interruption.

Read more about Android XR at: Experience real-time navigation that flows with you as Google unveils Android XR 

Google X HTC: VR Ecosystem 

This agreement reinforces Google’s commitment to advancing the Android XR platform and accelerating its adoption across the headset and smart glasses ecosystem, driving growth in the XR industry. By integrating a highly skilled technical team with a proven track record in the VR/XR space, Google strengthens its capabilities.