Google Taps HTC's Talent in $250 Million Deal to Lead AR/VR Innovation

Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL Google has agreed to acquire a part of HTC’s extended reality (XR) business for $250 million following the recent launch of its Android XR platform.

The deal involves transferring some of the HTC VIVE engineering staff to Google and granting non-exclusive intellectual property rights. HTC retained the rights to use and develop the technology.

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The transaction marks the second major deal between the companies after Google’s $1.1 billion purchase of HTC’s smartphone unit in 2017, TechCrunch reports.

Google said the acquisition will boost Android XR platform development across headsets and glasses.

Recently, Google tapped Samsung Electronics Co SSNLF to develop augmented reality glasses shortly after Samsung launched Project Moohan, a mixed-reality headset that operates on Google’s Android XR platform.

Google held $93.23 billion in cash and equivalents as of September 30, 2024.

Google’s rival Meta Platforms Inc META plans to launch its AR glasses, Artemis, in 2027.

In 2024, Meta showcased its Orion AR glasses. Analysts, including Andrew Boone of JMP Securities, Scott Devitt of Wedbush, and Jason Helfstein of Oppenheimer, flagged Meta’s leadership in AR/VR with its Orion glasses and cost-effective Quest headsets.

Price Action: GOOGL stock is up 0.71% at $204.45 at the last check on Thursday.

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