HTC Corporation, a virtual reality hardware and software integrator, announced yesterday (23rd) that it has signed an agreement with Google LLC. Under this agreement, HTC will receive a transaction payment of $250 million (approximately NT$8.19 billion) from Google, and part of HTC’s XR (Extended Reality) R&D team will join Google. The agreement also grants Google non-exclusive rights to HTC’s XR intellectual property (IP). Following the signing of this agreement, HTC and Google will explore future collaboration opportunities.

This agreement will further strengthen HTC’s strategic development within the XR ecosystem. It will focus on streamlining its product lineup under the VIVE brand while emphasizing future platform advancements, improved operational efficiency, and long-term financial flexibility. HTC will continue investing in the development of comprehensive VIVE XR solutions, including products like the VIVE Focus Vision.

In parallel, HTC will remain committed to building its virtual reality ecosystem, expanding the VIVE brand’s presence, and exploring innovations and opportunities brought by artificial intelligence and the metaverse. Amid the rapidly evolving global economic landscape, HTC will steadfastly pursue its VIVERSE vision.

The agreement will also assist Google in fulfilling its commitment to the Android XR platform, accelerating the development of the headset and smart glasses ecosystems, and driving growth in the XR industry. With the transfer of talented R&D team members skilled in XR innovation to Google, the agreement represents one of Google’s major investments in establishing a hub for innovation and technology in Taiwan.

The transaction is subject to the fulfillment of conditions specified in the agreement and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

Resource: 宏達電與Google簽2.5億美元XR授權協議 部分研發團隊加入Google