Google closes its $1.1 billion HTC deal

Google’s billion-dollar deal to acquire a part of HTC talent is now done, confirmed Google and HTC. This grants Google with a non-exclusive license for HTC’s intellectual property as well.

The team that helped Google build Pixel smartphone line is now officially joining Google in-house. The software company started its hardware business around two years ago, and this deal is a step forward in that direction, as the company is investing “for the long run.”

“Today, we start digging in with our new teammates, guided by the mission to create radically helpful experiences for people around the world, by combining the best of Google’s AI, software and hardware,” said Google’s hardware SVP Rick Osterloh.

After this deal, Taipei will becom99 k 9e the largest Google engineering site in Asia Pacific, according to Osterloh.

With talented HTC engineers and designers on board, Google will be able to produce its own hardware assets that integrate well with their software efforts. (Apple way!?)

HTC to focus on AR, VR and IoT

With this move, HTC will be focusing more on AR, VR and IoT space. The company is already competing in the VR space with Vive, and plans to pursue innovations in the same field. HTC says it will continue making mobile devices under its iconic brand name.