Google Acquires HTC’s Pixel Smartphone Division – Guess How Much They Paid!
HTC’s Pixel smartphone division has been acquired by Google for $1.1 billion
Google Pixel is a historic smartphone, because it was the first Google-branded smartphone to be ever launched. This showcased that Google is indeed serious about hardware business, and maybe, they want to snatch some market share from Apple and Samsung.
HTC manufactured Pixel line of phones, but Google wanted more control, and more flexibility.
In a move which will give a boost to Google’s hardware aspirations, HTC’s Pixel smartphone division has been acquired by Google for reportedly $1.1 billion.
Can we assume that Google’s hardware disruptions are coming soon now?
Pixel: Google’s Hardware Aspirations Are High
Rick Osterloh, Senior Vice President, Hardware in Google informed about the deal with HTC via blog post.
Explaining this acquisition of HTC’s Pixel business as an ‘investment in the long run’, Rick said, “With this agreement, a team of HTC talent will join Google as part of the hardware organization. These future fellow Googlers are amazing folks we’ve already been working with closely on the Pixel smartphone line, and we’re excited to see what we can do together as one team.”
As per some reports, around 2000 HTC engineers who were involved in the Pixel line of smartphones would be joining Google.
Besides, the acquisition also involves a ‘a non-exclusive license for HTC intellectual property.’ This means that HTC will continue to create their own smartphones, and sell them. This quashes rumors since last few days, regarding Google acquiring complete IP rights and software division of HTC.
Google Friendship With HTC Now Even More Strong
HTC supported Google by manufacturing the first Nexus phone, called Nexus One in 2010. Nexus was Google’s first attempt in launching hardware, which transformed into Pixel last year.
HTC also manufactured Nexus 9 tablet in 2014; and then created the first Pixel phone last year.
Interestingly, rumors were also in that Google may ask LG to manufacture the next generation of Pixel phones, but such rumors have turned false now.
Now, the second generation of ‘Made by Google’ products would be launched in October 4th, which includes: Pixel, Google Home, Chromecast, and Daydream View and some exciting new VR based products.
And it is very high probability that HTC would be an active partner in this endeavour.
