Google Wraps Up $1.1B HTC Smartphone Division Buyout

Alright folks, Google’s done it. They’ve officially sealed the deal on snagging a big chunk of HTC’s smartphone division for a cool $1.1 billion. That’s some serious cash changing hands right there.

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The Big Scoop

So, here’s the lowdown. Google announced this buyout back in September 2017, and after jumping through all the hoops, getting the thumbs up from the right folks, they’ve finally made it official. The paperwork’s signed, sealed, and delivered.

What’s in the Bag?

What exactly does Google get for dropping over a billion bucks? Well, for starters, they’re inheriting over 2,000 top-notch engineers from HTC. That’s no small potatoes, considering it’s about a fifth of HTC’s entire engineering squad. But wait, there’s more. Google’s also snagging themselves a sweet non-exclusive license for HTC’s intellectual property.

Playing the Field

Now, before you start picturing Google running the show over at HTC, pump the brakes. HTC’s still holding onto their Vive VR division, and they’re keeping their smartphone game alive and kicking. That means they’ll still be pumping out their own smartphones, just like before.

Boosting the Hardware Game

For Google, this buyout is like a turbo boost for their hardware division. They’re getting a massive injection of talent from HTC’s own smartphone development crew. These are the same folks who’ve been behind some of Google’s biggest hits, like the Pixel lineup.

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Setting Up Shop in Taipei

But that’s not all. With this deal, Google’s setting up camp right in the heart of Taipei, Taiwan, where HTC calls home. It’s a strategic move that makes Taipei Google’s biggest engineering hub in the Asia Pacific region. Translation: expect some serious innovation coming out of there.

Rick Osterloh’s Take

Rick Osterloh, Google’s big shot VP of hardware, couldn’t contain his excitement. In a blog post, he welcomed the new HTC crew with open arms, praising their track record of groundbreaking work in the smartphone industry. From the first 3G smartphone to the sleek all-metal unibody designs, these guys have been trailblazers.

Asia Expansion Spree

But Google’s not just stopping with HTC. They’re on a mission to conquer Asia, one tech move at a time. They’ve set up shop in Beijing with their very own AI lab, diving headfirst into China’s booming tech scene. And let’s not forget about Shenzhen, China’s very own Silicon Valley, where Google’s putting down roots to tap into the hardware goldmine.

Making Friends, Making Moves

But wait, there’s more. Google’s been shaking hands and making deals left and right. They’ve buddied up with Tencent, the Chinese tech titan, striking up a sweet patent licensing deal. It’s all part of Google’s grand plan to dominate the hardware game in Asia and beyond.

The Bottom Line

So, what’s the takeaway here? Google’s not messing around. They’ve got their eyes set on the prize, and they’re pulling out all the stops to make it happen. With HTC in their corner and a foothold in Asia’s tech hotspots, the sky’s the limit for Google’s hardware empire. Keep your eyes peeled, folks. This tech showdown is just getting started.

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