- HTC engineers are becoming a member of Google to assist develop Android XR
- They’ll assist to speed up improvement of the platform on headsets and glasses
- HTC has made some progressive headset designs, however has struggled with software program
Google isn’t simply partnering with Samsung on its Android XR undertaking – which is able to see the eventual launch of Android AR glasses and VR headsets – it’s collaborating with a number of various XR software program and {hardware} producers. The most recent to affix the fold is HTC, and that could possibly be an enormous deal for each firms.
In a brief announcement on its The Key phrase weblog, Google revealed that “among the HTC Vive engineering crew” are hopping over to Google in an effort to “speed up the event of the Android XR platform throughout the headsets and glasses ecosystem.” And with these staff comes some thrilling {hardware} experience.
From an progressive {hardware} perspective HTC has been probably the most fascinating VR headset makers for a number of years. I nonetheless usually take into consideration the HTC Vive XR Elite, a headset with a detachable headstrap. Eradicating the strap would additionally take away the battery, morphing the machine right into a pair of XR glasses; as glasses they’d solely operate by way of a wired connection, however the design has all the time felt like the best setup for a productivity-focused gadget – if you want to have the ability to rise up and transfer you may put on it in headset mode, then whilst you’re at your desk (the place a wired connection could be much less restrictive) you may put on the comfier and lighter glasses mode as a substitute.
The HTC Vive Focus Imaginative and prescient takes a extra commonplace design method, however with its DisplayPort connectivity and its easy-to-swap detachable battery it boasts some fascinating concepts as a hybrid between standalone and wired-PCVR headsets. In the end each headsets missed the mark, however beneath Google equally designed headsets could possibly be runaway successes – and if the partnership goes each methods Google may symbiotically help HTC in its weakest space: software program.
A much-needed stage up
TL;DR, HTC’s working system (or anybody’s for that matter in XR) doesn’t maintain a candle to Meta’s Horizon OS due to the unrivaled software program catalogue it boasts. This has meant that whereas HTC’s units is likely to be extra fascinating than Meta’s, it’s a battle to advocate them as a result of they’re usually pricier and on the finish of the day can do lower than what Meta’s headsets are able to – a lose-lose for customers.
Samsung’s TM Roh has been hyping up Android XR in a latest interview, and made feedback which counsel that Google is conscious of the significance of constructing a strong software program backing for its fledgling platform. If these phrases translate into motion then Android XR could possibly be the primary actual rival to Horizon OS.
If that’s the case then an Android XR-powered HTC headset – both a brand new mannequin, or older units which were up to date to run on the brand new working system – could possibly be a winner.
As with all Android XR bulletins, till we get something concrete it’s a whole lot of ifs and maybes, so we’ll have to attend and see what’s up Google, Samsung and HTC’s collective sleeve – however XR is an area to maintain a detailed eye on in 2025 for positive.