Subj : Android XR just teamed up with HTC Vive heres why thats a big de To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Thu Jan 23 2025 12:30:06 Android XR just teamed up with HTC Vive heres why thats a big deal Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:17:00 +0000 Description: HTC joining Google's Android XR collaboration is exciting, here's why. FULL STORY ======================================================================HTC engineers are joining Google to help develop Android XR Theyll help to accelerate development of the platform on headsets and glasses HTC has made some innovative headset designs, but has struggled with software Google isnt just partnering with Samsung on its Android XR project which will see the eventual launch of Android AR glasses and VR headsets its collaborating with a host of different XR software and hardware manufacturers. The latest to join the fold is HTC, and that could be a big deal for both companies. In a short announcement on its The Keyword blog , Google revealed that some of the HTC Vive engineering team are hopping over to Google in order to accelerate the development of the Android XR platform across the headsets and glasses ecosystem. And with these employees comes some exciting hardware expertise. From an innovative hardware perspective HTC has been one of the most interesting VR headset makers for a few years. I still regularly think about the HTC Vive XR Elite , a headset with a removable headstrap. Removing the strap would also remove the battery, morphing the device into a pair of XR glasses; as glasses theyd only function via a wired connection, but the design has always felt like the ideal setup for a productivity-focused gadget when you need to be able to get up and move you can wear it in headset mode, then while youre at your desk (where a wired connection would be less restrictive) you can wear the comfier and lighter glasses mode instead. The HTC Vive Focus Vision takes a more standard design approach, but with its DisplayPort connectivity and its easy-to-swap removable battery it boasts some interesting ideas as a hybrid between standalone and wired-PCVR headsets. Ultimately both headsets missed the mark, but under Google similarly designed headsets could be runaway successes and if the partnership goes both ways Google could symbiotically assist HTC in its weakest area: software. (Image credit: HTC) A much-needed level up TL;DR, HTCs operating system (or anyones for that matter in XR) doesnt hold a candle to Metas Horizon OS because of the unmatched software catalogue it boasts. This has meant that while HTCs devices might be more interesting than Meta's, its a struggle to recommend them because theyre typically pricier and at the end of the day can do less than what Metas headsets are capable of a lose-lose for consumers. Samsungs TM Roh has been hyping up Android XR in a recent interview , and made comments which suggest that Google is aware of the importance of building a solid software backing for its fledgling platform. If these words translate into action then Android XR could be the first real rival to Horizon OS. If thats the case then an Android XR-powered HTC headset either a new model, or older devices that have been updated to run on the new operating system could be a winner. As with all Android XR announcements, until we get anything concrete its a lot of ifs and maybes, so well have to wait and see whats up Google, Samsung and HTCs collective sleeve but XR is a space to keep a close eye on in 2025 for sure. You might also like Meta tipped to launch Oakley smart glasses for athletes, and AR glasses in 2027 Meta announces major Quest 3 home theater update Asus Tarius VR headset could use the Meta Quest 3s best feature to defeat it ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/android- xr-just-teamed-up-with-htc-vive-heres-why-thats-a-big-deal --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .