Google acquired HTC's hardware division, hardware enhancements such as smartphones became clearer

It was announced that Google will acquire Pixel development department within Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC.

Google signs agreement with HTC, continuing our big bet on hardware
https://www.blog.google/topics/hardware/google-signs-agreement-htc-continuing-our-big-bet-hardware/

Google to acquire HTC's Pixel smartphone division in $ 1.1 billion deal
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-htc-m-a-google/google-to-acquire-htcs-pixel-smartphone-division-in-1-1-billion-deal-idUSKCN1BW06L

Although HTC has been constantly rumored to be acquainted due to poor management, HTC stock trading was suspended from the evening of September 20, 2017 on September 21, 2017 with the announcement of significant announcement.

Testimony newspaper - TWSE Taiwan Securities Exchange
http://www.twse.com.tw/zh/news/newsDetail/21362


And on September 21, 2017, Google and HTC officially announced that Google will acquire a portion of HTC's smartphone business for $ 1.1 billion (about 120 billion yen). Google entrusted the manufacture of the Pixel series to HTC, but HTC's Pixel development team will join Google. The agreement includes not only the transfer of the Pixel development team but also non-exclusive licensing agreement on HTC's intellectual property.


The acquisition of HTC's hardware division by Google is expected to be completed in early 2018. Even after the acquisition procedure, HTC will continue for the smartphone business out of the acquisition target.

On October 4, 2017 Google is waiting for an announcement event on a new product including Pixel 2, but with the acquisition of HTC's Pixel development department, Google's smartphone and "HTC Vive"VR headset, such as a Chromebook notebook PC,"Google Home"It seems that development of hardware products such as AI speakers will become full-scale.