Recent reports have suggested that HTC could manufacture Google’s AI glass in Taiwan. But how much of this is true, and how much is speculation? Here’s a breakdown of the facts, the rumors, and what both companies are actually doing in the AI wearables space.
HTC’s $250 Million Deal With Google
In January 2025, HTC announced that it would sell part of its XR unit to Google for $250 million. This deal included intellectual property and some of HTC’s staff. However, it was not a full acquisition—instead, it was a non-exclusive licensing agreement.
This means HTC still retains the rights to continue building and selling its own extended reality (XR) products. Google, meanwhile, will use the acquired resources to strengthen its Android XR ecosystem.
Key Point: The deal did not include any agreement for HTC to manufacture Google’s AI glasses.
Speculation About Manufacturing in Taiwan
According to a report from Digitimes, Google’s upcoming AI glass may be manufactured in Taiwan, and HTC could play a role as a potential production partner. However, neither Google nor HTC has confirmed this claim.
For now, it remains a rumor rather than a verified development.
HTC’s Own AI Glasses: Vive Eagle
While rumors circulate about Google’s AI glass, HTC has already entered the market with its own product—the Vive Eagle AI smart glasses.
- Launched in Taiwan in August 2025
- Weigh under 49 grams
- Equipped with a 12MP camera
- Feature open-ear audio for safety
- Offer real-time translation powered by Google Gemini and ChatGPT
- Designed for lightweight, everyday AI-powered assistance
This shows HTC is pushing forward independently in the AI glasses space while also collaborating with Google on XR development.
The Bigger Picture: Google’s AI Ambitions
Google is clearly investing heavily in wearable AI. After its failed attempts with Google Glass, the company has shifted its focus toward integrating AI assistants into new hardware.
By securing HTC’s talent and technology, Google strengthens its ability to launch competitive AI glasses that may rival products from Meta (Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses) and Apple (Vision Pro).
Rumor vs. Reality Table
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| HTC will manufacture Google’s AI glasses in Taiwan | Unconfirmed speculation—only mentioned in Digitimes |
| HTC sold part of XR unit to Google for $250m | Confirmed—includes IP licensing and staff transfer |
| HTC is making its own AI glasses (Vive Eagle) | Confirmed—already launched in Taiwan |
Conclusion
So, is HTC manufacturing Google’s AI glass in Taiwan?
At this stage, the answer is no confirmed evidence. The partnership between Google and HTC is real, but it is focused on technology transfer and software ecosystem development, not manufacturing.
Meanwhile, HTC continues to innovate with its own Vive Eagle AI smart glasses, showing that the company intends to remain a strong player in the wearable AI market.
If Google does decide to manufacture its AI glass in Taiwan, HTC could become a natural partner—but for now, that remains speculation.
