REPORT: Google buying HTC's phone division

[v0lume4]

Google ‘in final stage of negotiations’ to buy HTC’s smartphone division, report claims

http://bgr.com/2017/09/07/google-htc-deal-pixel-phones/

Wow. A few members here have pondered this acquisition over the past year or two. Looks like it might be happening. Perhaps Google is looking to fully take over its Pixel manufacturing? Let's hope this turns out better than their Motorola purchase.

 

[sman789]

Nice, I had the HTC One (m7, the first one ) when it came out. A truly stunning phone. The company has wilted year after year since then. When Google bought Motorola, it didn't look like they were laser focused on making a Google phone to compete against Galaxies and iPhones. They've changed a lot in the past few years.

 

[epicrayban]

Woah.

HTC isn't exactly my favorite OEM unfortunately, but this could be interesting. Not sure if this is necessarily good or bad for the Pixel line.

HTC is rumored to create the regular Pixel 2, and reports don't paint a pretty picture. HTC's design prowess has fallen behind, offering nothing close to a more bezel-less experience -- a trend every major OEM is moving towards.

We'll see how this plays out...

 

[MRU]

Perhaps Google is looking to fully take over its Pixel manufacturing? Let's hope this turns out better than their Motorola purchase.

But surely manufacturing would simply happen in the likes of Foxconn or Pegatron anyway. They really don't need to buy HTC mobile devision to take control of that. Honestly this has a greater chance if ending up if true, to be like the Moto purchase.


Actually reading the article again - it doesn't sound legit at all. They even put basically a disclaimer / get out clause for the whole clickbait article which makes the whole thing redundant ...

"If Google isn’t bidding for HTC, then someone should. According to Digitimes, HTC’s August revenues were the lowest in 13 years, which is troubling news. If it’s not Google, then someone else will probably buy it."

The whole thing is screaming clickbait fake news.

 

[widgeteer]

But surely manufacturing would simply happen in the likes of Foxconn or Pegatron anyway. They really don't need to buy HTC mobile devision to take control of that. Honestly this has a greater chance if ending up if true, to be like the Moto purchase.


Actually reading the article again - it doesn't sound legit at all. They even put basically a disclaimer / get out clause for the whole clickbait article which makes the whole thing redundant ...

"If Google isn’t bidding for HTC, then someone should. According to Digitimes, HTC’s August revenues were the lowest in 13 years, which is troubling news. If it’s not Google, then someone else will probably buy it."

The whole thing is screaming clickbait fake news.

Correct on all points. This is probably BS, and if it's not it won't lead to Google trying to be their own OEM. They cannot do that as long as search is their bread and butter.

 

[v0lume4]

But surely manufacturing would simply happen in the likes of Foxconn or Pegatron anyway. They really don't need to buy HTC mobile devision to take control of that. Honestly this has a greater chance if ending up if true, to be like the Moto purchase.

Good point. Google has always outsourced hardware anyway -- every Nexus device was made by an outside OEM.

Actually reading the article again - it doesn't sound legit at all. They even put basically a disclaimer / get out clause for the whole clickbait article which makes the whole thing redundant ...

"If Google isn’t bidding for HTC, then someone should. According to Digitimes, HTC’s August revenues were the lowest in 13 years, which is troubling news. If it’s not Google, then someone else will probably buy it."

The whole thing is screaming clickbait fake news.

Good catch, and I hear you. The original report from Digitimes (not the BGR post quoted in the OP) says:

Meanwhile, HTC reportedly has entered the final stage of negotiation with Google for selling its smartphone business unit to the Internet service operator, according a Chinese-language Commercial Times report.

Google is currently considering options of either becoming a strategic partner or buying out HTC's smartphone business, said the report, which added that the possible deal will not involve HTC's Vive VR business or the entire company.
​

While I wouldn't say that this is indicative of a real deal between Google and HTC, I wouldn't entirely rule it out either. I do agree that the "get out clause" that you quoted from the BGR article degrades the integrity of the report, however that disclaimer isn't present in the original Digitimes report.

-- edit --

To further support what you said @MRU, the bit that I bolded above leaves open the possibility that this isn't a purchase at all, but a partnership. If the Pixel 2 design is lackluster, I'm not so sure Google would even want to do that.

 

[JaySoul]

Google ‘in final stage of negotiations’ to buy HTC’s smartphone division, report claims

http://bgr.com/2017/09/07/google-htc-deal-pixel-phones/

Wow. A few members here have pondered this acquisition over the past year or two. Looks like it might be happening. Perhaps Google is looking to fully take over its Pixel manufacturing? Let's hope this turns out better than their Motorola purchase.

Yeah a lot of us have been saying it! This article isn't conclusive proof or anything but where there's smoke, there's fire.

But surely manufacturing would simply happen in the likes of Foxconn or Pegatron anyway. They really don't need to buy HTC mobile devision to take control of that. Honestly this has a greater chance if ending up if true, to be like the Moto purchase.


Actually reading the article again - it doesn't sound legit at all. They even put basically a disclaimer / get out clause for the whole clickbait article which makes the whole thing redundant ...

"If Google isn’t bidding for HTC, then someone should. According to Digitimes, HTC’s August revenues were the lowest in 13 years, which is troubling news. If it’s not Google, then someone else will probably buy it."

The whole thing is screaming clickbait fake news.

Don't worry about this article - think about what makes sense. Google have probably been waiting for the price to drop.

Google need to take the Pixel more seriously. They have long wanted to be able to "do an Apple" and vertically integrate hardware + software. Them buying HTC's phone division makes sense.

It's a great idea. HTC still make wonderful phones - imagine if the U11 was the Pixel 2, with that gorgeous back. And Google have the money to at least step it all up a gear.

It wouldn't be exactly like Apple and FoxConn, for me it would make a lot more sense for Google to buy HTC's history/expertise.

It's not just premium devices, HTC also make a couple of other stellar mid-range phones.

 

[MRU]

Yeah a lot of us have been saying it! This article isn't conclusive proof or anything but where there's smoke, there's fire.



Don't worry about this article - think about what makes sense. Google have probably been waiting for the price to drop.

Google need to take the Pixel more seriously. They have long wanted to be able to "do an Apple" and vertically integrate hardware + software. Them buying HTC's phone division makes sense.

It's a great idea. HTC still make wonderful phones - imagine if the U11 was the Pixel 2, with that gorgeous back. And Google have the money to at least step it all up a gear.

It wouldn't be exactly like Apple and FoxConn, for me it would make a lot more sense for Google to buy HTC's history/expertise.

It's not just premium devices, HTC also make a couple of other stellar mid-range phones.

Yes but presumably if Google did buy HTC mobile they would stop HTC producing handsets themselves (no more HTC branded handsets) and given Google sold a reported miserly 1.5 million pixel devices, how would that ever amount to be a sustainable business model.

Even if they tripled or quadruppled Pixel sales, it still would not be enough to sustain the HTC mobile division, it's work force etc. Whom even struggling as they are still sell millions more devices and produce a variety of low, mid and flagship devices than Google who produce 2 and despite selling millions more devices than Google are still losing money.

It just doesn't make sense ...

 

[epicrayban]

Actually happy to read the latest posts.

I'm not sure buying HTC is a good move anyway...

 

[Fernandez21]

A couple years ago, this would've seemed awesome. But after seeing how Google handled the Motorola acquisition and now that HTC has lost a lot of talent, including their former CEO and head designing team, I just don't think this would make much sense. And it's probably fake anyways, as outlined by MRU.

 

[JaySoul]

Yes but presumably if Google did buy HTC mobile they would stop HTC producing handsets themselves (no more HTC branded handsets) and given Google sold a reported miserly 1.5 million pixel devices, how would that ever amount to be a sustainable business model.

Even if they tripled or quadruppled Pixel sales, it still would not be enough to sustain the HTC mobile division, it's work force etc. Whom even struggling as they are still sell millions more devices and produce a variety of low, mid and flagship devices than Google who produce 2 and despite selling millions more devices than Google are still losing money.

It just doesn't make sense ...

It potentially makes perfect sense. HTC only make like 6 phones or something. U11, U Play, U Ultra, 10, Desire, A9.

Consume HTC mobile division. Then expand the Pixel phone lineup.

- Pixel
- Pixel XL
- Pixel Mid-range = U Play or whatever it is
- Pixel Mid-Budget = Desire
- Pixel Budget which would be A9 and help launch Android One properly (like that new Mi phone).

You get the idea. Anyway how Google would add value to this is by:

- Camera
- Unlimited Google Photos
- Customer Service
- Android updates
- Ridiculous marketing budgets
- Brand name
- Etc etc

You get the idea.

To me it makes perfect sense, if they could do it in the right way. Also acquiring patents, knowhow etc is priceless.

Also people say the Motorola partnership didn't work out but it wasn't a failure at all, Google learned a lot from it and their partnership actually steered Android in a wonderful direction for a while. The main failing was always the camera - which Google have now rectified themselves - but otherwise let's not act like the Moto X wasn't a lot of Android diehards favourite phone.

I can see countless reasons this whole thing makes sense from both sides. Been saying it for years. Do it, Google!!

 

[v0lume4]

I feel that Google would need to do some heavy investing in HTC's R&D and manufacturing if they go through with the purchase.

Judging by the leaked pictures of the regular-sized Pixel 2, HTC is clearly unable to compete in design in 2017. I don't know if it's due to financials or a lack of manufacturing capability, but being competitive in design needs to be a priority going forward if Google purchases HTC.

Consume HTC mobile division. Then expand the Pixel phone lineup.

- Pixel
- Pixel XL
- Pixel Mid-range = U Play or whatever it is
- Pixel Mid-Budget = Desire
- Pixel Budget which would be A9 and help launch Android One properly (like that new Mi phone).

This is an interesting theory. If Google could offer a Pixel-like experience at a price point of, say, $400, that would be huge IMO. As you said, perhaps Google could finally make the Android One program mainstream.

 

[spinedoc77]

Yes but presumably if Google did buy HTC mobile they would stop HTC producing handsets themselves (no more HTC branded handsets) and given Google sold a reported miserly 1.5 million pixel devices, how would that ever amount to be a sustainable business model.

Even if they tripled or quadruppled Pixel sales, it still would not be enough to sustain the HTC mobile division, it's work force etc. Whom even struggling as they are still sell millions more devices and produce a variety of low, mid and flagship devices than Google who produce 2 and despite selling millions more devices than Google are still losing money.

It just doesn't make sense ...

Unless Google was gearing up to be a full oem of Android hardware, which I highly doubt. You're right, it makes no sense. But I've never really figured out why Google even makes the Nexus line anyway, other than as maybe a test bed for devs and beta software.

 

[co.ag.2005]

Tweet I just saw retweeted by evleaks. Confirmation of the purchase? Or something else going on at HTC?

@tculpan: JUST IN:
HTC just announced it's shares will halt trading tomorrow (Thur) pending a major announcement.

https://twitter.com/tculpan/status/910468760531636225

Edit:
https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/910458246082826240

https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/910458987757363200

 

[Hustler1337]

Tweet I just saw retweeted by evleaks. Confirmation of the purchase? Or something else going on at HTC?

@tculpan: JUST IN:
HTC just announced it's shares will halt trading tomorrow (Thur) pending a major announcement.

https://twitter.com/tculpan/status/910468760531636225

Edit:
https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/910458246082826240

https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/910458987757363200

Just seen similar reports on the BBC News website, so it seems like there's some truth a potential takeover.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41330814

 

[nviz22]

Seems like it is unofficially going to happen. Will go official when the time comes? Good for HTC to keep its brand and get some new life. Hopefully this isn't a patent cash grab like Moto was.

 

[MRU]

Seems like it is unofficially going to happen. Will go official when the time comes? Good for HTC to keep its brand and get some new life. Hopefully this isn't a patent cash grab like Moto was.

If it does pan out, I would wager another wasted opportunity that will be sold off in 24 months time for 1/4 of what Google pay ....

 

[epicrayban]

I'm not sure how thrilled I am about this as I'm not confident about HTC's hardware, but it's one of those wait-and-see type of things. Hopefully this means better Pixel phones in the future:

Google to buy HTC's Pixel-making expertise, HTC retains the brand

With an eventual purchase of HTC's mobile division, Google will be getting top-notch expertise in smartphone building which it can steer and strategize with to vertically integrate the Pixel brand, and become an Apple of sorts, making both the hardware and software in house.

 

[JaySoul]

Makes sense.

I suspect they are buying the expertise but not the balance sheet.

HTC remain afloat but with their brand. Google get the knowhow without too much risk.

Let's see how tomorrow pans out.

 

[Rum_Becker]

I would like to see google by a company that designs arm CPU's. The biggest contribution that google could make with android on the hardware side would be to give its partners better CPU options.

 

[v0lume4]

This is some big news, fellas. Great finds.

If Google goes through with this, it looks that they are serious about their Pixel program at least for another year (maybe two at most ). Seriously, though, maybe Google's in this for the long haul. You want to compete with the big boys (Apple, Samsung), you gotta be ready for a marathon, not a sprint.

As I said in an earlier post -- Google/HTC has gotta do something about their design, fast. HTC's current flagships don't hold a candle to the design prowess of the Galaxy S8, iPhone X, or LG V30. I mean, isn't it telling enough that HTC is making the full-bezel, small Pixel 2 this year?

 

[MRU]

This is some big news, fellas. Great finds.

If Google goes through with this, it looks that they are serious about their Pixel program at least for another year (maybe two at most ). Seriously, though, maybe Google's in this for the long haul. You want to compete with the big boys (Apple, Samsung), you gotta be ready for a marathon, not a sprint.

As I said in an earlier post -- Google/HTC has gotta do something about their design, fast. HTC's current flagships don't hold a candle to the design prowess of the Galaxy S8, iPhone X, or LG V30. I mean, isn't it telling enough that HTC is making the full-bezel, small Pixel 2 this year?

We heard that with Motorola too though ....


Re: pixel 2. Whilst we are fairly certain about what the HTC pixel 2 brings this year, in not sure the LG XL 2 wont be exactly the same given we only habe the back leaked on that and it looks identical to the HTC model. So its entirely feasible the front of the XL 2 may be equally identical.

 

[mi7chy]

Wonder what Google really want out of HTC because Moto is better than HTC as far as handsets go from owning both brands. If the acquisition is true then the next Pixel is likely to be HTC again and probably not LG or even Huawei which means my interest will be low again and long term the Pixel branding may die off.

 

[v0lume4]

We heard that with Motorola too though ....


Re: pixel 2. Whilst we are fairly certain about what the HTC pixel 2 brings this year, in not sure the LG XL 2 wont be exactly the same given we only habe the back leaked on that and it looks identical to the HTC model. So its entirely feasible the front of the XL 2 may be equally identical.

If the front of the LG Pixel 2 has the same bezels that the smaller Pixel 2 has, I'm going to be crushed. It'll be a no-buy for me. Thankfully, all the rumors leading up to this point suggest that won't be the case, but we frankly have no way of knowing 100%. However, I have this creeping suspicion that we will not see a design as slick as the V30. The bezels will be small, but not that small.

 

[MRU]

If the front of the LG Pixel 2 has the same bezels that the smaller Pixel 2 has, I'm going to be crushed. It'll be a no-buy for me. Thankfully, all the rumors leading up to this point suggest that won't be the case, but we frankly have no way of knowing 100%. However, I have this creeping suspicion that we will not see a design as slick as the V30. The bezels will be small, but not that small.

Yeah we share the same hope. But as you say we just do not know, the lack of actual physical evidence leaks of the XL2 is exacerbating the situation too.