Google buys augmented reality display patents from Foxconn

23 Aug 2013

As Google prepares for a mass consumer launch of Google Glass in 2014, the search titan has bought a portfolio of head-mounted display (HMD) patents from Foxconn-owned Hon Hai Precision Industry.

The move follows Google’s acquisition of 6.3pc of the Taiwanese chip manufacturer Himax, which manufactures components used in Google Glass.

The patents in question relate to augmented reality, the ability to float additional imagery, graphics and information over real-world views.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

It is understood that Google intends for Glass to be manufactured in California by Foxconn, in keeping with a growing trend by Apple and others to bring productive industries back into the US.

The wearable computing devices will hit the global market at some point in 2014.

Contract electronics manufacturer Foxconn produces IT equipment and mobile devices on behalf of players like Apple, Microsoft, Nokia, Dell and Amazon, to name a few.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com