https://qz.com/1083482/google-is-snapping-up-the-remains-of-htc-to-boost-its-pixel-smartphone-ambitions/ >To keep its smartphone dreams alive, Google is turning to a brand that’s fading fast. On Thursday (Sep. 21) the search giant signed an agreement with HTC to pay $1.1 billion to the Taiwan-based smartphone maker. In exchange, HTC staff will join Google’s hardware division, headed up by former Motorola president Rick Osterloh, to help make smartphones and other devices. Google will also obtain a “non-exclusive license” to some of HTC’s intellectual property. >A source close to the deal adds that “thousands” of HTC employees will be transferred over to Google, though they will remain based in Taiwan. The agreement also does not preclude HTC from continuing to make and sell phones on its own, under its own brand.