Google has just purchased technology patents from Foxconn, the creator of its Glass eyewear, as an attempt to create a stronger head start in wearable devices. The purchasing deal is just a rare occasion of how an American technology company buys intellectual property coming from an Asian-based manufacturer.
While financial details were not revealed, the deal could be the start of several future deals by Foxconn which had just started working recently with a patent portfolio consultation group in its attempt to find new ways to maximize its intellectual property.
The patents refer to head-mounted displays wherein virtual images are superimposed on an actual-world view.
Foxconn is a Taiwan-based company which is otherwise known as Hon Hai Precision. It has put up a Californian facility where they would assemble the Google Glass eyewear. Interestingly, the company is also a
major supplier of other brands of consumer electronics such as Apple.
Though Apple has not yet announced any plans to manufacture wearable technology products, other companies such as China’s Baidu had already revealed their intention. Korean company Samsung is scheduled to launch its Galaxy Gear smart watch early in September while some sources are suggesting that Apple’s iWatch will soon follow in the coming year.
Some keen observers have expressed that the expansion of wearable technology would result to a spate of patent litigation, reminiscent of the ones that had recently embroiled the mobile phone industry.
Google Glass, which is yet to hit the store shelves, allows its wearer to view information that is produced from a wirelessly tethered smartphone through the transparent display which is mounted slightly higher than their regular field of vision. The device is slated to be retailed to consumers in 2014 after Google had successfully sent a limited number of the Glass to developers and winners in their competition held in April.
According to Foxconn, their patents were commonly used in training and simulation tools, gaming and video devices, engineering and scientific design applications, and even aviation and tactical or ground displays.
