Himax Technologies announced Tuesday that Google will not make further investments in its subsidiary, Himax Display Inc.
Google, the leader of innovation and web search, runs deep ties with its manufacturing partners. In the latest news, Google's manufacturing partner Himax Technologies said the Mountain View, California-based company, has decided not to invest further into Himax's subsidiary, Himax Display Inc. (HDI), which supplies liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCOS) micro-display technology for Google Glass.
The statement issued by Himax follows an option given to Google to increase its stake in the company's holding to 14.8 percent. Google and Himax Display had been in close partnership for several years. As a result, Google opened its first investment into the LCOS manufacturing company in October last year with a 6.3 percent stake. Google's decision to hold off further investment in Himax Display does not affect the long-standing relationship between the two tech firms.
"Google is one of the world's leading technology companies and innovators," Jordan Wu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Himax, said in a press statement published by Market Watch, Tuesday. "Despite Google's decision not to exercise its investment option in our HDI subsidiary, our continued close partnership with Google is invaluable as we aim to become a leading supplier to wearable technology companies and help to make the future of wearable products a reality."
Himax Display will continue to provide the LCOS technology for Google Glass through continued partnership with the web giant. Google widely uses the LCOS technology in its head-mounted wearable gadget. HDI continues to expand its production capacity to meet the increasing demand for the LCOS products.
Google Glass is one of the most important inventions for the web giant developed within its secret Google X labs. The product recently made public debut in the United States and the United Kingdom for consumers to experience the $1,500-worth Glass. Google is constantly improving its product with series of updates, but has received criticisms from hostile onlookers. Studies conducted on the use of device have found Google Glass as dangerous as texting while driving.
