Google will not make further investment in Google glass supplier

Want China Times, CNA 2014-10-23

A man tries on Google Glass, Apr. 25. (File photo/CNS)

Taiwanese chip maker Himax Technologies announced Wednesday that Google has decided not to exercise its previously issued purchase option to make an additional investment into a Himax unit, Himax Display, which supplies liquid-crystal-on-silicon microdisplay technology for Google Glass.

The second round investment decision by Google will not affect the two companies' strategic partnership, Himax said. They added they the company has been authorized by Google to make the following statement: "Google continues to work closely with Himax as a strategic partner on future technologies and products and will remain a board observer."

The companies did not explain why Google has decided not to make additional investment.

Himax Display has been Google's partner for several years. The US search giant made its first-round investment in October 2013 to acquire a 6.3% stake in Himax Display and had the option to increase its stake to 14.8%.

Over the last few years, Himax Display has devoted its research and development of its liquid-crystal-on-silicon technology for new applications of head-mounted displays and other wearable computing applications.