Google introduced Android XR in December, an upcoming platform for virtual and augmented reality. Today the company announced it’s acquiring part of the team that works on the HTC Vive line of VR devices.

In other tech news from around the web, Windows Central reports that Microsoft could introduce smaller versions of its Surface Pro tablet and Surface Laptop soon, Sony is ending manufacturing of Blu-ray discs, and Intel (which no longer makes its own PCs) has put forth a proposal for modular laptop and desktops.

Microsoft is working on a smaller Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X [Windows Central]

Microsoft may be planning to introduce smaller Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models with 11 or 12 inch screens soon. Both are expected to be premium devices (not “Go” editions) with Snapdragon X or X Plus chips and $800+ price tags.

After 18 years, Sony’s Blu-ray media production draws to a close — shuts its last factory in Feb [Tom’s Hardware]

Sony plans to stop manufacturing Blu-ray discs in February. First released in 2006 as successor to DVDs, a standard dual-layer disc holds up to 50GB of data, while triple-layer BDXL discs support up to 128GB. But demand has been waning in recent years.

Google buys part of HTC’s Vive VR team for $250 million [Engadget]

Google is buying part of HTC’s VR team for $250 million, along with a non-exclusive license for HTC XR IP. It’s part of Google’s effort to build out its Android XR platform, and feels a bit like when Google bought HTC’s phone business to build out its Pixel phone brand.

Modular PC Design: A Sustainable Approach for Enhanced Repairability and Reduced E-Waste [Intel]

Intel puts forth a proposal for a modular PC architecture that sounds a lot like the one Framework Laptops already use, but for a wider range of devices including desktops and using additional technologies like LPCAMM memory.

Keep up on the latest headlines by following Liliputing on Bluesky or @[email protected] on Mastodon. You can also follow Liliputing on Threads and Facebook.