Google carries out major personnel reductions in the hardware department and voice assistant department, which handles Pixel etc.
It has been revealed that Google will be laying off hundreds of people in its voice assistant, hardware, and central engineering departments. James Park and Eric Friedman, co-founders of Fitbit, a wearable device maker acquired by Google, will also be leaving the company.
Google reorganizing Pixel hardware: Fitbit's James Park leaving
Google lays off hundreds in Assistant, hardware, engineering teams | Reuters
Google lays off hundreds in Bay Area, shuts child care centers
https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/google-layoffs-child-care-center-engineering-18602833.php
A Google spokesperson confirmed the large-scale layoffs, saying, 'Throughout the second half of 2023, many of our teams will make adjustments to improve efficiency and productivity, and direct resources to our top product priorities.' 'We continue to restructure some teams, including reducing global roles.' The layoffs are expected to take place at the end of March 2024.
Nest, a smart home device that plays a part in the hardware division, was acquired by Google in 2014.
Google acquires developer of smart fire alarm 'Nest Protect' for 330 billion yen - GIGAZINE
Also, 'Fitbit' was acquired in 2021.
Until now, in the hardware department, design staff, design staff, software staff, UI staff, etc. were divided for each product of 'Nest', 'Fitbit', and 'Pixel' in order to take advantage of the original company. It is said that they are divided by function, such as 'in charge of overall hardware design.'
Due to this layoff, Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman will be leaving Google. After Google acquired Fitbit, Mr. Park, who was the leader of the wearable division as of May 2022, said, ``Fitbit products will continue to increase in the future.''
In addition, in conjunction with this personnel reduction, a daycare center that was set up near Google's headquarters will also be closed in August 2024, and 73 childcare workers will be fired. Courtney Mancini, a Google spokesperson, told the news site SFGATE that Google will help parents find other childcare facilities and that Google has 300 slots available at other facilities.
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