Google announces voluntary severance program for Platform & Devices division that handles Android, Chrome, Pixel, etc.
In April 2024, Google established the 'Platforms and Devices division' by integrating the team responsible for software such as Android with the team responsible for hardware such as Pixel. However, it has now been announced that a voluntary separation program for employees of the Platforms and Devices division has been announced.
Google announces 'voluntary exit program' for Pixel, Android team
Google's Pixel and Android employees in the US are being asked to step aside voluntarily - Android Authority
Google is giving US hardware and software staff the choice to bow out
https://www.androidpolice.com/internal-memo-suggests-google-wants-to-cut-back-on-its-combined-android-and-pixel-division/
In April 2024, Google established the Platforms and Devices division by integrating the teams responsible for software such as Android, Chrome, ChromeOS, and Google Photos with the hardware teams responsible for the Pixel smartphone, the Nest series of smart home devices, and the Fitbit fitness device.
Google launches new 'Platforms & Devices' division to consolidate Pixel, Android, Chrome, and Google Photos teams into one - GIGAZINE
Rick Osterloh, who heads the division, cited AI as the reason for the team restructuring, saying, 'By integrating the teams, we will be able to deliver full-stack innovation when needed.'
About nine months later, in January 2025, Google announced a voluntary separation program for employees in the Platforms and Devices division.
Google acknowledges that some Platforms and Devices employees may not be fully aligned with the division's broader mission. Osterloh explained that the program was created in response to criticism from employees that Google had not given them proper options for how to leave in advance during past layoffs. This suggests that employees are being given the option to leave on their own, rather than being forced to leave as a result of involuntary attrition.
The specific details of the program have not been disclosed.
In January 2024, Google also carried out job cuts in its hardware division, which handles devices such as the Pixel, and its voice assistant division.
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