Google has laid off hundreds of employees in its Platforms and Devices division, which is responsible for the development of the Android operating system, Pixel smartphones, the Chrome browser, and other products. This was reported by The Information, citing a source familiar with the situation.
- The layoffs followed a "voluntary exit" offer made by the company to employees of this division in January this year.
“After combining teams last year, we focused on increasing flexibility and efficiency. This included both a voluntary exit program and staff reductions,” a Google spokesperson told The Information.
- As a reminder, in April 2024, Google merged the teams that worked on Android, Chrome, ChromeOS, Pixel, Nest, Google Photos, and other products into a single Platforms and Devices division. The reason for these changes is to advance the company's efforts in AI.
- In January this year, Google offered a "voluntary exit program" for employees of this division.
- The program specifically applied to American employees involved in the development of Android (including Auto, TV, Wear OS, XR), Chrome, ChromeOS, Google Photos, Google One, Pixel, Fitbit and Nest. While these products are developed by teams around the world, the decision was specific to the United States.
- The initiative was designed to give those who did not share the mission of the merged entity or had difficulty adapting to the new conditions, including the hybrid work format, the opportunity to leave the company. Employees who decided to take the offer were promised a severance package.
Google noted that this decision is not related to any changes in product plans.
