Unveiling Google Layoff Fallout
Google layoff shockwaves, Google has formally confirmed the layoff of hundreds of employees, especially affecting its augmented reality (AR) section. This is a big shakeup inside the company’s hardware sector. Fitbit executives and co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman are allegedly quitting the business entirely.
Confirming the restructuring, a Google spokesperson stated to 9to5Google, “A few hundred roles are being eliminated in DSPA with the majority of impacts on the 1P AR Hardware team. While we are making changes to our 1P AR hardware team, Google continues to be deeply committed to other AR initiatives, such as AR experiences in our products, and product partnerships.”
Google spokesperson Courtenay Mencini told The Verge. This fact was revealed just a short while after Fitbit was bought by Google in November 2019 at a total cost of $2.1 billion.
Google’s ownership of the wearable tech firm is still being doubted and this calls for an end to Fitbit. Complaints about dropping features, multi-day outages, and a shift towards promoting the Pixel Watch over Fitbit bands have been on the rise. The withdrawal of Fitbit products from numerous countries only added to the speculation.
Despite the upheaval, Google reassures users that Fitbit will continue to thrive. Mencini states, “We remain very committed to serving our Fitbit users well, innovating in the health space with personal AI, and building on the momentum with Pixel Watch, the redesigned Fitbit app, Fitbit Premium service, and the Fitbit tracker line. This work will continue to be a key part of our new org model.”
Google’s AR endeavors have also faced uncertainty, with the departure of key personnel like Clay Bavor, head of AR technology, and the reported termination of Project Iris augmented reality glasses. The company’s commitment to its “1P AR hardware team” seems to indicate a strategic shift away from developing proprietary AR glasses independently.
While questions about Google’s continued involvement in AR hardware development remain unanswered, recent reports indicate layoffs within the Google Assistant software team. The company confirmed the elimination of roles in the voice-activated Google Assistant software and the Devices and Services team, affecting both Fitbit leaders and AR hardware specialists.
This restructuring aligns with Google’s broader efforts to optimize its workforce and resources. The company emphasizes responsible investment and efficiency, with affected employees being encouraged to apply for open roles within Google and offering support in accordance with local requirements.
As tech giants navigate challenges during this season of layoffs, Google’s post-pandemic reckoning echoes broader trends within the industry. The shift in focus, particularly in AR and virtual assistant technology, reflects the dynamic landscape that companies must navigate to stay competitive in the ever-evolving tech market.
