Google has laid off hundreds of employees from its Platforms & Devices division, which oversees key products including Android, Chrome, Pixel hardware, and other consumer devices. The company confirmed the workforce reduction on Thursday, marking another round of job cuts following voluntary exit offers made in January.
The layoffs primarily affect teams that were recently merged under Google's restructuring efforts. In early 2024, the company combined its Android and Chrome units with the Pixel and Devices group under Senior Vice President Rick Osterloh, creating a unified division of over 20,000 employees.
In a statement, Google said the job cuts are part of its strategy for "becoming more nimble and operating more effectively." While specific details about which teams were most impacted remain unclear, the company indicated that the changes should not affect product development or user experience.
This latest workforce reduction follows Google's larger layoffs in 2023, when the company cut approximately 6% of its global staff. The tech giant continues to expand its artificial intelligence initiatives across its product lineup, even as it trims personnel in other areas.
The reorganization reflects Google's push toward creating a more integrated ecosystem between its hardware and software offerings, with an increased focus on AI capabilities. Industry observers note this aligns with broader trends in the tech sector, where companies are reallocating resources toward emerging technologies while optimizing their existing operations.
Despite the job cuts, Google maintains that its product roadmap remains unchanged for the year ahead. The company continues to develop its core services while expanding into new areas, particularly in artificial intelligence and connected devices.