More layoffs at Google: TV team reportedly slashed by 25 percent as AI and YouTube take centre stage
Google is once again downsizing its workforce. This time, the company's Google TV division is in the spotlight. According to a new report, around 25 percent of the team working on Google TV has been let go, even as the company prepares to bring major AI updates and new changes to YouTube. Here is everything we know about it. The report, published by The Information, reveals that Google has cut 10 percent of the budget allocated to the Google TV unit. While the exact number of layoffs hasn't been officially confirmed, the report suggests the team originally had close to 300 employees, which means roughly 75 roles may have been affected.advertisementThese changes come at a time when Google is changing its priorities toward artificial intelligence and the future of YouTube as a streaming platform. The company is also preparing to bring its Gemini AI model to the Google TV platform later this year. Gemini is expected to improve how users interact with their TVs by offering more natural and personalised responses, similar to what you would get from a smart assistant.
Despite the cuts, Google still sees the television as an important device in the home. The company has plans to modernise how people use their TVs, making them more helpful, voice-friendly, and AI-powered. But at the same time, the budget reduction may slow down some developments, especially in areas where resources have now been trimmed.Google TV is widely used across many smart TVs, including those from brands like TCL and Hisense, and is also the operating system on the company's own Chromecast devices. However, with less money and a smaller team, it's unclear whether the pace of updates and new features will continue as before.advertisementAnother possible reason behind this change could be Google's growing focus on YouTube. Reports suggest that the tech giant is working on a major redesign that will make YouTube look and feel more like a premium streaming service, similar to Netflix or Disney+. The idea is to push users toward more paid content and shows, which could bring in more revenue for Google in the long run.While the Google TV cuts might raise questions about the future of the platform, reports indicate that the company still plans to hire in certain regions. Besides, in April this year, CNBC reported that some remote employees were told to start coming to the office at least three times a week or risk losing their jobs. The company said that working together in person helps solve problems more effectively, a view it continues to hold as it focuses more on innovation.- Ends
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