Google's Platforms & Devices team has initiated a voluntary exit program for its US-based employees, offering a severance package to those who opt to leave the company. This move impacts various Google products, including Android, Chrome/ChromeOS, Fitbit, Google One, Nest, Photos, and Pixel. However, significant divisions such as AI and search remain unaffected by this initiative.
The voluntary exit program emerges as part of a larger reorganization effort, aimed at better integrating Google's artificial intelligence (AI) offerings into its suite of products. The initiative follows nearly a year after the merger of the Android, Pixel hardware, and Chrome teams under the newly formed "Platform and Devices" division. This division is managed by Senior Vice President Rick Osterloh, who announced the reorganization plan in April.
In recent months, Google's generative AI platform, Gemini, has notably expanded its influence within the company's hardware and software landscape. Earlier this month, Gemini was prominently featured during Samsung's unveiling of its flagship Galaxy S25 smartphone. The service has also become central to Google's hardware devices, replacing the Home assistant in Pixel products. Despite these changes, Google Home continues to be a vital component of the Nest line of smart home devices.
A spokesperson for Google confirmed the existence of the voluntary exit program with TechCrunch. The initiative was initially reported by 9 to 5 Google. This development is distinct from Amazon's layoffs, which were confirmed on Wednesday and are unrelated to Google's current restructuring plans.
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