Google is reportedly offering a “voluntary exit” for Pixel and Android employees, those that are in the Platforms & Devices group, which was created last year.
This is according to an email that Google SVP Rick Osterloh sent out to the group on Thursday morning, which 9to5Google was able to confirm, is happening. This applies to US employees that are working in the Platforms & Devices group. That includes Android, Chrome, ChromeOS, Google Photos, Google One, Pixel, Fitbit and Nest. It’s important to note that this is not a company-wide offer, so it does not apply to Search & Ads or AI.
Those deciding to voluntarily leave Google will get a severance package, with more details internally coming soon. And this does not coincide with any product roadmap changes (remember, Google reportedly canceled the Pixel Tablet 2).
This is more about overlap, than impending layoffs
Since Google created this division last year, there was quite a bit of overlap, bringing hardware and software together. Now that we’re a few months into this new division, employees have a better idea of their roles. Osterloh also noted in the email that the division has received questions about the possibility of voluntary exists, since the Pixel-Android merger. Surprisingly, Google didn’t offer any in advance of the merger.
Google wants employees to “be deeply committed to our mission and focused on building great products, with speed and efficiency.” Google also references “tremendous momentum” likely referring to the popularity of Pixel 9. They also say that there’s “so much important work ahead”.
A big part of the reason for this merger last year was to speed up decision-making internally. Previously, there were many different teams and divisions that things had to go through, before a decision was made. Now, essentially combining mobile hardware and software into a single division, that makes things easier. With this merger, some roles were duplicated and others were cut.
