Shifts in Google’s Hardware Strategy Highlighted by Exiting Executives, Reorganization, and Workforce Reductions
Founders of Fitbit, James Park and Eric Friedman, along with several team members, are leaving Google, marking a significant development for the tech giant post its acquisition of Fitbit three years ago. The departures, as disclosed by 9to5Google, signify a pivotal transition within the company.
Google is not only bidding farewell to some personnel but also streamlining its operations by implementing job cuts across various crucial divisions. The company, as confirmed to 9to5Google, is set to eliminate "a few hundred roles," with a primary focus on its augmented reality (AR) sector.
Consolidation of Hardware Teams and Implementation of a New Organizational Framework
Alongside these departures and workforce adjustments, Google is amalgamating its Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit hardware divisions into a unified organizational structure. Rather than maintaining separate engineering teams for each product line, Google is establishing a singular hardware group led by a unified leader.
This restructured setup adopts a "functional" model where teams are structured based on expertise rather than product lines. For example, there will be a dedicated hardware engineering team overseeing all Google devices. The objective behind this restructuring is to achieve a more cohesive product design across Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit product offerings.
Emulating Apple’s Organizational Approach
Google’s shift towards a functional organizational model draws parallels with Apple’s team organization strategy, indicating a potential emulation of its competitor’s successful approach.
Emphasis on AR Hardware Endeavors
Despite the recent downsizing and restructuring initiatives, Google continues to play a crucial role in the realm of augmented reality (AR) hardware projects. Qualcomm’s recent introduction of a new AR/VR chip at CES 2024, expected to power Samsung’s forthcoming AR headset featuring Google-designed software, underscores Google’s ongoing involvement in the AR domain, with the headset’s launch slated for later this year.
Opportunities for Impacted Employees
Google has assured those affected by the job cuts of the possibility to apply for other available positions within the company, offering a glimmer of hope to individuals impacted by the restructuring.
Shifting Hardware Strategy
The transformations in Google’s hardware strategy reflect its evolving nature. While the departure of Fitbit’s founders may signal a change, their technological contributions will persist within the unified hardware group. Furthermore, the downsizing within the AR team hints at a potential pivot towards software and collaborative ventures for Google’s AR aspirations, shifting the focus from solely hardware development.
Looking Forward
The upcoming months will uncover how these strategic alterations reshape Google’s hardware landscape. The launch of Samsung’s AR headset powered by Google technology could provide early insight into the company’s new trajectory. As Google continues to adapt its hardware initiatives, the impact on future products and partnerships remains a topic of interest.
