Google cut the 10 percent Google TV and Android TV budget, reducing the financing of tens of millions of dollars for the company’s intelligent television initiatives, according to an exclusive report by the information. The cuts hit up to a quarter of the 300 members smart TV team, with layoffs accompanying the reduction of the budget.The Slash budget comes while Google is preparing to integrate its assistant to Gemini in TV platforms by the end of the year, positioning televisions as central hubs for smart home interaction. Despite the financial constraints, Google maintains its commitment for the platform, citing over 270 million Android TV devices active globally.
Google changes focus on YouTube
The timing coincides with Google’s strategic pivot to YouTube, which has generated over $ 50 billion in advertising and subscription revenues for the 12 -month period that ends last September. The information reports that Google is redesigning YouTube to resemble streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+, underlining paid content and premium experiences.The success of YouTube has pushed the executive changes, with the platform that hired the former Disney manager Justin Connolly for the partnerships and the search for a successor of the Chief Business Officer Mary Ellen Coe. Sources that are familiar with the question indicate that the Vice -President of YouTube Christian Oestlien is taken into consideration for the role.
The works move abroad while the US team narrows
While reducing his Smart Tv Lavoro Force headquarters in the United States, Google plans to expand hiring in international markets, in particular India, with the aim of reconstructing the team at similar levels at capital level but with a global distribution. According to reports, the budget of the company’s original TV platform was less than $ 500 million before the reduction.
“We continue to invest in Google TV with new user experiences including the imminent integration of Gemini,” a Google spokesman told The Information. “There are more than 270 million Android TV devices and we are busy growing this ecosystem with an exciting road map.”
The cuts reflect a wider renovation within the division of Google platforms and devices, which has seen more rounds of layoffs in recent months while the company gives priority to the development of the AI and the profitable initiatives.
