 |
|
|
|||||
As it said it would do earlier this year, Google has laid off hundreds of employees from its Platforms and Devices division, The Information reported. That part of the company, which employs over 25,000 people, houses its Pixel phones and smartwatches, Nest devices, the Android and ChromeOS platforms and Chrome browser. In January, Google offered buyouts to let them leave as part of a "voluntary exit plan." "Since combining the platforms and devices teams last year, we've focused on becoming more nimble and operating more effectively and this included making some job reductions in addition to the voluntary exit program that we offered in January," a Google spokesperson told The Information. The Platform and Devices group was formed in April 2024 as a merger of two units, Platforms and Ecosystems and Devices and Services, with SVP Rick Osterloh put in charge. In January, he told employees that the buyouts were available "for those struggling to meet the demands of their role or those unhappy with the company's hybrid work setup." The decision to offer buyouts rather than immediately laying off workers was reportedly prompted by employee complaints over previous layoffs. Meta also announced layoffs in January, and tech firms have been steadily laying off workers over the past couple of years. An exception to that has been in the area of artificial intelligence (AI) which has conversely faced a shortage of skilled employees. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-lays-off-hundreds-of-people-from-inside-its-platform-and-devices-division-122328196.html?src=rss
Category:
Marketing and Advertising
Tesla has started selling its much-awaited RWD Cybertruck but it'll cost a cool $10K more than originally promised and be missing some key figures from the AWD version. However, the $69,990 Long Range model will have 350 miles of range, 100 more than Tesla stated when it first unveiled the polarizing pickup EV. The new model arrives with Tesla reportedly facing anemic Cybertruck sales and a recent backlash against the automaker and its CEO Elon Musk. The Long Range Cybertruck is now the cheapest version of that model, but it's a far cry from the $40,000 price tag Musk promised back in 2019. It's missing a few key features like the rear power tonneau that covers the bed, with the configurator only offering a "soft tonneau" for the model. Also gone are the adaptive suspension, rear lightbar, backseat screen and bed outlets that were much-touted feature at launch. It is $10,000 cheaper than the AWD version and offers 25 extra miles of range. However, $70,000 is a lot of money for a RWD pickup truck with a cloth interior, given that you can buy a well-equipped Ford F-150 or an extended-range F-150 Lightning for around the same price. The Cybertruck has been much derided, but Tesla also failed to deliver it with the promised price and specs. The company at one point boasted over a million reservations for the pickup but has only sold around 50,000 units and reportedly isn't even accepting trade-ins itself for the model. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/teslas-70000-rwd-cybertruck-arrives-with-some-key-features-removed-120044840.html?src=rss
Category:
Marketing and Advertising
Google is back with another entry-level smartphone, the Pixel 9a. With more AI smarts, a new hardware design, and the biggest battery on any Pixel yet, on paper, it sounds good. Especially the sub-$500 price tag. In our full Pixel 9a review, Sam Rutherford breaks down where corners have been cut compared to the rest of the Pixel 9 family, namely screen (which is still nice!) and sluggish charging. Engadget While there is support for nearly all of Googles AI features, the $499 Pixel 9a doesnt get access to Googles Screenshots app, which is an odd oversight. Especially when the phone has the Tensor G4 chip. With only two cameras, once again the Pixel 9 offers accurate images and enough versatility for most of us, including a macro focus mode for pin-sharp close-ups. In short, its likely to elbow out last years Pixel 8a as the best mid-range smartphone. Mat Smith Get Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The biggest stories you might have missed Cheeky household object romance sim Date Everything! is now arriving in June Youll have to wait until April 24 to know if Motorola was brave enough to make a wooden Razr Black Mirror is now a delightful escape from reality Samsungs robot ball arrives this summer Ballie is happening. Samsung Samsungs Ballie will go on sale in the US and South Korea this summer and will now pack Googles Gemini AI model. Samsung says it can manage your smart home devices and even offer health and styling recommendations, for some reason. Having said that, we dont know what kind of OS is running on the device, but it will process voice, audio and visual data. And struggle... with stairs. Samsung has yet to announce pricing for the robot ball, however. Probably for good reason. Continue reading. Get three months of Apple TV+ for only $9 Understand the Severance obsession. Apple TV+ is on sale right now for $3 per month for the first three months, bringing the total cost to just $9 for the entire period. That saves you $21 off the standard $10 monthly cost of the subscription. The deal is available through April 24, and the good news is that both new and qualified returning subscribers (those who havent been subscribed for the past 30 days) are eligible. Continue reading. The best drone for 2025 DJI still dominates, but HoverAir and Autel have some interesting alternatives. Engadget In the market for a drone? We break down the best options at different budgets, including some impressive budget models, like DJIs Neo and Flip drones, along with the HoverAir X1 Pro lineup, all under $500. If you want the best flight experience (or camera quality), expect the budget to circle $1,000. Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-114531238.html?src=rss
Category:
Marketing and Advertising
All news |
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||