In a significant organizational shakeup, Google is transitioning to a functional organization model, streamlining its hardware engineering responsibilities across Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit. This move aims to centralize product leadership under a single entity, fostering potential synergies among different hardware platforms. As part of this reorganization, notable departures include Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman, along with other key Fitbit leaders who had joined Google following the Fitbit acquisition in January 2021.

James Park, who had served as a vice president and general manager of Fitbit, played a pivotal role in announcing the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 for Google. His departure signifies a shift in leadership within Google’s wearables division, smartwatches, trackers, and the Pixel Buds lineup of headphones.

However, the changes at Google have some drawbacks. They plan to let go of many people in their Devices & Services team, especially those working on their own augmented reality (AR) hardware. This means Google is shifting away from making their own AR devices and wants to work more with other companies that create this type of technology. People who lose their jobs can try to find other positions within Google, and the company is helping them through this tough time.

Google deciding not to focus on making their own AR hardware isn’t a big surprise. In February, there were reports that they were moving their AR projects to the teams that work on Android and other hardware. Even though they’re stopping their own AR hardware projects, Google wants to make it clear that they still care about AR. They point to features like AR in Lens and Maps and say they’re committed to working with other companies. One example is their partnership with Samsung on the Android XR project to create a headset.

Google made a statement saying they’re still very interested in the future of augmented reality. They are positive about the experiences people can have with AR in their products and in collaborations with other companies. The departure of the founders of Fitbit and the changes in Google’s hardware teams show that the company is making big moves to adjust its strategy and keep working closely with others in the tech industry.

Source: India Today

In a significant organizational shakeup, Google is transitioning to a functional organization model, streamlining its hardware engineering responsibilities across Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit. This move aims to centralize product leadership under a single entity, fostering potential synergies among different hardware platforms. As part of this reorganization, notable departures include Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman, along with other key Fitbit leaders who had joined Google following the Fitbit acquisition in January 2021.

James Park, who had served as a vice president and general manager of Fitbit, played a pivotal role in announcing the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 for Google. His departure signifies a shift in leadership within Google’s wearables division, smartwatches, trackers, and the Pixel Buds lineup of headphones.

However, the changes at Google have some drawbacks. They plan to let go of many people in their Devices & Services team, especially those working on their own augmented reality (AR) hardware. This means Google is shifting away from making their own AR devices and wants to work more with other companies that create this type of technology. People who lose their jobs can try to find other positions within Google, and the company is helping them through this tough time.

Google deciding not to focus on making their own AR hardware isn’t a big surprise. In February, there were reports that they were moving their AR projects to the teams that work on Android and other hardware. Even though they’re stopping their own AR hardware projects, Google wants to make it clear that they still care about AR. They point to features like AR in Lens and Maps and say they’re committed to working with other companies. One example is their partnership with Samsung on the Android XR project to create a headset.

Google made a statement saying they’re still very interested in the future of augmented reality. They are positive about the experiences people can have with AR in their products and in collaborations with other companies. The departure of the founders of Fitbit and the changes in Google’s hardware teams show that the company is making big moves to adjust its strategy and keep working closely with others in the tech industry.

Source: India Today