Google has reportedly cut the budget for Google TV, leading to company layoffs, according to The Information. Sources for The Information say that the budget was slashed by 10% and that the team of around 300 has been reduced by a quarter.
While the cuts will have an impact on Google TV, the company isn’t giving up on it completely.
Google gave this response to The Information: “We continue to invest in Google TV with new user experiences including the upcoming integration of Gemini. There are more than 270 million Android TV devices, and we remain committed to growing this ecosystem with an exciting road map ahead.”
Google began reducing staff in January with a “voluntary exit program” after a restructuring following merging its Pixel hardware and Android software divisions. The program applied to employees working on a wide range of products, including Android, Chrome, Pixel, TV, Fitbit, and Nest. A round of layoffs hit the company in April and the Google TV team was among those impacted.
As they’re pulling back on Google TV, the company is focusing more on YouTube. The Information reported that YouTube’s advertising and subscription revenue totaled more than $50 billion for a 12-month period from September 2023 to September 2024. The Information article says that the company is bringing in new leadership as it focuses on growing the platform. Former long-time Disney exec Justin Connolly has taken on a partnerships role and Google is looking for someone to replace chief business officer Mary Ellen Coe.
Like the previous exit program and layoffs, there’s no word yet on how this round of layoffs will affect user experience for Google TV.