Google Announces Job Cuts at Waze as It Merges Mapping Products

Google, the tech giant, has announced job cuts at its mapping service, Waze, as it integrates the app's advertising system with its Ads Technology.

According to the company's statement,The move aims to create a more seamless experience for Waze advertisers. 

"In order to create a better, more seamless long-term experience for Waze advertisers, we've begun transitioning Waze's existing advertising system to Google Ads technology. As part of this update, we've reduced those roles focused on Waze Ads monetization," the company said.

The integration of Waze and Google Maps teams, which was announced in December, is part of the company's strategy to consolidate processes and strengthen its real-world mapping products division, known as Google Geo. This division encompasses Maps, Google Earth, and Street View.

The technology giant acquired Waze for approximately $1.3 billion in 2013.

Google's parent company, Alphabet, previously announced plans to cut 12,000 jobs or 6% of its workforce in January due to a decline in revenue growth. The company has been undertaking various measures to increase efficiency, including downsizing and discontinuing certain projects.

Waze, an app that utilizes crowdsourcing to provide users with real-time traffic information and the fastest driving routes, boasts around 140 million active users. Since December of the previous year, Google has been merging Waze with its own Geo unit. This consolidation resulted in Neha Parikh stepping down from the position of CEO.

"These decisions are incredibly difficult. Each one of these Wazers contributed to Waze's success and culture, and I want to express my gratitude and respect for what they have achieved," expressed Chris Philips in the email.

Despite the job cuts at Waze, Google remains focused on streamlining its operations and providing enhanced services to advertisers and users.

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