Google’s spokesperson refrained from specifying the exact number of roles affected, leaving uncertainties regarding the extent of the impact on the Google Assistant software and other associated teams.
The reorganization of specific teams aligns with the broader industry trend, where companies such as Microsoft (MSFT.O) and Google are increasingly investing in generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This trend follows the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
In the previous year, Google unveiled its intentions to incorporate generative AI capabilities into its virtual assistant. This technology aims to enhance the assistant’s capabilities, enabling it to assist users in activities like trip planning, email management, and engaging in follow-up inquiries.
By January 2023, Alphabet had declared its plans to reduce its workforce by 12,000 jobs, representing 6% of its global employee base. At that time, the company had a total of 182,381 employees worldwide as of September 2023.
