Google on Tuesday said it is cutting jobs at mapping app Waze as it merges the app’s advertising system with Google Ads technology, without giving details on the number of layoffs.
“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 monetisation,” Google, which acquired Waze for about US$1.3-billion in 2013, said.
Google had in December said that it will merge Waze and Google Maps teams to consolidate processes, making it a part of the Google Geo division, its portfolio of real-world mapping products that includes Google Maps, Google Earth and Street View.
The news was first reported by CNBC earlier in the day, citing an e-mail from Chris Phillips, who leads the Geo division. He said Google will notify advertisers and partners about the move on Wednesday. — Akash Sriram and Jaiveer Shekhawat, with Chandni Shah, (c) 2023 Reuters