Google Offers Voluntary Exit Program to Android, Chrome, and Pixel Staff

Google Announces Voluntary Exit Program for Several Teams

Rick Osterloh, Senior Vice President at Google, circulated an internal communication on Thursday to the teams responsible for Pixel, Android, and Chrome. This memo detailed the implementation of a “voluntary exit program.” The existence of this letter has been verified by TechCrunch, following initial reporting by 9 to 5 Google.

Program Details and Context

A company spokesperson confirmed the program to TechCrunch. This voluntary severance opportunity arrives less than a year after Google consolidated the Android, Pixel hardware, and Chrome teams. They were unified into a single “Platform and Devices” division, with oversight provided by Osterloh.

The restructuring, as Osterloh explained in April, was undertaken to facilitate a more seamless integration of the company’s AI capabilities into its product lines. Since then, Google’s generative AI platform, Gemini, has become a prominent feature across both its hardware and software.

Gemini's Growing Influence

Gemini was a key component of Samsung’s recent unveiling of the Galaxy S25 smartphone earlier this month. Furthermore, it has become integral to Google’s own devices, effectively superseding the Home Assistant functionality on Pixel products.

The Google Home system continues to be utilized within the company’s Nest range of smart home hardware.

Affected Divisions

The voluntary exit program encompasses a broad spectrum of Google’s products and services. These include Android, Chrome/ChromeOS, Fitbit, Google One, Nest, Photos, and Pixel.

Notably, other substantial Google divisions, such as AI and search, are not currently subject to this program.

Industry Trends

News of this memo emerges following Amazon’s announcement on Wednesday. Amazon confirmed layoffs affecting dozens of employees within its communications and corporate responsibility departments.

This indicates a broader trend of workforce adjustments within the technology sector.