Google Slashes $50M from Smart TV Team, Lays Off 75 as AI and YouTube Take Center Stage

Google has trimmed $50 million—about 10%—from its Google TV and Android TV budget, resulting in the layoff of 75 employees, or roughly a quarter of its 300-person smart TV team. The move comes as Google pivots its focus toward advanced AI integration and a major YouTube overhaul, signaling a strategic shift in the company’s digital entertainment priorities.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Budget and Layoffs: The smart TV division’s budget, previously under $500 million, has been cut by $50 million, leading to 75 job losses, mostly in the US.

 

AI Push: Google is preparing to integrate its Gemini AI assistant into Google TV later this year, aiming for smarter, more personalized, and voice-friendly TV experiences.

 

YouTube Overhaul: The company is doubling down on YouTube, redesigning it to resemble streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+, and emphasizing premium, paid content.

 

Global Restructuring: While shrinking its US team, Google plans to expand hiring in international markets, especially India, to maintain overall headcount with a more global distribution.

 

Continued Commitment: Despite the cuts, Google says it remains committed to growing the Google TV ecosystem, which powers over 270 million devices worldwide.

 

Outlook:

Google’s strategic reset reflects a broader industry trend: prioritizing AI and high-growth digital platforms over traditional hardware. The success of Gemini integration and YouTube’s transformation will shape Google’s future in the living room—potentially at the cost of slower innovation for its smart TV platform.

 

Source: Times Of India