Google on Tuesday announced cutting jobs at Waze, a mapping app that it acquired in 2013, and has been slowly clubbing into its Maps platforms.
Though it didn’t mention any number, Google noted dumping the people working on Waze’s existing advertising system, as it’s transitioning to Google Ads technology. Google assures to inform its partners and advertisers about this move on Wednesday, formally.
Clubbing Platforms, Ditching Teams
Watching the rise of an interesting yet potentially competative platform – Waze, Google acquired the community-driven mapping app in 2013 for $1.3 billion. Though the tech giant is giving enough resources for Waze to grow, it eventually plans to club the app into its Geo section – which already has Google Maps, Google Earth and Street View.
Google in December 2022 has already confirmed that it’ll merge Waze and Google Maps teams soon, to consolidate processes for better economics of scale. In this pursuit, the company started dumping the Waze employees working on its native advertising system this week.
“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.”
This meant that Waze will soon have Google Ads system in place, and the concerned advertisers and partners will be informed Wednesday, says Google. Though Google didn’t mention how many jobs it’s cutting now, we can assume the whole ad department is being laid off. This was first reported by CNBC, citing an email from Chris Phillips, who leads the Geo division at Google.
Waze is an interesting addition to Google Maps if the company decides to merges the both, as it helps users to avoid traffic jams, get nearby restaurant recommendations, and check your friends progress on the roads – all fed by the community.
