Google layoffs: Jobs at Waze will be cut due to ads merger

Google is laying off employees at Waze, CNBC reported on June 27.

Waze layoffs

Alphabet-owned Google has eliminated jobs at its mapping app Waze, because it merged Waze's advertising system with Google Ads technology, without giving details on how many employees will be laid off. News of Google firing Waze employees was first reported by CNBC. Citing an email from Chris Phillips, head of Geo, Google will notify advertisers and partners of the move on June 28, he said.

That change resulted in job cuts at Waze in related roles such as sales, marketing, operations, and analytics, said Chris Phillips, Vice President and CEO of Google's Geography Department, in an email, according to a CNBC report. Phillips' email did not indicate how many jobs would be cut at Waze, which has more than 500 employees, according to CNBC.

"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 monetization. We are also providing employees with mobile resources and severance options tailored to local requirements.”, Google said.

Meanwhile, Waze also confirmed the information about the layoffs in a statement to The Verge. “Google remains deeply committed to growing Waze’s unique brand, its beloved app, and its thriving community of volunteers and users,” said Caroline Bourdeau, Waze's head of PR. 

In December 2022, Google said it would merge the Waze and Google Maps teams to unify processes, making them part of the Google Geo division, with categories including Google Maps, Google Earth, and Street View. At the time, Google had no plans to cut staff. However, following the company's early announcement to reduce at least 12,000 jobs, Google is apparently planning to lay off Waze staff. 

About Waze

Waze is a popular GPS navigation and real-time traffic application for mobile devices. It was developed by an Israeli company called Waze Mobile, which was later acquired by Google in 2013. Google bought Waze for about $1.3 billion. Waze stands out from other navigation apps because it relies on user-generated content to provide real-time traffic information and updates.

Here are some key features of the Waze application:

Navigation

Waze provides turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation, helping you find the best routes to your destination. It considers real-time traffic conditions, accidents, and road closures to offer optimal directions.

Real-time Traffic Updates

Waze relies on a community of users to report traffic incidents, such as accidents, road hazards, and police presence. These reports are then shared with other Waze users, allowing for real-time updates on traffic conditions.

Alternative Routes

Waze suggests alternative routes based on current traffic conditions, allowing you to choose the most efficient path to your destination.

ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)

Waze provides an estimated time of arrival based on the chosen route and current traffic conditions. It continually updates the ETA as you progress on your journey.

Speed Limits and Speed Camera Alerts

Waze displays speed limits on the road you're traveling and provides audio and visual alerts for speed cameras to help you drive within the legal speed limits.

Community Engagement

Waze encourages community participation by allowing users to contribute real-time information about road conditions, accidents, and other incidents. Users can also interact through the app by sending friend requests, sharing locations, and coordinating meetups.

Points of Interest (POI)

Waze provides information on nearby points of interest, including gas stations, restaurants, parking lots, and more. You can easily search for specific businesses or categories within the app.

Integration with Other Apps

Waze can be integrated with various other apps and services, such as music streaming apps, calendar apps, and ride-sharing services, allowing for a more seamless experience while on the road.

Waze is available for both iOS and Android devices and is free to download and use. However, it does require an internet connection to access real-time traffic data and updates.