Alphabet-owned 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 monetization," Google, which acquired Israeli-founded Waze for about $1.3 billion in 2013, said.
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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 include Google Maps, Google Earth, and Street View. The news was first reported by CNBC, citing an email from Chris Phillips, who leads the Geo division. He said Google will notify advertisers and partners about the move on Wednesday.
When Google first announced that Waze would be folded in Geo last December, it refused to admit that the move would result in cuts. However, that decision basically marked the end of the independence of the Israeli application, which is believed to still employ around 500 people.
Waze CEO Neha Parikh exited the company following last December's decision and wasn't replaced.
"By bringing the Waze team into Geo's portfolio of real-world mapping products, the teams will benefit from further increased technical collaboration," a Google spokesperson said at the time.