Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
- A leaked inner memo from Amazon reveals the corporate is getting ready for layoffs.
- Amazon plans to chop “a number of hundred” jobs from its Alexa division.
- The transfer is supposed to assist Amazon maximize its sources towards its present priorities — generative AI.
Yesterday, Amazon introduced a partnership with Hyundai that may enable buyers to browse for automobiles on the web site. As a part of that deal, Hyundai is placing Alexa in its automobiles beginning in 2025. Solely at some point later, Amazon has internally introduced plans for enormous layoffs to its Alexa division.
Daniel Rausch, Amazon’s vp of Alexa and Fireplace TV, despatched an inner memo to workers earlier at present. Obtained by GeekWire, the memo states Amazon’s intentions to shift its focus to its generative AI efforts. Sadly, it seems this modification in priorities will come at the price of “a number of hundred” jobs within the US, Canada, India, and some different areas.
“As we proceed to invent, we’re shifting a few of our efforts to raised align with our enterprise priorities, and what we all know issues most to clients—which incorporates maximizing our sources and efforts targeted on generative AI,” Rausch says. “These shifts are main us to discontinue some initiatives, which is leading to a number of hundred roles being eradicated.”
Amazon first detailed its generative AI ambitions throughout its September Gadgets and Companies occasion. The group then rolled out one in every of its AI tasks for Alexa in October, Amazon Youngsters Plus — a function predominantly meant for youths. The retail large can also be anticipated to launch AI options meant for broader audiences — like Let’s Chat — that can make the digital assistant extra conversational. Nonetheless, these options are scheduled to roll out publically in 2024.