In another round of layoffs, tech giant Microsoft reportedly laid off employees in its hardware divisions including HoloLens, Surface and Xbox teams. The tech firm sacked 617 of its employees working in the Seattle office, Bloomberg reported.
Although Microsoft refused to comment on the sacking of employees, it said it remains dedicated to mixed reality space and HoloLens 2.
A company spokesperson informed media via email, "While we don't comment on specific staffing details, we can share there are no changes to HoloLens 2 and our commitment to mixed reality."
Regarding the layoffs, Xbox Chief Phil Spencer reportedly wrote to his employees, "I encourage everyone to take the time and space necessary to process these changes and support your colleagues.”
"My role, along with the roles of many of my amazingly talented colleagues, was eliminated today. I'm still trying to process things, and part of my process is to look back on the experiences that I've had during my time on this team," wrote ex-HoloLens employee, Kristian Davila, on LinkedIn.
In January 2023, the company revealed its layoff plans which will continue until the end of third quarter FY23. "The senior leadership team and I are committed that as we go through this process, we will do so in the most thoughtful and transparent way possible," it said. Microsoft handed pink slips to its 10,000 of its employees in January.
