Google is Attempting to Merge Teams From Maps, Waze as Part of Cost-Cutting Operation

As much as Google wants to reduce the operating costs for its business, there's a need to make up for what could have been lost in the organization.

Amid the pressure that the company faces, it now plans to merge the teams behind Waze and Maps products.

Google Combines Waze and Maps Team

According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Google came up with a merger which will combine the teams who work for Waze and Maps app.

The new move will mean that the 500 staff from Waze will be directed to the Geo organization of the company. The team will be assigned to look after the Maps, Street View, and Earth.

The changes will take effect on Friday, Dec. 9. The adjustment will also mean that the current CEO of Waze Neha Parikh will vacate her position in the company.

In an interview with WSJ, the search engine giant has brighter plans for its Waze app. In short, it wants the app to be a standalone service for the users.

Layoffs Won't Be a Part of Reorganization

In another report by Techcrunch on Thursday, Dec. 8, Google clarified that it won't be dropping employees just to reorganize the operations within the company.

It's surprising to hear that Google won't resort to layoff some workers this time even though several tech giants are currently doing the same thing.

It is expected that Google will stick to decreasing the mapmaking overlap on its Maps product.

As for Sundar Pichai, the Google CEO, the company needs to be more effective while utilizing a "fewer resources." He expects that the firm will be able to be 20% more productive soon.

Waze Just Landed on Android Automotive

Speaking of Waze, Google has finally brought the Waze app to Android Automotive, according to a report by Phone Arena. In the process, the company removed Android Auto for phones. In return, it placed the Google Assistant Driving Mode as a replacement.

For European drivers, there's another driving software to explore which will be built-in for the cars. However, the company will make it available to just two cars for now: Renault Megane E-Tech and Renault Austral Hybrid EVs.

With the rollout of the updated Waze app, drivers won't be required anymore to connect via USB cable so they can get their smartphones in place.

"Renault is the first car manufacturer to offer Waze directly on the vehicle's multimedia screen, without activating the smartphone. We know many Waze users will enjoy this new feature when they drive the Nouvel Austral and Renault Megane E-Tech electric as part of our continued commitment to offer our customers an intuitive, immersive and connected driving experience," Renault Director of Digital Customer Jerome Seror said in a statement.