In recent developments across the technology sector, several major companies have announced significant policy changes, product launches, and strategic shifts.

Meta has announced layoffs within its Reality Labs division, impacting teams within Oculus Studios, the unit responsible for developing applications and games for Meta’s Quest VR headsets. This includes the popular VR fitness app Supernatural, which Meta acquired in 2023. The move forms part of a broader effort to streamline operations and focus on future mixed reality experiences. Although the exact number of employees affected remains undisclosed, Meta emphasises that these changes aim to improve efficiency while continuing to provide engaging content.

Microsoft has introduced a new performance management strategy, offering underperforming employees the option to accept a payout and leave, rather than going through a performance improvement plan. According to Business Insider, the company provides 16 weeks of pay to such employees who opt for voluntary exit. This approach echoes Amazon’s “Pivot” programme, which has attracted criticism relating to its intent and execution.

Google is enforcing a new policy requiring certain remote workers to return to office three days a week or face termination. Several units at Google have informed remote employees that their roles are at risk if they do not adopt a hybrid working model. Additionally, some previously remote-approved employees must relocate within 50 miles of an office or accept voluntary exit packages. This represents a significant shift from Google’s earlier remote work policies enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Intel has announced that from 1 September 2025, employees will be required to work from the office four days a week, a change from its prior hybrid model allowing two remote workdays. CEO Lip-Bu Tan, speaking during Intel’s Q1 2025 earnings call, stressed the importance of in-person collaboration. The company reported $12.7 billion in revenue for the period, exceeding expectations, with strong demand for its Xeon processors. Tan outlined a strategic plan aimed at revitalising Intel’s market position by focusing on streamlining operations and enhancing execution efficiency, including plans to reduce operating expenses to $17 billion in 2025 and $16 billion in 2026.

Apple has removed claims stating its Apple Intelligence features were “available now” from its website following a recommendation from the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the BBB National Programs. The watchdog found that Apple’s marketing suggested AI features such as Priority Notifications and ChatGPT integration were immediately accessible at launch, which was misleading. Apple complied with the recommendation by removing this claim in late March.

In a security-related incident, Bitan Adhikary, a US-based engineer working with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), was among 28 tourists killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. The 40-year-old tech professional, originally from West Bengal, had recently returned to India with his family for a summer break. The tragedy has profoundly affected his family and community.

In product news, Samsung has embarked on a strategic initiative to embed artificial intelligence across its consumer electronics range starting in India, marking the country as a significant market for expansion. This includes AI-powered features in products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers, leveraging the Samsung SmartThings platform.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s net worth rose by approximately $7.5 billion on 23 April 2025 after he announced plans to devote more time to Tesla, reducing his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency to one or two days per week. Tesla’s shares surged 5% following the announcement, reaching $251. Musk’s total net worth stands at $369.2 billion, according to Forbes.

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai presented an optimistic outlook during the company’s Q1 2025 earnings call, highlighting strong performances in Search, Cloud, and YouTube. Pichai elaborated on artificial intelligence’s role and strategic investments driving growth.

Several Indian technology brands have expanded their product offerings recently. Xiaomi launched the Redmi Watch Move, a smartwatch featuring a 1.85-inch AMOLED screen and over 140 workout modes, priced at Rs 1,999 and available from 1 May 2025. Oppo introduced the K13 5G smartphone with a 50MP main camera and a 7,000 mAh battery, while Vivo launched the T4 5G smartphone with a 7,300 mAh battery and up to 12GB RAM, priced between Rs 21,999 and Rs 25,999. Lenovo unveiled the IdeaPad Slim 3 2025 laptop featuring Intel Raptor Lake H and AMD HawkPoint processors, starting at Rs 63,790. Asus added two new Vivobook models, the Vivobook S14 and S14 Flip, targeting young professionals and creatives, priced from Rs 67,990. Sennheiser launched the HD 505 Copper Edition headphones, priced at Rs 27,990, targeting audiophiles and gamers.

Signify expanded its ceiling fan portfolio with the Ecolink range, featuring BLDC technology and smart IoT-powered models under the Wiz platform. The product line ranges in price from Rs 5,850 to Rs 8,700 and offers a variety of colour options tailored for energy efficiency and high-speed performance during the summer.

In regulatory news, Google agreed to pay a Rs 20.2 crore penalty to settle an antitrust case with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) concerning its Android TV services. The settlement includes a ‘New India Agreement’ allowing separate licensing for the Play Store and Play Services on Android smart TVs, removing mandatory bundling for TV manufacturers. This follows previous penalties related to Google’s Play Store policies.

Lastly, YouTube marked its 20th anniversary on 23 April 2025, celebrating significant growth with over 20 billion videos uploaded since its launch. Neil Mohan, YouTube CEO, noted the platform’s evolution from a simple video-sharing site to a major cultural force reshaping entertainment consumption.

These developments reflect a dynamic period in tech, with companies balancing workforce policies, technological innovation, regulatory challenges, and market expansion.

Source: Noah Wire Services