Microsoft cuts 300 more jobs, extending largest layoffs in years: Report
Over 300 employees were eliminated from their positions at the company on Monday, June 2, according to a report by Bloomberg. The latest reduction in workforce is in addition to the 6,000 job cuts announced by Microsoft in May this year.
While software engineers at the firm were most affected by the previous layoffs, it is still unclear which divisions have been impacted in the latest round of job cuts. Up till June 2024, Microsoft reportedly had around 2,28,000 full-time employees, a majority (55 per cent) of whom were based in the US.
'We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace,' a Microsoft spokesperson was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.
The layoffs reflect a broader shift across big tech companies such as Microsoft and Meta as they increasingly channel investment and resources toward data centres and AI development while pulling back on spending in other parts of their operations.
Another factor driving layoffs across the tech industry is the rise of AI coding tools capable of automating parts of the software development process. At Microsoft, engineers are using AI to write 20% to 30% of code for company projects, CEO Satya Nadella said last month at Meta's LlamaCon conference.
In a conversation with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Nadella noted that the exact percentage of AI-generated code varies by programming language. He said AI writes 'fantastic' Python code, though its C++ capabilities are 'not that great.' Nadella also shared that Microsoft is increasingly relying on more advanced AI agents—software programs that perform complex tasks without human assistance—to review code.
At Google, CEO Sundar Pichai said on an earnings call last month that the company was using AI to write 'well over 30%' of new code—up from 25% in October. He also noted that employees are increasingly accepting AI-suggested code. 'I still see it as early days, and there's going to be a lot more to do,' Pichai said.
The latest company to join this trend is Salesforce, which now says its internal use of AI tools has enabled it to hire fewer employees, particularly engineers and customer service workers. 'We view these as assistants, but they are going to allow us to hire fewer people and, hopefully, make our existing team more productive,' Robin Washington, the chief financial and operations officer at SalesForce, was quoted as saying in an interview with Bloomberg.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Here's when Apple may launch its AI smart glasses to rival Meta's Ray-Bans and Google's Android XR glasses
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its long-anticipated smart glasses in 2027, positioning them as a direct competitor to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, according to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. While Apple has remained tight-lipped about its augmented reality ambitions, industry observers and supply chain reports suggest the company is moving forward with a dedicated smart glasses product. Here's when Apple may launch its Smart Glasses Unlike Apple's high-end Vision Pro headset, which debuted in 2024 with a $3,499 price tag, the upcoming smart glasses are expected to be lightweight, display-free, and focused on audio playback, video capture, and AI-powered voice interaction. Kuo says the glasses will support touch and hands-free voice control, allowing users to take photos, record videos, and listen to music—without pulling out their phones. Apple plans to offer multiple frame and material options, though it remains unclear whether it will partner with established eyewear brands like Ray-Ban or Oakley. Notably, the first-generation glasses will not feature augmented reality (AR) displays, putting them behind Meta's next-gen Ray-Bans, which are expected to include AR capabilities later this year. Despite the delay, Kuo projects Apple could ship 3 to 5 million units in the first year of launch, potentially outpacing the Vision Pro's estimated 500,000–700,000 units sold since its release. With Meta already having sold over 2 million pairs of its Ray-Ban smart glasses since 2023, Apple's 2027 entry signals a calculated move to refine the product and ecosystem before entering the market. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Meta Brings Direct Messaging to Threads as Platform Celebrates Second Anniversary
In a much-anticipated move, Meta has rolled out the direct messaging feature for its fast-expanding microblogging app, Threads. This update introduces private, secure messaging capabilities and brings the platform closer to Instagram's familiar interaction model. The feature, now available to users aged 18 and above, went live on July 3, coinciding with Threads' second anniversary. For months, users of Threads had been requesting the option to directly message one another—a basic feature expected from any social platform. Meta has now answered that call, aiming to foster more meaningful and safe interpersonal connections. The rollout allows users to initiate one-on-one conversations by simply tapping the message icon on any profile they follow. Initially, DMs will only work between followers or mutual Instagram followers aged 18 and above, a restriction Meta says is meant to promote safer and more respectful interactions. 'Thread users had been awaiting the option to DM each other,' stated a Threads spokesperson. This new feature reflects Meta's larger push to unify its suite of apps while giving each platform its own identity and community focus. Threads has shown strong growth in the competitive social media space, especially among users looking for a simpler, less toxic online experience. Meta revealed that over a third of daily active users on Threads follow accounts that they don't already follow on Instagram. This indicates that the platform is gradually carving out its own niche, separate from its more visual-focused sibling. The initial version of Threads' direct messaging system focuses solely on basic communication. However, Meta plans to expand on it with additional tools and controls to improve both the experience and the safety of user interactions. Future updates will reportedly include the ability to manage message requests, control who can send messages, and even form group chats. Inbox filtering is also in development, which will allow users to prioritise important messages and declutter their inboxes. In addition to DMs, Meta is introducing a new feature called Threads Highlighter, a visual cue that helps users identify trending conversations and topics gaining significant traction. The aim is to boost engagement by making it easier for users to discover and join real-time discussions on popular themes. This dual update—introducing private messaging and highlighting trending content—marks a major step in Threads' evolution. It not only strengthens user connectivity but also signals Meta's intention to make Threads a more robust and engaging platform. With the launch of these features, Meta continues its strategy of integrating elements from its existing apps like Instagram while tailoring them for the unique atmosphere and purpose of Threads. The hope is that users will embrace Threads not just as a companion to Instagram but as a destination for meaningful conversations in its own right. As Meta enhances the app's functionality, users can expect even more dynamic tools that blend simplicity, control, and community engagement—solidifying Threads as a key player in the evolving social media ecosystem.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
MKU Result 2025: MKU announces results for April 2025 BSc special exams and November 2024 UG, PG courses
MKU declares November 2024 results. (AI Image) MKU Result 2025: Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) has officially declared the BSc special examination results for April 2025 (semesters 1 to 4) and the November 2024 semester results for various undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The university made the results available on its official portal on July 4, 2025, enabling students to check their academic progress. The special BSc exams were conducted to accommodate students seeking improvement or those with pending backlogs. Meanwhile, the November 2024 results cover a wide range of UG and PG programmes, reflecting MKU's academic calendar across disciplines. Semester results now available for multiple programmes Students who appeared in either the April 2025 BSc special exams or the regular November 2024 UG and PG exams can now check their results using their roll numbers. The university has advised students to treat the online results as provisional and to await official marksheets for final verification. The announcement is part of the university's continued effort to streamline academic operations and provide timely access to examination outcomes. Direct link to check the MKU result 2025 About Madurai Kamaraj University Established in 1966, Madurai Kamaraj University is a state public university recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and reaccredited by NAAC with an A++ grade. Its sprawling 600-acre campus on the Madurai–Theni highway houses 77 departments and offers 46 postgraduate, 43 and 50 Ph.D. programmes. With oversight of 94 affiliated colleges, MKU ranks among India's top universities (63rd in NIRF 2024) and is widely respected for its decentralised governance, academic innovation, and community outreach. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
