Latest news with #HoloLens
CairoScene
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Ahmed Helmy is Narrating an AR Pyramid Tour at Grand Egyptian Museum
Visitors to the Grand Egyptian Museum can now explore holographic pyramids in a narrated experience voiced by actor Ahmed Helmy and powered by augmented reality headsets. Jul 10, 2025 Egyptian actor Ahmed Helmy is lending his voice to Egypt's most iconic landmarks: the Pyramids. Famed for his roles in films like 'Aboud Ala El Hedoud', 'Keda Reda' and 'Asal Iswed', Helmy's all-too-familiar voice is narrating a new mixed-reality experience at the Grand Egyptian Museum, guiding visitors through a reimagined exploration of the Pyramids and ancient Egypt. Using Microsoft's HoloLens headset, the experience layers digital reconstructions over the real-world environment, offering visitors a new perspective of these ancient monuments that practically feels sci-fi.
India Today
03-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Tech layoffs: Microsoft, IBM, Intel continue to cut jobs, over 1 lakh jobs slashed in 2025
In what is shaping up to be another brutal year for the tech sector, more than 100,000 jobs have been slashed globally in 2025. Leading technology companies like Intel, Meta, and Google are continuing to trim their workforce as they grapple with economic pressures, restructuring efforts, and shifting priorities in the AI era. Microsoft is the latest to announce a fresh round of layoffs, with 9,100 employees set to lose their jobs, primarily in the Xbox and gaming units. Let's take a look at some of the major tech layoffs announced in 2025 so hits hard across gaming and cloudMicrosoft has announced one of its largest job cuts this year, laying off 9,100 employees – nearly 4 per cent of its workforce. The layoffs hit its Xbox and gaming divisions especially hard. Xbox head Phil Spencer said the company is "ending or decreasing work in certain areas" to focus on strategic growth. Bloomberg also reported that King, the studio behind Candy Crush, will cut about 200 has already laid off over 6,000 workers this year, following a reduction of 305 positions in June and earlier performance-based cuts. A Business Insider report highlighted that these terminations included immediate revocation of system access and no healthcare continuation. Some employees also claimed they received no severance pay. The wave of layoffs builds on last year's job losses at Microsoft, which included 1,900 Activision Blizzard staff, cuts to the Azure cloud and HoloLens teams, and hundreds more at Xbox in September axes chip teams, 20 per cent cuts comingadvertisementIntel is also undergoing a massive restructuring under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan. In July, 107 employees at its Santa Clara headquarters will lose their jobs. The company is also shutting down its automotive chip unit in Germany, laying off nearly the entire layoffs, potentially affecting 20 per cent of Intel's global workforce, are planned in mid-July. These include senior engineers working on chip design, cloud architecture, and even executive roles. Internal memos suggest its chip manufacturing staff will be hit the has defended the move as part of a broader strategy to eliminate bloated team structures and shift to lean, efficient operations. He said Intel must stop tying leadership success to large headcounts and start empowering smaller, more focused has done four rounds of layoffs in 2025Amazon, last month, announced that it is cutting jobs in the very division where it began -- its Books business. The lay-offs will impact employees across Kindle and Goodreads teams. While fewer than 100 workers were affected, the decision is part of a much wider trend of staggered job cuts at the tech giant. A spokesperson told Reuters that the move was part of Amazon's efforts to 'make our teams and programs operate more efficiently, and to better align with our business roadmap.' But the Books division isn't the only one being hit. In the last few months, Amazon has cut roles across multiple teams including its devices and services group, the Wondery podcast arm, and its communications marks the fourth round of layoffs at Amazon in 2025 alone. And the cuts may get deeper. According to Financial Express, Amazon is planning to reduce around 14,000 managerial roles globally, or nearly 13 percent of its leadership staff, as part of an ongoing cost-cutting plan. Once complete, the total number of managers at the company could drop to just under 92, laid off thousands of employees this yearIBM has reportedly let go of around 8,000 employees, with most of the layoffs said to be concentrated in the company's Human Resources department. The move follows an internal shift towards automation, with AI now handling many of the tasks that were previously done by earlier this month, IBM is said to have replaced 200 HR roles with AI systems capable of performing routine functions – like managing internal paperwork, responding to employee questions, or sorting information. These tools are built to take over repetitive work that doesn't require human discretion. As IBM expands its use of AI, the impact on jobs appears to be growing cuts 240 jobsInfosys has reportedly let go of 240 entry-level employees after they were unable to clear the company's internal assessments. This marks the second such layoff in recent months. Back in February 2025, over 300 freshers were let go under similar circumstances. Those impacted in the latest round were hired as System Engineers (SE) and Digital Specialist Engineers (DSE). Many had been waiting for more than two years after receiving their offer letters during the pandemic and were finally onboarded in late trims product teamsGoogle, too, has joined the list of tech firms cutting jobs. Hundreds of roles have been eliminated in its Platforms and Devices division, which oversees Android, Pixel, and Chrome. This follows a round of layoffs in its Cloud and HR units earlier in the year.A Google spokesperson told The Information that these changes are part of a broader effort to streamline operations after team mergers. The company has also offered voluntary exit programmes and pushed for a more agile structure across product meanwhile, kicked off the year with a 5 per cent workforce reduction – cutting around 3,600 staff identified as 'low performers' – even as it ramped up hiring for AI-related roles. Meta also laid off over 100 people from its Reality Labs division, which works on VR and companies join the downsizing trendTech layoffs in 2025 haven't been limited to the big players. Companies across the board have resorted to staff cuts to save costs and adjust to the changing which runs WordPress, laid off 16 per cent of its staff, affecting around 270 cut 300 roles in its Dublin office, or 10 per cent of its workforce Electric laid off over 1,000 workers in its second round of cuts in five eliminated 2,000 jobs under its 'Future Now' restructuring also cut more than 1,000 employees, while continuing to hire in Origin let go of more than 1,000 workers, primarily in laid off 10–12 technical writers as it leaned into AI-generated Arts reportedly cut up to 400 roles, including 100 at Respawn slashed 5,600 jobs, largely from its automation and EV charging Group reduced its staff by 13 per cent as part of a cut 5 per cent of its global workforce, citing strategic are tech layoffs still rising?While the industry saw a wave of layoffs in 2023 and 2024, the trend has shown no signs of slowing in 2025. The reasons vary: AI-driven restructuring, high inflation, weak consumer demand, rising interest rates, and reduced spending from businesses have all forced companies to rethink their strategies and tighten budgets. However, while thousands are being laid off, companies are also hiring – just for different roles. AI-related positions continue to grow, as firms restructure around automation, machine learning, and cost efficiency.- Ends
Hans India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Tech Layoffs Surge in 2025: Microsoft, Intel, IBM Among Major Companies Slashing Jobs Amid AI Restructuring
The tech industry is witnessing another tough year in 2025, with job cuts crossing the 100,000 marks globally. Amid economic pressure, AI-driven transformation, and internal restructuring, industry giants such as Microsoft, Intel, IBM, and others are continuing to reduce their workforce at an alarming rate. Microsoft: Major Cuts in Gaming and Cloud Microsoft has confirmed one of its most significant layoffs this year, impacting 9,100 employees — about 4% of its global workforce. The cuts are hitting the Xbox and gaming units particularly hard. According to Xbox chief Phil Spencer, the company is 'ending or decreasing work in certain areas' to prioritize strategic growth. Additionally, King, the Candy Crush developer, is letting go of around 200 staff, Bloomberg reported. This follows earlier layoffs in June, where Microsoft reduced 305 roles. Over 6,000 positions have already been eliminated this year, with reports from Business Insider stating that employees were given immediate system access termination and, in some cases, denied severance or continued healthcare coverage. These layoffs continue a trend from 2024, where nearly 1,900 Activision Blizzard employees were let go, alongside cuts in Azure, HoloLens, and Xbox teams. Intel: Deep Cuts and Structural Overhaul Intel, under the leadership of new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, is undertaking an aggressive internal overhaul. This month, 107 roles will be eliminated at its Santa Clara headquarters. The company has also decided to shut down its automotive chip division in Germany, nearly wiping out the entire team. More drastic changes are expected, with insiders suggesting up to 20% of the global workforce could be laid off — including senior engineers and executive roles. Tan emphasized a shift to leaner teams and noted, 'Intel must stop tying leadership success to large headcounts and start empowering smaller, more focused teams.' Amazon: Multiple Waves of Job Cuts Amazon is also continuing its workforce reduction. Its most recent layoffs affected staff in its Books business — including Kindle and Goodreads — impacting fewer than 100 employees. But this marks the fourth round of cuts in 2025, affecting departments like Devices & Services, Wondery, and Communications. Looking ahead, Financial Express reports that Amazon may cut around 14,000 managerial roles globally — nearly 13% of its leadership — as part of broader cost-saving efforts. IBM: Automation Takes Over HR IBM's layoffs in 2025 amount to around 8,000 jobs, largely from its Human Resources department. AI-driven automation has taken center stage at the company, replacing roles that previously involved routine tasks. In a recent move, IBM replaced 200 HR jobs with AI systems designed to handle employee queries, internal documentation, and data processing. Other Companies Following Suit Google has trimmed teams within its Platforms and Devices unit, following earlier layoffs in Cloud and HR. Meta started the year by removing 5% of its staff, targeting "low performers." Additional cuts followed in its Reality Labs division. Outside the big players, the downsizing trend spans the industry: Infosys terminated 240 entry-level employees over failed internal assessments. Canva laid off technical writers in favor of AI-generated content. HP, Blue Origin, Siemens, Match Group, and CrowdStrike have all made significant cuts. Why the Surge? Several factors are driving these layoffs: inflation, high interest rates, reduced spending, and a shift toward automation and AI. While roles are being slashed, many firms continue to hire in AI and emerging tech — pointing to a dramatic redefinition of the industry's workforce.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Microsoft layoffs 2025: This division may be hit next week after 6,000 already laid off in May
Microsoft Xbox layoffs are set to hit as early as next week in what's being called a major restructuring across the tech giant. The company is reportedly planning substantial job cuts in its Xbox gaming division, along with other areas like sales and distribution, especially in Central Europe. These layoffs follow earlier rounds that have already impacted over 10,000 employees across Activision Blizzard, HoloLens, and cloud units. As Microsoft prepares for its next generation Xbox consoles, the internal shake-up shows how seriously it's reshaping its future. Read more to understand who's affected and what this means for Xbox's future. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why is Microsoft planning more Xbox layoffs now? How big could this round of Xbox layoffs be? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 1,900 layoffs in January 2024 across Activision Blizzard and Xbox Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks and Redfall developer Arkane Austin shut down in May 2024 6,000 cuts across various divisions in May 2025 300+ employees impacted earlier in June 2025 650 Xbox employees laid off in September 2024 Cuts in HoloLens and Azure cloud teams in June 2024 What parts of Microsoft will be affected besides Xbox? Microsoft Xbox Layoffs – Key Data Layoff Timeline : Expected to begin as early as next week (June 24–30, 2025). Coincides with the end of Microsoft's fiscal year on June 30. : Scope of Layoffs : Affects Xbox gaming division, including hardware, software, studios, and support teams. Sales and distribution roles, especially in Central Europe, will face cuts. Xbox's Central Europe operations may be partially or fully dissolved. : Previous Layoffs : June 2025 : Over 6,000 job cuts across the company. Earlier June 2025 : Additional 300+ cuts reported. January 2024 : 1,900 layoffs at Xbox, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard. May 2024 : Closure of studios including Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks. September 2024 : 650 job losses in gaming and cloud sectors. 2023 total : Over 10,000 layoffs company-wide, affecting HoloLens, Azure, and Activision Blizzard units. : Strategic Goals : Part of broader restructuring to improve profitability post–Activision Blizzard acquisition ($68.7B deal). Preparation for next-generation Xbox consoles. Focus on digital efficiency and cost reduction across gaming and sales divisions. : Regional Impact : Central Europe Xbox offices targeted for closure or restructuring. Reports suggest some regions may lose local Xbox distribution entirely. : Is Microsoft planning for a new Xbox console generation? Has Microsoft commented on the layoffs? FAQs: Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Microsoft is preparing for major Xbox layoffs next week, part of a broader wave of job cuts across the company. According to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier and additional details by Tom Warren, the tech giant is reportedly reorganizing its Xbox gaming division and other key departments, including sales. This will mark the fourth round of layoffs within Xbox over the past 18 months. Sources say managers have already been briefed, and the upcoming cuts are expected to be 'substantial.' These new cuts come as Microsoft continues to reshape its gaming business ahead of the next generation of Xbox is looking to restructure its Xbox business, especially how it distributes Xbox consoles and services across regions like Central Europe. According to sources quoted by Warren, some operations are expected to cease completely in certain European countries. This shake-up seems to be part of Microsoft's broader strategy to prepare for its next console cycle and adapt to shifting market move comes shortly after the company laid offin addition to more than 300 workers affected earlier this month. Microsoft has already been through multiple layoff rounds in its gaming segment, including 1,900 job cuts in January 2024 related to its Activision Blizzard acquisition, followed by the closure of well-known game studios like Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin in May Microsoft hasn't confirmed the total number of jobs to be cut in this new round, Schreier described it as 'expected to be big.' The upcoming Xbox layoffs will follow earlier workforce reductions, including:Altogether, Microsoft has already cut more than 10,000 jobs in the past year, and this new round could push the total even Xbox layoffs are part of a company-wide restructuring, with Microsoft expected to cut jobs in other departments as well, including its sales organization. These changes come right at the start of the new financial year, suggesting a strategic reset across multiple business units. Managers across divisions have been briefed, pointing to widespread changes rather than isolated team one of the key drivers behind this restructuring is Microsoft's focus on preparing for its next generation of Xbox consoles. While details on the upcoming hardware remain under wraps, it's clear that the company is reshaping teams and distribution to support future goals. With competition heating up and game publishing evolving rapidly, Microsoft appears to be aligning its resources to remain competitive in the long far, Microsoft has declined to comment on the reports regarding Xbox layoffs and broader job cuts. Bloomberg and The Verge both noted that Microsoft didn't respond to multiple requests for a statement. The lack of an official response is not unusual during internal restructuring, but it has left many employees and fans speculating about the scope and future of Xbox these internal changes, Microsoft continues to make headlines in other areas. For instance, Xbox has been named the "top publisher" on PlayStation consoles, according to Microsoft itself. Also, gaming insiders have teased a Fallout 3 Remastered release date, generating buzz among upcoming Microsoft Xbox layoffs reflect broader industry trends of consolidation, cost-cutting, and strategic refocusing. While painful for affected employees, these changes suggest Microsoft is making bold moves to shape the future of its gaming division. As the company navigates this transition, all eyes will be on how it manages talent, delivers new content, and prepares for the next era of console gaming.A: Microsoft is restructuring Xbox and cutting jobs to prepare for the next-gen console strategy.A: Microsoft has laid off over 10,000 employees across Xbox and related teams in the past 18 months.
The Verge
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Verge
Microsoft planning ‘major' Xbox layoffs next week
Microsoft is planning to cut jobs in the company's Xbox gaming business, as early as next week. I first reported in Notepad earlier this month that Microsoft was planning Xbox layoffs 'potentially by the end of the month,' and now Bloomberg says a round of 'major layoffs' is due next week. I understand managers at Microsoft have been briefed about Xbox cuts and wider layoffs in other parts of Microsoft's businesses. The upcoming cuts are also expected to hit Microsoft's sales organization, just at the start of a new financial year. These latest layoffs will be in addition to the 6,000 cuts Microsoft already made in May, and on top of the more than 300 impacted earlier this month, too. Any major Xbox cuts will be the latest in a series of big gaming-related layoffs over the past 18 months, after Microsoft laid off 1,900 Activision Blizzard and Xbox employees in January 2024 and then in May 2024 the company closed several game studios, including Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks and Redfall developer Arkane Austin. Microsoft also laid off 650 more Xbox employees in September, and also cut around 1,000 employees from its HoloLens and Azure cloud teams in June last year.
