The changes will take effect from January 26, with users being notified of the unavailability of these features beyond this date. Google has stated that the aim of these changes is to create a more consistent user experience. However, the timing of the feature cuts coincides with Google's downsizing of the team responsible for the app's development, and the company's recent layoff of hundreds of workers from its hardware and engineering divisions.
Key takeaways:
- Google Assistant is set to lose 17 features that Google claims are underutilized, including voice control options for Fitbit devices and a meditation integration with Calm.
- The changes come as Google is in the process of laying off a significant number of staff, including many from the Google Assistant team.
- Starting from January 26, users who try to access these features will receive a notification explaining their unavailability.
- Google has recently laid off hundreds of workers from its hardware and engineering divisions, the most significant cut since it laid off 12,000 workers early last year.