Microsoft announces mass layoffs

Microsoft is laying off approximately 1,000 employees in the mixed reality and cloud areas, responsible for developing the HoloLens glasses, and also in the Azure cloud service. The layoffs began on Monday (3) and are part of adjustments in the organization and workforce necessary for efficient business management, as informed by company spokesperson Craig Cincotta.

Mass layoffs

In an interview with the technology portal “The Verge”, Cincotta claimed that the layoffs are part of organizational and workforce adjustments considered essential and common in the company's management.

Although the spokesperson did not mention concrete information about cuts at Azure, “Business Insider” reported that sources familiar with the matter confirm that hundreds of workers at the company have been laid off. The company also stated that there has been a restructuring of Microsoft's mixed reality organization and reiterated its commitment to the Department of Defense's IVAS program, promising to continue providing cutting-edge technology to support soldiers, even in the face of layoffs in the mixed reality area.

HoloLens 2 device

HoloLens 2 is a device that combines physical and virtual reality for interactions in various sectors, such as industries, hospitals, schools and military activities, promising greater efficiency and productivity. Launched in the USA in 2019, it arrived in Brazil in 2023 costing almost R$60,000, with two versions available: conventional HoloLens 2 and HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition.

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_{Participants use Microsoft's HoloLens 2 at MWC Barcelona, ​​2023 (Photo: reproduction/ Angel Garcia/Bloomberg/ Getty Images Embed)}

The user of this technology can interact with holograms and physical objects, in addition to carrying out various activities, ranging from remote surgeries to industrial training. When connected to Microsoft Teams, it allows remote communication and instructions in real time, standing out as an innovation in mixed reality.

_{HoloLens 2 presentation video (Video: Reproduction/ Prime House/ YouTube Embed)}

Azure cloud service

Azure is a cloud computing company that belongs to the giant Microsoft, dedicated to the management, access and development of applications and services, having a range of products and solutions for various areas such as healthcare, financial services, government, retail and manufacturing. Initially, it was launched in 2010 as Windows Azure, and renamed Microsoft Azure in 2014. Currently, it has a position of excellence in the market, with AWS (Amazon) and GCP (Google) as competitors.

Featured Photo: Microsoft logo (Reproduction/Joan Cros/NurPhoto/ Getty Images Embed)