Jack Dorsey’s plan to lay off almost 1,000 employees in a new restructuring of his company | Technology

Block, Jack Dorsey’s Financial Technology Company, is letting go of nearly 1,000 current employees while also implementing other changes to its business in its second major move in over a year.

Dorsey, who co-founded Twitter before founding the Block in 2009 and previously served as the CEO of Twitter, informed employees of the impending layoffs in an email titled “Small Block,” which was seen by the Guardian. The layoffs will impact over 930 employees, transition almost 200 managers to unmanaged roles, and close nearly 800 open positions.

Block operates payment platform Square, money transfer app CashApp, and music streaming service Tidal.

Dorsey stated in the email that the layoffs and organizational changes were not aimed at specific financial targets, replacing individuals with AI, or changing staffing limits. This reorganization follows a previous one in early 2024, where around 1,000 employees were laid off and Dorsey reduced the workforce to approximately 12,000 employees.

Instead, Dorsey explained that this latest reorganization is intended to raise performance standards, streamline the organization, and promote quicker decision-making. Last year, Dorsey used a similar approach in notifying staff about layoffs, emphasizing the need to “rebuild like a startup.”

In the recent email, Dorsey expressed that “we have been slow to act, and that is not fair to individuals or the company.”

The Block’s stocks have declined by 29% this year. Despite Dorsey taking on more operational responsibilities, concerns have been raised by shareholders about the company’s revenue and profits. Dorsey highlighted in the email that part of his role is to increase the company’s stock value, and the reorganization will enable them to focus and execute effectively towards that goal.

“When we identify a need for action, we must act decisively, and there has been a lack of action,” the CEO stated. “We need to enhance accessibility, transparency, and automation as our industry must evolve quickly to stay ahead of changing trends.”

A spokesperson for the Block did not respond to requests for comments or emails.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Google quietly discontinues popular apps as part of restructuring efforts

Google is removing popular apps in a new shake-up within the company.

The Google Play Movies & TV app will be retired soon.

The service has already been removed from Roku devices and most smart TVs, and over the next few weeks, Google plans to continue shutting down the service until it’s gone completely. It’s still available on Android TV and the Google Play Store, but not for much longer.

“We’re making several changes to simplify the way you buy new movies and access the movies and TV shows you buy through Google,” the company said in a statement. Posted in support thread Android TV Help.

Starting January 17th, users will no longer be able to access content through Play Movies & TV. But don’t worry, your rented or purchased movies won’t be lost forever. All your purchased movies and TV will be transferred to Android TV and YouTube.

“As a result of these changes, Google Play Movies & TV will no longer be available on Android TV devices or the Google Play website,” Google explained. “However, you will still have access to all previously purchased titles (including active rentals) on Android TV devices, Google TV devices, the Google TV mobile app (Android and iOS), and YouTube.”

The tech giant has been slowly discontinuing its Play Movies & TV app since launching a standalone TV app in 2021.


Starting January 17th, users will no longer be able to access content through Play Movies & TV. Daniel Krassoa – Stock.adobe.com

When this change takes effect on January 17th, people with Android TV-powered TVs or streaming devices will be able to watch previously purchased titles or purchase new movies from the Shop tab. Purchased titles and active rentals will be displayed.

On a cable box or set-top box with Android TV, the YouTube app stores all your previously purchased content. YouTube is also the new content home for people using web browsers.

These changes come on the heels of Google removing inactive Gmail accounts in a cybersecurity effort and introducing an AI-powered makeover with five new features.

Source: nypost.com