Amazon cut about 250 jobs, primarily in software development, in its devices and services unit on Wednesday, its second round of layoffs this month ahead of third-quarter earnings.
Amazon cut about 250 jobs on Wednesday in its devices and services unit, after weeks of product rollouts including new Kindle e-readers and tablet computers.
The company confirmed the cuts after a Reuters inquiry, saying it had made the difficult decision to eliminate a small number of roles. A person familiar with the matter said the cuts affected no more than 250 jobs, primarily in software development. The company said the layoffs would help it operate more efficiently and better align with its product roadmap. Workers were told in text messages and emails early on Wednesday morning, including one from human resources vice president Cherie Robinson saying the company had conducted a thorough review of its structure.
Amazon also announced a new Alexa-powered alarm clock and photo frame on Wednesday, underlining the contrast between the unit's public launches and its internal cuts. Earlier this month, Amazon pared about 1,000 jobs in its core retail division, making this the company's second round of layoffs in October.
The number of roles and the software-development focus are consistent across the Reuters report and its republications, while the company itself did not give a precise headcount or name the affected teams. Amazon reports third-quarter earnings after the market closes on Thursday, when investors will look for whether the cost-cutting extends further and how the devices business is performing after its autumn launches.