Paul Stenhouse: Facebook and Microsoft announce layoffs, Google's AI integration in Chrome, and Apple's new CEO

Big tech is continuing to shrink   Facebook and Microsoft have both announced they're cutting back the headcount.   Facebook will lay off 10% of its 80,000 strong workforce in May, according to a report in Bloomberg. It will also cancel 6,000 open roles. They say it's to "offset the other investments they're making" into AI and their failed efforts in the Metaverse.    Microsoft is offering retirement buyouts to 7% of its staff. If your age plus your tenure at Microsoft adds to 70 or more, you qualify. It's thought this will help avoid mass layoffs instead (or at least minimize them).      Google wants Chrome to be your AI-workmate   As part of their Google Cloud event in Vegas, they announced that Gemini would be able to view your open tabs, then fill forms, book travel, and schedule meetings. It means any web-based software would be able to work with the AI, not just those with special connectors or APIs. At this stage, a human (aka you) will still need to check and confirm the AIs work before an action takes place. They'll also be offering the ability for Enterprise customers to snoop on the open tabs to detect any unsanctioned AI tools.      Tim Cook is stepping down as CEO of Apple   His successor is a hardware expert. If Steve Jobs was the visionary, Tim Cook was the operator, and John Ternus is the builder. He comes from the hardware engineering side of the business and is credited as a key contributor to the launch of the iPad and AirPods, and various generations of MacBooks and iPhones including the new iPhone Air.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.