Microsoft Lays Off Consumer R&D Group in Ongoing Cost Cuts
Microsoft cuts staff from its Modern Life Experiences group, the consumer-focused R&D team behind apps like Family Safety and Money in Excel. The exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed.
Microsoft makes additional workforce cuts this week by laying off employees in its Modern Life Experiences (MLX) group, a consumer-focused research and development division. The layoffs also impact contracted recruiters in various cities, although a Microsoft spokesperson declines to share the exact number of affected workers. This reduction follows earlier job cuts in July that affected the Office and Windows divisions.
The MLX group originates from Microsoft's 2015 acquisition of Mobile Data Labs, the creator of the popular mileage-tracking app MileIQ. Over the years, the team expands its focus to develop the first versions of the Microsoft Family Safety apps for iOS and Android. The group also launches Money in Excel, a feature that allows users to connect financial accounts directly to spreadsheets for personalized insights.
At one point, Microsoft relies on the MLX group to help win back consumers through "prosumer" products and family-oriented services like Kids Mode for Edge. The dissolution of this specific team raises questions about whether Microsoft is shifting its overall consumer strategy. The tech giant continues to navigate a changing economic landscape while deciding which consumer projects to prioritize moving forward.