Microsoft Trims Consumer Research Unit in Latest Layoff Round
Microsoft lays off an undisclosed number of employees in its Modern Life Experiences group, a team responsible for consumer-focused projects like Money in Excel and Family Safety apps.
Microsoft makes additional workforce cuts this week by laying off employees in its Modern Life Experiences (MLX) group, a division focused on consumer-facing research and development. This latest reduction follows a larger round of layoffs in July that impacted the company's Office and Windows divisions, and also includes contracted recruiters in cities like Chicago. A Microsoft spokesperson declines to specify the exact number of affected employees but does not deny the recent cuts.
The MLX group originates from Microsoft's 2015 acquisition of Mobile Data Labs, the creator of the popular MileIQ mileage-tracking app. Over the years, the team expands its scope to develop the Family Safety applications for iOS and Android, launch the Money in Excel financial tracking feature, and incubate new consumer experiences across Windows, Xbox, and mobile platforms.
These consumer-focused initiatives represent Microsoft's broader strategy to win back everyday users through prosumer products, which also includes Kids Mode for Edge and personal Microsoft 365 subscriptions. It remains unclear whether the dismantling of the MLX group signals a permanent shift away from these consumer-centric efforts or simply a reallocation of resources within the tech giant.