Microsoft’s Israel-based HoloLens team hit with layoffs

60 jobs have been cut from Microsoft’s HoloLens team in Isreal, the company has confirmed.

Techcrunchreports 30 full-time staff and 30 contractors are out of the job this week based on the decision to "wind down work" on HoloLens in the country, and to switch development focus to a "different technology" in the US.

"As needed, we increase investments in some areas and de-invest in others which results in the movement of jobs across the organisation, and at times, job eliminations," Microsoft stated. "Our priority is to work with and support employees affected by this decision."

The Israel-based HoloLens team formed from 3DV Systems – a startup Microsoft acquired in 2009. HoloLens itself is currently scheduled to launch with a $3000 price tag in Q1 2016.