New Delhi, Oct. 29 -- Amazon has laid off around 250 employees in its devices and services division, with workers informed of the decision through early morning emails and text messages on Wednesday.

Amazon job cuts come weeks after the company unveiled new Kindle e-readers and tablet computers.

Amazon confirmed the layoffs following an inquiry by Reuters, saying the decision was intended to improve efficiency and bring staffing in line with its product plans. Most of the affected employees worked in software development, according to a person familiar with the matter.

"We've made the difficult decision to eliminate a small number of roles," an Amazon spokesperson said, without providing further details.

The latest job cuts were conce...