Google goes all ‘Logan’s Run’ on Motorola brainiacs
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In the sci-fi movie “Logan’s Run,” people had a crystal on their hand. When they turned 30, the crystal turned black and it was time to die.
Google is adopting a similar approach for scientists and engineers at its Motorola mobile-phone operation. According to the New York Times, the brainiacs will be given just two years to come up with something smart. After that, adios.
Regina Dugan, formerly of the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, is running the show. She says having just two years to do your thing creates a sense of urgency.
DARPA scientists sport their resignation dates on their name tags. It’s unclear whether Google/Motorola employees will be equally transparent in their end times.
The “Logan’s Run” spin on things is just one way that Google is trying to revitalize Motorola and kick-start its mobile-device business.
The search giant also says it will lay off 20% of Motorola Mobility’s workforce and close a third of its 94 offices worldwide. About a third of the lost jobs will be in the United States.
Google has also said sayonara to 40% of Motorola’s vice presidents and is shrinking operations abroad.
Fun fact: Google’s CEO, Larry Page, is 39. His hand crystal has been black for years.
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