Google's R&D division 'Area 120' hit significantly in layoffs

by IANS |

San Francisco, Jan 21 (IANS) As Google's parent company Alphabet laid off 12,000 employees, its in-house research and development (R&D) division called Area 120 has also been significantly hit.

Area 120 has launched several products, like gaming platform GameSnacks, an AirTable rival called Tables, an AI-powered conversational ads platform AdLingo, video platforms Tangi and Shoploop, and more.

Majority of the Area 120 team has been "winded down", reports TechCrunch.

"Employees in the US who were affected have been notified [of layoffs at Area 120, but in other countries this process will take longer, and is subject to local laws and practices," a company spokesperson was quoted as saying in the report.

"Our managing partner of Area 120 remains at the company,a the spokesperson added.

According to earlier reports, the in-house R&D division had around 100 employees.

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Friday said that he is "deeply sorry" for reducing the workforce by approximately 12,000 roles, and takes "full responsibility for the decisions that led us here".

In an email to employees, Pichai said the company has already sent a separate email to employees in the US who are affected by the layoffs.

"In other countries, this process will take longer due to local laws and practices," he added.

The roles the company is eliminating cut across Alphabet, product areas, functions, levels, and regions.

Latest News
After ASI's murder in Munger, RJD slams Nitish govt over 'deteriorating' law & order Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 02:57 PM
MP: Sorcerer's 'exorcism' ritual leaves six-month-old gravely injured Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 02:54 PM
Zimbabwe records 124 cholera cases amid latest outbreak Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 02:53 PM
WHO, MSF urge concerted efforts to contain cholera outbreak in western Ethiopia Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 02:40 PM
Cote d'Ivoire, Brazil enhance cooperation in aviation, trade, education Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 02:21 PM
Owaisi should read history so he can come to senses: Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 02:20 PM
Formula 1: Norris pips Piastri to take pole in qualifying at Australian GP Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 02:19 PM
Holi hooliganism: 1,213 motorists fined for drunken driving in Delhi Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 02:17 PM
IPL 2025: Auction was a nerve-wracking experience, happy to be joining DC, says KL Rahul Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 02:17 PM
Man arrested for vandalizing vehicle in Shekhawat's convoy during Rav ji ki Gair Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 02:16 PM
India's trade flourished in Q4 2024, defied global risks: UN Report Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 12:57 PM
TMC MLA responds to show-cause notice, refuses to withdraw comments Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 12:52 PM
IML 2025: West Indies Masters beat Sri Lanka by 6-run, to meet India Masters in final Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 12:51 PM
ISL announces dates for 2024-25 season playoffs, final to be played on April 12 Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 12:50 PM
US consumer sentiment slumps for third month in a row amid tariff chaos Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 12:46 PM