Google on Wednesday said it was phasing out Google Labs. Its experimental side was going away as the company shifted its attention to finished, public-ready projects. The company wanted a “greater focus” on what it released, senior research VP Bill Coughran explained.
Most of the shutdown would involve closing off experimental projects on the web and in Android apps. However, some of this would be folded into other, larger work. Many Android-related features would still be available, although it was hinted they might not be updated.
The decision comes a few months after Larry Page took over the CEO spot and is likely the direct result of his new management style. Page has spent much of his leadership since April trimming down much of Google’s work to avoid duplication and make sure that more of it reaches users. It’s this focus that has been credited to the rapid implementation and adoption of Google+ as well as large strides in profit for his first month in the CEO spot.
Google was at one time near-infamous for leaving its features in a testing state, including a years-long ‘beta’ of Gmail that had tens of millions of people adopting it before it it became final
