Google drops Labs but 20% time remains

Search giant Google will drop its Google Labs program, but the 20% time promised to every employee will still remain in place, the company has announced.

Google Labs is the part of the company where projects designed during 20% time appear for public use. However, with the company now attempting to streamline its products under the direction of chief executive Larry Page, the Labs will be taken offline.

“While we’ve learned a huge amount by launching very early prototypes in Labs, we believe that greater focus is crucial if we’re to make the most of the extraordinary opportunities ahead,” it announced in its blog.

“In many cases, this will mean ending Labs experiments – in others we’ll incorporate Labs products and technologies into different product areas.”

Google has confirmed to Mashable and TechCrunch that 20% time will remain, but it is understood this time will be directed towards innovating on existing products.