Kodak, AOL Announce Job Cuts

By Geoff Duncan January 29, 2009

Kodak, AOL Announce Job Cuts

The tough economic times are slamming every industry—for instance, Boeing and Starbucks both announced major job cuts in the last two days—and technology companies are continuing to feel the pinch. Photography giant Kodak has announced it plans to cut between 3,500 and 4,500 positions during 2009, a move which would represent a 14 to 18 percent reduction in its total workforce. Between 2,000 and 3,000 of those positions will be eliminated through a restructuring plan the company announced today, but the reductions will also include executive positions—and the company announced no execs are getting performance-based compensation in 2009.

“The second half of 2008 will go down in history as one of the most challenging periods we have seen in decades,” said Kodak chairman and CEO Antonio M. Perez, in a statement. The company reported an operating loss of $133 million for its fourth quarter of 2008, and blames a sharp decline in its digital and film photography business for the restructuring and layoffs.

In addition, industry reports have the one-mighty AOL getting ready to lay off about 700 people, or roughly 10 percent of its staff, due to a downturn in its digital advertising business. The company is also restructuring around three primary areas: People Networks (sharing, communications, and social networking), MediaGlow (its in-house content studio), and Platform-A (its online advertising unit). In addition, AOL is reportedly looking to sell off portions of its international operations. Most of AOL’s staff is located in the U.S., and the company expects more of the layoffs will be completed by the second quarter of 2009.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Smart Home

Everything announced at Amazon’s 2022 Fall Event: new Echos, Fire TVs, Kindle Scribe, and more

Amazon Astro in a build with Ring Virtual Security Guard on its screen.

Amazon announced everything from new Echos, to security cameras, to Fire TVs, and more at its September 28 devices and services event. The new hardware underscores a commitment to what the company dubs "ambient intelligence:" every interaction should be intuitive, proactive, and personalized to help you enjoy the here and now. What's the secret sauce that lets Amazon deliver these contextual experiences? Sensors. Many of the products announced today come with sensors designed to help monitor and enhance a person's environment and experience. Of course, you can adjust the settings to still keep your data private.

Most of the products will be available later this year, with others (ahem, Astro) coming one day. We've rounded up everything Amazon announced today.
Amazon smart speakers

Deals

This Labor Day electric bike deal at REI cuts 20% off the price

Two people riding Co-op Cycles-CTY-E22 electric bikes on a gravel road.

If you're searching for an economical, environment-friendly way to commute or get around town, check out this electric bike deal. REI has knocked $540 off the $2,699 list price of the Co-op Cycles CTY e2.2 electric bike -- that's a savings of 20% when you buy it for $2,159 during this sale. The manufacturer is discontinuing this model, but that shouldn't dissuade you from taking advantage of the excellent deal on a sturdy e-bike with REI's Coast to Coast Support. The only downside is supplies are limited and they're not making any more, so don't lose out.
Buy Now
If you read e-bike reviews, you know that the wide range of designs, top speed, and electric-assisted range can vary significantly depending on the electric bike's primary intended use. Co-op Cycle's CTY e2.2 is built on a rugged 6061 aluminum frame suitable for the varied challenges of urban cycling. The CTY has a mid-drive 250-watt Shimano electric motor. Mid-drive motors have the advantage of smooth and relatively quiet operation. A Shimano 36-volt 504-watt-hour battery pumps out 60 Newton meters of torque to accelerate faster and help you mount sidewalks, hills, and upgrades. The CTY e2.2's motor is an upgrade from the previous CTY e2.1 model. The e2.2 also adds fenders and an improved range, up to 50 miles per charge.

The CTY e2.2 is a Class 1 e-bike, which means you can take advantage of electric assistance when you pedal, with the top speed limited to 20 miles per hour. You can ride the bike without the electric boost and just use the assistance when pulling away from a stop or on tough hills if you still want to get a good workout when you ride. You cannot power this bike with a throttle; the electric power is only available when you pedal. Like all the best electric bikes, the CTY e2.2 has hydraulic disc brakes front and rear for strong, smooth stopping power. Its Suntour front fork suspension can alleviate some of the bump if you hit potholes, rocks, or curbs while you ride, but the 1.95-inch tires don't offer the extra cushioning you can get with fatter tires. The bike has a standard rear rack, which makes it easy to attach panniers or baskets for carrying groceries or packages. When you buy the CTY e2.2 from REI online you you get the significant advantages of free bike assembly, in-store or curbside pickup, and one year of free adjustments. All bikes need periodic adjustments, so it's a big deal that you can get assistance from the experts at REI stores nationwide.

Mobile

Everything announced at Google I/O 2022: Pixel 6a, Pixel Watch, search enhancements and more!

A phone running Android 13.

Google held its keynote address at its annual developer's conference, Google I/O. As expected, we got a ton of announcements regarding Google's plans for both hardware and software. We got updates about Android 13, Chrome OS, the Pixel 6a, the Pixel Watch, Nest Hub, and more. Here's the rundown of everything from today's keynote.
How to watch Google I/O 2022
Did you miss the keynote? You can still watch the whole thing on YouTube (below) or at Google's I/O website: io.google/2022. While you're there, you can take part in a few other breakout sessions that we recommend.

These sessions and the keynote itself will be available to stream for up to two weeks after the event at the Google I/O website above. Here's what was covered during the keynote.