Motorola Making Changes To Cell-Phone Software, Plans Layoffs

October 29, 2008 9:41 a.m. EST

Chicago, IL (AHN) - Schaumburg-based cell-phone giant Motorola is reportedly planning more layoffs as it moves to change its cell-phone software platform to Google Inc.'s Android operating system, according to reports.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that an unnamed source, in a position to know, has said that Motorola (NYSE:MOT) will change to Google Inc.'s Android operating system for its mid-tier and multimedia phones.

Sanjay Jha, Motorola's co-CEO, plans to use Microsoft's Windows Mobile for business-focused devices and its own P2K platform for low-end phones, the WSJ reported.

And Motorola reportedly plans to announce those changes, as well as plans to layoff employees, on Thursday when it discloses earnings.

The changes to the operating platforms of its cells phones are reportedly being done to simplify technology that some customers complained was cumbersome or confusing.

Since early last year, Motorola has already laid off 10,000 workers.