The end of an era, or maybe the beginning of a new one? Suppose it depends on how you look at it. Gizmodo is going to be seeing some hardcore changes it looks like.

As announced earlier, today is Joel’s last day as editor of Gizmodo. During Joel’s year and a half at the helm of the site, laughs were had, traffic soared, and Gizmodo won the 2005 Bloggie Award for Best Technology Weblog. Joel’s ability to write amusingly about gadgetry and its discontents will not easily be replaced.

So what’s next for Gizmodo? I’m dropping in for a bit in my role as managing editor of Gawker Media. John Biggs, who’s been Joel’s number two here for awhile, will continue our daily quest for shiny new toys as Gizmodo’s news editor. Jaimie Manzone, of Octopus Dropkick, joins us as Gizmodo’s Japan correspondent. And, over the next few weeks, special guest stars will enliven the site; next week, Regine Debatty of WMMNA graces us with her presence. [Read the rest]