ONKYO to Ship Blu-ray Disc Player In Late 2008

New player will work with ONKYO’s high-definition A/V receivers to realize full potential of high-definition media

OSAKA (7/1/08) – ONKYO Corporation has announced that it will release its first Blu-ray Disc Player for the international market in late 2008. This player is designed to partner with Onkyo’s high-definition A/V receivers equipped with full HDMI processing of 1080p video and decoding of Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD™ Master Audio surround sound formats.

Onkyo was among the first home theater manufacturers to offer full audio and video processing capabilities for HD formats such as Blu-ray Disc. The company’s A/V receivers deliver a complete high-definition experience with onboard decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs. The release of this Blu-ray Disc player will be timely given that the second-generation of high-definition-capable Onkyo A/V receivers is now available. Product details and pricing will be announced prior to delivery.

Due to a policy of continuous product improvement, Onkyo reserves the right to change specifications and appearance without notice.

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UPDATE: We want to personally apologize to carmen-whatever her new name is, for singling her out. We understand that it wasn't cool, and we're sorry.

Sure, we all got caught in what felt like the storm of the century right when we entered the ballbark. No big deal. Everyone ended up sprinting next door to Peggy O'Niells for some pitchers of beer and some of the most difficult to eat cheese dogs we've ever seen. Eventually, the rain let up, the game started, and we enjoyed our seats near first base while discovering just why the members of the Coney Island Cyclones are on a minor league team: they suck.

It was great to put faces to commenter names, even if it was kind of weird calling people by real names when you just want to call them, say, 92buicklesabre. Everybody was really cool, and despite whatever expectations I might have had, there was not a single socially awkward geek to be found. Sure, there were plenty of geeks, but all of them were more than personable. Thanks to Nokia's Ovi share system and the N95 they lent us, you can see the pictures we took during the meetup and uploaded to the site above.

At the end of the night, we handed out a bunch of fun swag from Nerf, Razer and Steelseries, making plans to hang out again and see the Dark Knight. We'll definitely have another NYC meetup of some sort in the future, but probably at a bar in Manhattan so more people can make it.

Oh, and OMG! Ponies and Kaiser-Machead, who both promised to show up and then didn't? You're both banned.

Check our Twitter during the day for updates as to whereabouts. Benny will be hitting the rides at Astroland around 3pm or so.

A perfect fusion of features and services - the Nokia N78 now available in US

Newest Nseries device enhances the mobile lifestyle by merging new technologies and Ovi services

New York, NY, USA - Starting today, convergence craving consumers across the United States can set their sights on the newest Nokia Nseries device to hit American store shelves, the Nokia N78. Combining advanced mobile features such as integrated A-GPS, a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and high-speed HSDPA connectivity on North American 850/1900 MHz networks, the Nokia N78 is perfect for enjoying new Nokia services such as Nokia Maps and Share on Ovi. Along with this full suite of data features, the Nokia N78 has also been engineered for maximum voice and messaging performance as well. Now available through select consumer electronics and wireless retailers, online retailers and at the Nokia Flagship Stores in Chicago and New York, the Nokia N78 retails for approximately USD 560. Specific information on retailers offering the Nokia N78 and other Nseries devices can be found at www.nseries.com.

"Offering the robust feature set expected from an Nseries device, the integration of these features with Nokia's new suite of Ovi services is what makes the Nokia N78 a perfect companion for a connected and mobile lifestyle," said William Plummer, Vice President of Go-to-Market for Nokia. "Whether using GPS to find my way across town, adding geotag information to the images I capture and upload to Share on Ovi, or using the FM transmitter to listen to my music collection through my car stereo, the Nokia N78 keeps me connected and entertained wherever I go."

Each Nokia N78 includes a free three-month trial navigation license for the Nokia Maps service, which enables users to calculate routing information, provides details on up to 15 million different points of interest, and gives audible and visual turn-by-turn directions from point A to point B. With the integrated A-GPS, users can 'geotag' images they capture on the Nokia N78 with location information. With this information images uploaded to Share on Ovi or other selected image sharing sites can include not only when the picture was taken - but also where the picture was taken, even displaying that information visually on a map.

For music fans, the Nokia N78 combines two exciting features - a digital music player and an integrated FM transmitter - to enable a complete audio experience. With storage for up to 8GB of music on an optional MicroSD memory card, a music collection can be easily shared and enjoyed in the home or car by playing it wirelessly through the FM radio.

Yet another useful tool that the Nokia N78 offers is widget support enabled by Web Runtime technology. This functionality allows easy mobile access to valuable online information, including weather, sports, news and more. A wide variety of widgets are available through the Download! client on the Nokia N78 or through the MOSH mobile content distribution platform at http://mosh.nokia.com.

To further enhance the overall experience of the Nokia N78, a variety of Nokia Original Accessories are also available. Offering exceptional sound in an over-the-ear style headset, the Nokia Stereo Headset WH-600 offers the perfect blend of comfort and sound quality. If the occasion calls for sharing tunes with a friend, the Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Speakers MD-7W offer full range sound in a compact easy to carry package. Unlike most portable speakers, the Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Speakers MD-7W features 3D sound, dynamic compression for optimal audio at all volume levels and dynamic bass control for powerful low frequencies.

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Just click here or call 718-507-8499 to grab your tickets. If you want to get there earlier, Astroland, the Coney Island amusement park with the famous Cyclone roller coaster is within walking distance.

We'll probably go out for beers after the game at Peggy O'Neills, so look for us in the stands during the game or parking lot afterwards or just meet us there. We'll set up a twitter with details as to where we are during the game closer to the event itself.

A portion of the profits from this flavor are going to support research investigating, among other things, whether or not cellphones are responsible for the shrinking bee population; 40% of all the natural flavors Haagen Dazs uses in its stuff depend on the critters for their creation. After finishing one pint, I went back to the store, and bought the remaining quantities on the shelf. UPDATE: Yes, it is just that delicious that I can justify writing a Gizmodo post about it. And OMG Ponies is telling me that the cellphone radiation and bee killing correlation has been long debunked. [Haagen Dazs]

Here's all the info from Microsoft:

Microsoft Introduces First Embedded Operating System Optimized Specifically for Portable Navigation Device (PND) Manufacturers
Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 provides a platform enabling original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to quickly build next-generation connected PNDs.

REDMOND, Wash. — June 16, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009, Microsoft’s first embedded operating system designed specifically for OEMs building handheld portable navigation devices (PNDs). Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 delivers innovative technologies to help developers and OEMs quickly bring to market smart, connected, service-oriented PNDs that easily connect to online services, mobile phones using Bluetooth, Windows-based PCs and the Internet. Based on Windows Embedded CE, Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 builds upon a decade of experience and success that the Windows Embedded Business has achieved by helping developers and OEMs simplify the development, user experience and maintenance of their PND designs.

“As demand for personal navigation devices continues to increase, and existing owners look to upgrade from their original devices, original equipment manufacturers must continue to innovate and enhance their products with features that will attract a variety of users,” said Chris Jones, Canalys vice president and principal analyst. “Personal navigation solutions will increasingly become connected, which will open up new opportunities to add value through the delivery of dynamic information and location-based services. But this is a highly competitive market and it is important that businesses like Windows Embedded help OEMs and others bring these rich devices to market quickly and efficiently.”

Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 Key Features

This release also provides a number of benefits that can help developers and OEMs quickly bring to market new scenarios in which the PND connects to other devices and online services. Features include the following:
•

Live Search delivers OEMs and partners key elements enabling Internet-based Live Search on devices to find up-to-date points of interest similar to the ones provided by the Live Search Maps service.
•

Bluetooth technologies enable OEMs to provide rich, hands-free scenarios to users with the following profiles: Hands Free, Pairing Service, Phone Book Access, Advanced Audio Distribution, Audio and Video Remote Control, Dial Up Networking and Bluetooth Connection Manager. Users will be able to use their PND device as a hands-free device to make phone calls or data connections when the device is paired with a compatible phone enabled with Bluetooth.
•

MSN Direct enables OEMs to incorporate MSN Direct technologies. These technologies can reduce users’ commute time while enhancing the travel experience by providing up-to-date information such as traffic alerts and fuel prices.
•

Windows SideShow functionality helps enable the PND as a secondary display screen for many Windows Vista-based PCs*, allowing Windows SideShow gadgets to interact and exchange information with the PND and providing a rich user experience at home or work.

“As a leading designer and manufacturer of portable navigation devices we have relied on Windows Embedded CE as a proven real-time operating system for our Mio product line,” said Samuel Wang, president of Mio Technology Corp. “With the launch of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 and the introduction of features including Live Search, MSN Direct and Bluetooth capabilities, we are looking forward to bringing our next-generation PNDs to market with a richer end-user experience and in a reduced timeframe.”

“Windows Embedded powers many of the portable navigation devices in the marketplace,” said Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded Business at Microsoft. “Our commitment to this segment has always been about providing the platform and tools that give our OEM partners the most innovative technologies while reducing the complexity of development. We firmly believe the release of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 helps us fulfill this promise by taking the PND experience to the next level. Adopting Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 today will allow device-makers and solution providers to focus on innovation while bringing smart, connected, service-oriented portable navigation devices to market in time for the 2008 holiday retail season and beyond.”

With the addition of the Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 solution, Windows Embedded now presents two device category-specific offerings: Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 and Windows Embedded POSReady. Windows Embedded POSReady, the next generation of Windows Embedded for Point of Service, is scheduled to ship in 2009.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

* Works with Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate.

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Looking back, I think we covered it well, but today I'm seeing more newspaper features and even photo galleries checking up on Steve's health over the last 10 years and comparing photos. It's exactly the type of activity that makes a subject despise the press and it's a good reason why I sometimes hate the press, too.

For those of you not clear, here's why this a story: Fans of Apple gear may worry that if Jobs is sick, gear won't be as good. Finance people worry that if the gear isn't as good, or if Apple's leader gets seriously sick again, they won't make as much money and so, it is time to sell stock. The press? Well, the press, we follow it for the interests of the two previous groups who deem it a story. I get that. But I wish it wasn't tracked. Those reasons are all driven by profit, without much immediate good for readers.

Inevitably, some will ask if we would we cover this sort of thing if it was Bill Gates or Steve Ballmer? Gates and Ballmer aren't as integral to Microsoft as Jobs is to Apple, so I doubt anyone else would. The answer is that we might have covered personal issues like this in the past, but I'm happy enough letting go of it going forward out of respect. I mean, we've all had people get sick in our lives. Maybe it's best if we just let the stories slide.

Maybe I'm just being sensitive. What do you think?

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(And by the way, all our international sites will be joining in with live translations.)

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Their HSPA network will then be finalized, bringing 1.4 Mbps (Down) and 800 Kbps (Up) to all users in its range. AT&T's next move will be offering HSPA in more markets. By the end of June, HSPA will be in 275 US markets. But by the end of the year, AT&T plans for that number to grow to 350. [AT&T via Phone Scoop]

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Blogging/Journalism experience is preferred, but not entirely required. You just need to possess a passion for both gadgets and writing, and have more than a cursory knowledge of both. That means your English needs to be GOOD. And if not good, then at the very least as lousy as ours.

Send emails to jchen@gizmodo.com with the subject "Asia/Australia Editor" with either three sample posts done in Gizmodo style (seriously, follow the template we have laid out), or a link to your current blog. Take your time with these so they best represent your writing ability. Also attach your resume and some information about yourself. It's a full-time gig, and you will be posting during normal hours (Asia/Australia's normal hours). Yes, you will be paid. It's a real job, even if we're in our underwear most of the time.

In an interview in the Gizmondo forums, Freer claimed that, "There is still incredible value in the Gizmondo. And with the enhancements we're adding... we feel it's only the beginning of where we can go with the product."

Gizmondo version 2.0 will include a new graphics chip, Windows CE 6.0 (which comes with "a lot of 'new' goodies," Freer says), and a bunch of original content to be downloaded off the gizmondo.com website. It'll be ready by Winter 2008, and the developer community can expect more announcements soon.

Left unanswered by the interview was why Freer thinks anybody is going to trust him with anything a second time around. Maybe he hasn't heard the adage: "Fool me once, your CEO gets sent to jail for three years and your company gets liquidated. Fool me twice... well, you ain't ever gonna fool me twice." [Gizmondo Forum]

[Decorate with us!]

Developers only have a measly 16MB of RAM to work with, so don't expect to see anything currayzeee. But it's good to see the Zune and Xbox 360 finally swap some spit. This is just like the series finale of Friends!!

Send emails to jchen@gizmodo.com with the subject "Asia/Australia Editor" with either three sample posts done in Gizmodo style (seriously, follow the template we have laid out), or a link to your current blog. Take your time with these so they best represent your writing ability. Also attach your resume and some information about yourself. It's a full-time gig, and you will be posting during normal hours (Asia/Australia's normal hours).

Interested in coming to Coney Island, playing with some gadgets, riding some roller coasters, participating in (or at least watching) a hot dog eating contest, drinking beers and going to a baseball game? Who wouldn't be? It'll take place on Saturday, June 28th. It'll be an all-ages affair, so don't worry if you're under 21 or want to bring the kids, but don't expect us to buy any of you rascally teenagers beer.

If you want to get on the update list and make sure you get whatever we have planned coming to you, email gizmeetup@gmail.com with your name and how many people you'll be rolling with. And are you a company interested in getting involved with the meetup? Email me at adam@gizmodo.com. Let's talk.

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Urawaza is a term that originated in Japan to describe a secret shortcut or method in a game. Housewives adopted the term to describe any unconventional and surprising tricks to making, curing, cleaning, or improving one's life without breaking the bank. There aren't geeky hacks here for gadget lovers, but there is something kindred in the spirit of putting together a wi-fi antenna with a pringles can and solving a stuffy nose by shoving scallions up your nostrils. Here's the link to the book. Lastly, I'd like to say that I was partially moved by guilt to write about this book (it's rare) because when she was writing it, I was too busy at Giz to read her draft and give her feedback. I know, she is patient with me then, and now, as I work late. So Giz owes her this mention.

And, although I've been spending most of my time the last few months scaling up Giz, training people and hiring folks, and planning things, I found myself really starting to dread Mondays. And I figured out it was because I was not doing enough writing. Ah the selfish, egotistical joy it brings. So, here I am.

Enough about me. How about YOU. Just a heads up that the banhammer has been seeing some action as of late. Lots of stupid or unfunny or unhelpful comments are getting into the system, so I've been paying more attention as of late.

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