Microsoft steals a march on Sony with massive Xbox price cuts

Save up to $150 on your next Xbox, thanks to the latest price cuts from Microsoft.

We weren't alone in thinking that Sony lost an opportunity with the release of the PS3 Slimmer recently. For what's basically pretty old tech, with a very flimsy disc cover, the new units seem pretty expensive; they seem even pricier following the latest price drop from Xbox-maker Microsoft.
From tomorrow, those in the market for a new Xbox or Kinect, or those just now catching up with consoles can save up to $150. Here are the full details:

• Kinect Sensor, $149 (save $50)
• 4GB Xbox 360, $199 (save $50)
• 4GB Xbox 360 with Kinect, $299 (save $100)
• 250GB Xbox 360 $299 (Save $150)
• Limited edition consoles $399 (save $50)

MS also took the chance to announce Halo 4 pricing - the standard edition will be $89.95, and the LE $129.95.

iPhone 5 demand strong despite Apple Maps concerns, analyst claims

ou may be thinking that Apple’s iOS 6 Maps fiasco is leading to decreased demand for the iPhone 5. According to Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu, you would be wrong. Bloomberg Businessweek reports that in a note to investors, Wu assured that demand for the iPhone 5 is still riding high, despite user concern about the sad state of Apple Maps.

Of course, the fact that Apple won’t be shipping new iPhone 5 orders out until sometime near the end of October already told us that, but Wu reassures that Apple Maps isn’t doing much to decrease demand for the brand new handset. Sterne Agee’s numbers for the iPhone 5 haven’t changed at all, with Wu noting, “Demand appears robust with its online store quoting a lead time of 3-4 weeks.”
The problem here is actually with production bottlenecks, as Wu says that the iPhone 5 isn’t all that easy to put together. That, when combined with Apple’s insistence that each handset be as close to perfect as possible, is what’s causing these shipping delays. Indeed, if you’ve yet to buy an iPhone 5, the chances of finding one are pretty slim, and you’ll probably be waiting for a number of weeks before your order arrives.
So, for the record, Apple Maps doesn’t appear to be having an effect on iPhone 5 demand, at least as far as Wu and Sterne Agee can tell. To be honest, we’d be surprised if it was, but then again, with all of the negative press Apple Maps has been getting lately, we can’t imagine its helping iPhone 5 demand either. Check out our story timeline below for more on the iPhone 5!

Ideas For Storing Wood Logs Indoors

Wood logs are a common fuel for fireplaces and stoves but what to do when there is no space to store them? The lack of space may dictate the choice of a fireplace not only in terms of size but also fuel. Wood logs should be stored dry and they require extra space in the house. There are quite a few ways of storing and even incorporating wood logs into the interior design.

Wood Log Storage Units

Store wood logs using furniture with storage space like cabinets, shelving, and other. Storing wood logs on display can add a lot to the interior design and they also fit different interior styles. The wood will make the modern minimalist room look warmer.

Wood Log Accessories

Some fireplaces come with a special storage unit for wood logs, but you can also buy a simple wood log holder separately. The wood log holders come in various styles and materials to fit interior designs of various styles. Stainless steel holders will fit well with the modern interior while for a more traditional home you can opt for wrought iron and leather.

Wall Niches

If architecture allows you can stack wood logs into the wall niche finishing this architectural detail with a pattern of stacked wood logs. Wall niche can be specially created in the same room with the fireplace to solve the problem of storing wood logs.

Cozy Dalene Cabin by Tommie Wilhelmsen

Dalene Cabin is a cozy residence designed by Tommie Wilhelmsen and built in Rennesøy, Norway. The cabin overlooks the sea and is surrounded by beautiful greenery. The cabin features fir panels and glass walls that let in plenty of light and outdoor views. The cabin‘s
 wooden exterior extends to the near ground and form a terrace. The cabin is made in two tone wood and features curvy lines and sharp, stylish silhouette.

 The modern style interior is finished with oak and concrete. The floors, ceiling and window frames are made of wood. The large glass windows provide the interior with  plenty of natural light and beautiful views of the sea and greenery.

Swimming Pool Design Idea: Mosaic

Decorative swimming pool adds an atmosphere to the outdoor area. Depending on the design a swimming pool can make an outdoor area look like an exotic resort. Mosaic is a great way to decorate a pool. From small square tile mosaic to complex depictions of sea creatures and animals the mosaic can add a lot of character to the swimming pool.

Swimming Pool Edge

A swimming pool edge can be decorated with mosaic to frame the pool and add a decorative element to it. The floors around the swimming pool can also be decorated with the the tile mosaic.

Swimming Pool Bottom

The bottom of the pool can be decorated with different kinds of decor elements as well as ceramic tile mosaic depicting anything from animals to floral patterns and mural-style scenes.

Indoor Swimming Pool Mosaic

The walls in the indoor swimming pool could also be covered with mosaic tiles. This will make the structure that houses a swimming pool look more interesiting and attactive.

Mosaic In Swimming Pool Design

 

Transformer Vase HighRise by ThirtyFive Creative Works

ThirtyFive Creative Works has designed this interesting transforming vase that can become a wall decoration. Multifunction at its best. The stylish HighRise vase is made of powder coated stainless steel consisting of the interconnected circles of various sizes. The cool transformer vase comes in black, red and white colors.

 This piece is great. It can be rearranged into a stylish wall decoration or simply decorate the walls hanging as it is. The vase piece is structured and sharp which is perfect for the modern home decor or any public space. The combination of the two look even better.

 ThirtyFive Creative Works is a design studio that specializes on creating clever products like Typeshelf that spells “shelf” while the cutout letters serve as a surface for storing books and other objects. The studio’s main principles are creating thought-provoking original designs while using the Earth’s resources consciously.

Versatile Wood

Vito Selma is a Philippines-based furniture designer who works with wood and is inspired by its simplicity and texture. Wood is a main material that Vito Selma works with. He creates floating and complex furniture out of it and it turns out just great.

This Plumeria table was inspired by Selma‘s childhood memories which he brings back with this tree-like base for dinner table. The glass tabletop shows all the works and branches that hold it. Creative, such table would definitely stand out in any interior design.

 The Adam and Eve series present the two pieces of decorations created out of a single mold but different in shapes and sizes. Needless to mention, but Selma‘s designs are always quiet conceptual or symbolic

 This table from Baud series is a floating tribute to the ocean. Its swirling base is simply fascinating.

 Using still lines Selma creates different and versatile things. He says that straight lines can’t always be still and straight. So by bending them here and there one can achieve great designs.

Interior Designs Featuring Wall Murals

Wall murals make the interior look more interesting. There are various ways of achieving this wall decor. Murals do not only make for great wall decor but also create special atmosphere in the room depending on the mural theme and style.

Photorealistic Murals

If you are after natural look photorealistic murals are the way to go. Natural landscapes, people, city scapes and other pictures are available in the photorealistic wall murals and wallpaper. They can also be used anywhere in the house including bathroom creating a picturesque view to bath or shower against.

Wall-Size Artwork

Wall-size artwork is also a way to create a wall mural. It can be digitally-printed or hand-drawn by an artist on paper, canvas or wall itself. Although the hand-painted wall murals might require touch ups from time to time. So if you want something more practical wallpaper can be the answer.

Wallpaper Murals

Wallpaper murals come in various designs as well as materials. They can be used to decorate all of the walls in the room depicting various scenes or gardens and animals. It’s a great way to decorate kid’s room and create a special atmosphere in other rooms.