Microsoft Reveal XBox 360 Is Coming - Will It Continue It's Gaming Domination?

On Tuesday, Microsoft finally confirmed the rumours that have been persisting for a while, that the Xbox 360 will be coming out in a slim, lighter format.  What was more surprising was the news that Microsoft was already shipping consoles to several stores in America, and consequently, it will make its debut tomorrow.  European stores and UK users will be waiting until late August before the Xbox heads to these shores.

The new model will directly go head-to-head with its major rival, Sony and its slim PlayStation 3 version, which debuted last August.  Since the slim version was released, Sony’s sales for the PS3 have slowly been rising, after a stuttering start, which saw the console being plagued by a hosts of technical problems.

The Xbox 360 Slim edition will have a Wi-Fi connection installed in the hard-drive, which will be a major boost to its users.  On the previous Arcade and Elite versions, Wi-Fi connection had to be used through an Ethernet cable, or by buying packs that cost upto £70.  The hard-drive will also store upto 250GB of space, allowing plenty of space for users to store the many games, programmes and music that they will want to use.

Microsoft wouldn’t reveal much more at the launch, and probably will wait for the feedback from potential buyers and other gaming experts.  However, they did leave another jaw-dropper by announcing that the Slim version will be available at a much similar price to the older, reliable version.  Consequently, in the US, it will be available from $299.99.  In the UK, prices will begin from around £195, making it at least £40 cheaper than its Sony competitor.  This will make it an absolute bargain, and shows Microsoft are taking full consideration for its many consumers, and the problems that some maybe facing with costs as the world begins to slowly recover from worldwide recession.

Microsoft also went onto say, that they will be producing a knockdown sale of its older Elite and Arcade versions, making it a very tempting proposition for many, who are after a decent, popular games console.  The Xbox 360 already has access to Sky Player, Twitter, Facebook and Skype, and there are plans for the BBC I-Player to become an extra ingredient on the new model.  I-Player’s capacity is a big unique selling point for the PS3.

So, will this Slim Xbox 360 version continue to see Microsoft on top of the gaming establishment?  I think it will.  Sony’s PS3 got a lot of criticism on its delayed release, and it hasn’t really recovered.  After failed attempts by Sega and until the Wii, constant letdowns by Nintendo, Microsoft might have well and truly taken the mantelpiece and the crown from Sony as the new ‘Gaming King.’ 

Fashion Industry: A Crippling Victim of the Recession

Last Friday saw the beginning of one of the biggest events on the fashion calendar, London Fashion Week.  However, the fashion industry is in dire straits, thanks to the recession, which has seen the collapse of many major fashion houses across the world.

Big names such as Escada and Luella Bartley have gone bust and the tragic death of Alexander McQueen only ten days ago has sparked a major cloud over such an established and glamorous event.  Fashion designer McQueen was found dead in his flat on Thursday 11^th February, with suicide the apparent cause of his untimely demise.  An inquest has already opened into his death, and liabilities of around £32million could well be found as a main cause for his suicide.  McQueen’s amazing fashion designs may have dazzled many for over a decade, but if his perilous financial state is eventually confirmed, then his legacy could sadly be tarnished by crippling debt.  For the short-term at least, he shall be remembered for the crazy designs which were worn by many, including Lady Gaga, who paid an emotional tribute to McQueen at last Tuesday’s BRIT awards.  Her emotion when collected her three awards showed how much she had been affected by the death.

Other fashion houses have already disappeared from the eyes of many in the public in the last 18 months, largely due to the recession.  People may think that MFI and Woolworths were the two biggest names to have been dissolved by the credit crunch, but those who are linked into the fashion industry would soundly disagree.  The French fashion house, Christian Lacroix is probably the biggest name to have gone bust.  It collapsed last year and although it was seen as a flamboyant and extravagant house, it never actually turned over a profit, reporting losses of between £5million & £10million before the start of the credit crunch.  Another name that disappeared and sadly missed is Hardy Amles.  Set-up way back in 1946 by Edwin Hardy Amles, his chain designed dresses for the dearly missed Diana, Princess of Wales and the strip for England’s 1966 World Cup football success.  However, in 2008 it went bust, and just twelve months later, so did Luella Bartley, which was the outlet often, in use by singer Lily Allen and Kate Moss.  Luella Bartley only started trading business at the turn of the millennium, but its longevity didn’t matter when its main investor withdrew financial backing, possibly aware of the problems the UK was about to suffer.  Bartley was highly recommended and was gaining a decent reputation in the British fashion industry, so her demise sent a ripple of shock and dismay through the whole industry.

London Fashion Week is bound to forget its troubles briefly for the coming days, as it will play hosts to outrageous designs and gorgeous models, but for how long is it going to remain glamorous and successful to the naked eye of the general public.  It is quite clear that the fashion industry has been severely dented by money trouble, just how long can it continue to be a driving success…it is unknown. 

Alexander McQueen, you will be missed by everyone, RIP.