Tuesday 28 May 2013

The Xbox One: All You Need To Know


Xbox One

The wait is over, Microsoft have finally revealed the first details of their brand new, 8th generation console: Xbox One. At first glance, it appears that the Xbox One has far surpassed expectations, and is set to completely overhaul and redefine the games console market. I, like many others, am extremely excited about it. Why? Because unlike every other console that has gone before it, the Xbox One is set to be a complete home entertainment package, rather than just a games console. Microsoft stated that ‘the Xbox One was designed from the ground up to be the centrepiece of every living room.’ It will allow us to funnel live TV, watch videos on demand, run multiple applications simultaneously, talk using web chat, link our phones and tablets with our TV screens, and much, much more.

Listed below are the key findings taken from the Xbox One launch ceremony:


  • The Cloud, voice control and gesture technology will all be integrated in one intuitive package.
  • New Generation Kinect: automatically signs you in when you enter the room, has a greater line of sight, is able to see in the dark, recognises your voice, can measure your heartbeat, tracks wrist and shoulder rotations, records 1080p RGB video, and more.

    New Generation Kinect
  • Huge memory and storage capacity: 500GB on-board hard drive, plus 8GB of RAM.
  • New Blu-Ray drive for incredible HD movies and gameplay.
  • Steven Spielberg is to produce a new TV series based on the Halo franchise, which will only be available to view on Xbox One.
  • Powered by 300,000 servers, which is more than the entire world’s computing power in 1999.
  • New Generation Pad: includes new impulse triggers for a more realistic gaming experience. Also, the thumbsticks, D-pad and contours have all been streamlined for extra comfort.

New Generation Pad


  • Snap Mode: Allows you to run 2 activities at the same time e.g. watch TV and brose the Internet.
  • The Xbox One combines a state-of-the-art gaming operating system with a powerful Windows operating system, making switching between inputs a thing of the past. You can run a host of apps alongside your game with no loss in performance.
  • A lot of new content can be downloaded on the Xbox One before any other console. E.g. Call of Duty content.
  • Xbox Live: games and profiles can now be stored in The Cloud, so every Xbox One console behaves like your own. Also, with Living Games technology, game worlds carry on going even when you’re not playing.
  • The Xbox One wakes up instantly when you say ‘Xbox on’ – it even turns on your TV too.
  • SmartGlass: allows you to turn your mobile or laptop into a second screen.
  • Game DVR: capture your greatest moments and share replays on social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.
  • Smart Match: The new multiplayer matchmaking system, which pairs you with other players based on skill, language and reputation.
  • More in-depth game info is scheduled to be announced at the next E3 conference in June.

…and that’s all for now! Remember to keep checking 24studio.co.uk and facebook.com/24studio for further Xbox One updates regarding pre-orders, release dates and prices.









Tuesday 21 May 2013

Top 5 Summer Garden Party Essentials

Nothing beats getting together with friends and family in the summer and having a big old garden party! They provide us with the perfect excuse to catch up, soak up the sun, and get merry. However, hosting a party can be a stressful task if you don’t know the best way to go about kitting out your garden. Hopefully, after reading this blog, you’ll be able to host an unforgettable party which will keep friends and family wanting to come back for years to come!

1. The Barbecue


BBQPeople expect to be fed at a garden party and they expect to be fed with barbecued food! If you choose not to have one, then prepare to be attacked by a violent mob of angry guests. Sure, you could put a buffet on, but you can have a buffet at any point during the year. Sun = barbecue!

Here at Studio, we have a sizzling range of barbecues available, from smaller portable barbecues, to larger oil drum barbecues and stainless steel burners. The size of your garden and the number of expected guests should influence the type of barbecue you choose to purchase.



2. Solar Lighting


Solar LightingAs the sun goes down and the stars begin to appear, you’ll need some form of lighting to enable your guests to see. The last thing you want is a group of drunken people stumbling around in the dark! While solar lighting won’t illuminate your entire garden, it will create an ambient, relaxing effect that will help your party wind down in a peaceful fashion.

Solar lighting comes in various forms; colour-changing ‘stick’ solar lights can be used to illuminate paths and gazebos, while solar lampposts are great for illuminating a larger area. Many people choose to purchase solar lighting in the form of animal or Buddha statues and then place them among the flowers and bushes for extra decoration.




3. Inflatable Beer Coolers

Inflatable Beer Cooler
It’s a fact; warm drinks destroy parties. Make sure you keep all your beverages cool and refreshing with one of our fun and practical inflatable beer coolers! Of course, you aren’t restricted to just putting beer in them, you can use them for any drink.

Simply inflate and fill with ice, and you’re good to go! Our beer coolers are available in 4 styles; Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.



4. Gazebos


Gazebo
We all know that the British weather is the most unpredictable thing on the planet, so it never hurts to prepare yourself for a bit of rain with a gazebo. Not only do they keep your food, drink, tables and chairs safe from potential rain, but they also provide a great focal point for people to gather together in one place.

At Studio, we have a wide range of gazebos available to suit a variety of budgets and preferences, from smaller pop-up gazebos, to larger, more substantial steel framed gazebos. We also stock barbecue gazebos to keep your barbecue covered, and wall-attaching gazebos to help you save space.


5. Chimineas


ChimineasChimineas are versatile, free-standing fireplaces, which serve a variety of purposes. Not only do they make fantastic garden decorations with their traditionally rustic look, but they’re ideal for keeping guests warm when the temperature drops too. Simply fill the base with wood and paper, light it, and watch everybody gather round like moths to a flame.

Consider burning aromatic wood such as red cedar or apple wood for a nice, relaxing scent, or burn Pinon wood to repel insects. If you don’t have a good supply of wood available, then look to purchase a selection of firelogs, which provide a clean, instant fire with no smoke. Remember, you can use your chiminea to grill food too!




Check out our full range of garden and outdoor equipment today and spread the cost of your shopping!

Friday 17 May 2013

Camping Survival Guide

With the recession making money tighter than ever, many of us are now choosing to holiday in the UK. For those among us who are used to going abroad every year, staying at home may seem slightly odd and uninspiring. However, Britain actually has a lot to offer! There are stunning coastlines, rolling hills, charming nature parks, and some of the world’s best music festivals. And remember, if you holiday at home, you won’t need a passport, travel insurance or any injections!

Whether you’re looking to go crazy at a music festival or simply relax in the beautiful, British countryside, we’ve got an amazing range of camping essentials available, designed to help make this year’s camping holiday one to remember.

Sleeping Essentials


Highland Trail Andes 6-Person Tent

The most important thing you’ll need to remember when camping is a tent. Without one, you’ll probably end up sleeping under a rock. Your tent will be your home for the duration of your holiday, so it’s important to make sure you choose the right one to suit your needs. For a festival, a simple 2 or 4 man tent should suffice. However, for family holidays, a 6 man tent will offer the kind of space required to ensure maximum comfort. Purchasing a small tent for a large family will cause nothing but arguments and stress.

An air bed is another important item to consider. You could choose to sleep on the ground if you want less to carry, however, after a couple of days, you’re likely to start experiencing back pain and discomfort and you’ll be yearning for a soft bed to sleep on. Air beds are cheap, light and simple to inflate, so they won’t inconvenience you in any way. You won’t regret taking one!

Once you’ve got a roof over your head and something soft to sleep on, you’ll need something to sleep in. Many modern sleeping bags offer incredible levels of warmth and comfort, making them ideal for chilly summer nights. They can also be rolled up into a small, convenient bag allowing them to be transported easily between locations.

Cookware and Food


Camping Cooker Camping Kettle 5-Piece Aluminium Cook Set Lucio Portable BBQ Fire Bowl

When camping, the last thing you want to do be doing is eating out 3 times a day. Food stalls and markets at festivals and campsites often charge increased rates for food because they know that many people will only have 2 options: pay their prices or starve. You should always take some form of portable gas cooker when camping so you have the option to cook your own food. They’re cheap and light to carry and will save you a ton of money on food costs.

Remember, you’ll need something to actually cook your food in, so it might be worth purchasing yourself one of our aluminium cook sets if you don’t already have a set of camping pans. Included in the package are 2 saucepans, 2 frying pans and a detachable handle. All the pans in the set are made from lightweight material so you’ll have no trouble carrying or storing them.

If you have the space in your car, you may also want to consider purchasing a portable barbecue. When the sun is shining, you can’t beat relaxing in the great outdoors with friends and family as a barbecue sizzles away in the background. The legs are collapsible, plus there’s a handy carry bag included in the package for easy transportation and storage.


Storage Solutions


Camping Cupboard
For longer camping trips i.e. those lasting for more than a weekend, some form of storage area for food will be necessary. Our camping cupboards have as strong, sturdy frame and mesh door for ventilation. They’re perfect for storing tinned goods, pasta, cereal and confectionery. Without a camping cupboard, you run the risk of your food being misplaced or eaten by wildlife.

When preparing food, it’s always useful to have a work surface available. Our camping workstation provides an area for chopping food, and offers space to store cookers, kettles, plates and pans. The workstation is easy to assemble and can be folded flat for easy storage.





Tables and Chairs


Foldable Picnic Table
For outdoor dining, a camping table is essential. Eating whilst sat on the floor is not ideal, especially if the ground is wet. Our camping tables can be folded for easy storage and have a wipe-clean MDF top, making them incredibly easy to clean and maintain. They could also double up as a makeshift ironing board!

Where seating is concerned, our camping leisure chairs are ideal for both eating in around a table and relaxing in by a campfire. They come equipped with a handy slot in the arm for holding cans and cups and can be folded into a carry bag for convenient storage and transportation.

If you don’t want to buy separate tables and chairs, then you might want to take a look at our foldable picnic table. With its durable steel frame, easy to clean table top, and foldable design, it’s the ideal table for family camping holidays.


Wellingtons


Wellingtons
Wellingtons are a must-have item for any festival. Even if the weatherman forecasts blazing sunshine for the entire weekend, there’s still guaranteed to be mud! Festivals simply wouldn’t be festivals without wellingtons. At 24studio, we stock an extensive range of wellingtons in various styles and colours.

Shop for all your camping essentials today and spread the cost of your shopping ar 24studio.co.uk

Thursday 9 May 2013

The Summer Holiday Special!

Summer holiday season is almost upon us, which can only mean one thing; it’s time to climb into the attic, pull down the suitcases and start preparing for a relaxing summer break! Whether you’re jetting off somewhere exotic, or simply chilling in the UK, Studio has a super selection of holiday products on offer, designed to help you make the most of summer 2013.

Listed below is a collection of the best products from our brand new ‘Holiday Shop’ range. Plus, we’ve put together a few of the most popular summer holiday destinations, just in case you haven’t booked a holiday yet and can’t decide where to go!

Holiday Shop Highlights

Summer Clothing

Pineapple Bikini
Getting the right holiday wardrobe is absolutely essential! We know you need to be prepared for different events and weather conditions, which is why we’ve put together such a varied collection of clothing. For chilling on the beach, check out our range of bikinis, swimsuits and beach dresses. For warm summer evenings, have a look at our stylish maxi dresses and breathable linen trousers. We’ve got a great range of summer footwear available too, including sandals, wedges and converse.






Holiday Gadgets


Innotab 2If you’re travelling with kids this year, consider purchasing a LeapPad2 Explorer or an Innotab 2. These
clever inventions act as a tablet for children and will keep them entertained for hours. Perfect long car journeys or delays at the airport!

For those of you that love reading whilst chilling by the pool or on the beach, take a look at our extensive range of kindles. They allow you to take a huge collection of books on holiday with you, without taking up luggage space.



Travel and Bags

Ladies Trolley Bag
Having the correct cases and bags is essential for ensuring you have a comfortable journey when departing for a holiday. The last thing you want is to be lugging around impractical, heavy cases that stress you out and take up excess luggage allowance at the airport. 

For a stylish and practical travel solution, consider our range of extendable ladies trolley bags. Carry them over the shoulder via the leather straps, or simply pull them along behind you with the extending handle. 

We also stock a fun collection of children’s travel cases, plus a range of other luggage sets, including the 6-piece luggage set, which is one of the most popular items here at Studio. 

Buy all of these items, and many more in our Holiday Shop, you'll be sure to find a great range of Holiday essentials and much, much more, and if you're still debating where to go this year, take a look at our:

Top Summer Holiday Destinations for 2013!

UK

  • The Lake District – miles upon miles of natural beauty
  • Haven Campsites – loads of activities and attractions for the kids
  • Cornwall – England’s most beautiful (and warmest) county

Europe

  • Sardinia – one of Europe’s best family holiday destinations
  • Croatia – extremely cheap!
  • Northern Spain – stunning beaches and rolling countryside

Long-Haul

  • Florida – every child’s dream holiday
  • Mauritius – no jet lag!
  • The Caribbean – tonnes of superb family hotels

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