Even though video game consoles are aiming to try and become living room PCs in this new era of tech, theyre starting to face challenges from cheaper alternatives offering many of the same services.

Namely, video game consoles like the PS3 and Xbox 360 were some of the first living room devices to offer an easy to way to watch streaming services like Netflix Netflix. But now the market for that kind of functionality has expanded dramatically, and Netflix usage is down across not only on PS3 and 360, but new-gen consoles like PS4 and Xbox One, and consoles in general.

A study from research firm GfK says that Netflix usage on consoles is down, but up on standalone digital media players and TVs. According to the survey, 28% of Netflix-ers use a device like Roku, Chromecast or Apple Apple TV to watch Netflix in the living room. Thats nearly doubled from 2013 alone when 15% of respondents used those devices. The same is true for internet connected Smart TVs, another 28% of the market, up from 20% last year.

Video game consoles remain on top, with 43% usage, but that number is down 5% from last year, and 20% since 2011, when the majority of living room Netflix consumption was through consoles, given a relative lack of competition.

Netflix may have risen to prominence thanks in part to its partnerships with Sony Sony and Microsoft Microsoft, using their consoles as a main distribution platform for the service, but the shift away from consoles makes sense given the constantly changing market.

Unless you already own one, video game consoles are arguably the least efficient way to use Netflix at the moment. Devices like Roku are smaller and simpler to connect. Chromecast is essentially a $35 USB drive. Smart TVs are perhaps the easiest of all, with no additional hardware required, and little more than a Wi-Fi code needed to get a Netflix app up and running.

Though Netflix usage might be a nice perk of owning a console, its no longer the draw that it once was given the available options. In my opinion its still the best way to consume Netflix, as I enjoy using the controller to navigate on PS4s layout system especially, but thats not enough of a selling point by itself.

In general, video game consoles are going to have a tough time creating this fabled living room PC space they desperately want to occupy, given that most non-gaming functions of consoles can be replicated by other non-gaming, cheaper devices made by big name companies like Google and Apple, in addition to TV manufacturers themselves.

Things are going to start getting very strange in the living room tech space between full-on gaming consoles, non-gaming peripherals like Chromecast and Apple TV, and now odd in-betweens like Amazon Fire TV, and eventually the infamous fleet of Steam Machines. Consoles used to be more or less the only game in town. That may still be true for hardware that plays high quality video games, but not for non-gaming video services.

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Netflix Usage On PlayStation, Xbox Is Declining

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Many students may not know of the house that nestles at 1117 4th Ave., and its residents think that needs to change. The house is home to Briona Pastel Goth Butler 15, Jade Colorfully Minimal Denson 15, Tolu Bed Ready Edionwe 15, Milton Shoes-in-the-house Professional Garcia 14 and Gabe 1988 Grey Black Singer 16.

The five have named their home, which is divided into two separate living apartments, The Dark Room in honor of their artistic sides and to encompass their unique aesthetics.

So when you think of a dark room, you think of photography, obviously, so all of us are visionaries in our own way. We approach things creatively, Denson explained.

But the housemates are more than just visionaries. Butler, Denson and Garcia are all Posse Scholars and Garcia is also currently working as a Post Baccalaureate Intercultural Assistant for the College, which has caused a slightly different-than-normal housing relationship.

I come to the [house] events but [because of my job] theres been a line thats been drawn. Garcia said.

Despite having graduated and secured a post-baccalaureate position with the College, Garcia has struggled with other aspects of adulthood.

Milton be burning chicken, his floor mate, Edionwe, accused.

It was once! You burned, what was it? Fish? Garcia retorted.

Briona Butler, Jade Denson, Tolu Edionwe (all 15), Milton Garcia 14 and Gabe Singer 16 pose for a shot in The Dark Room. Photograph by Tela Ebersole.

Luckily, their first-floor counterparts have had less trouble with food. According to Butler, she and her floor mates have yet to have a poor food experience. She also attributed Denson as being the most consistent cook, though, when inspired, Singer has also exemplified high culinary skills.

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The Dark Room Develops

The legendary Rainbow Room on the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Center will waltz into a new era this weekend, reopening on Sunday to reclaim its former glory. The storied restaurant and dance hall has undergone several years of renovations by new parents Tishman Speyer, who aim to return the now landmarked venue to its former status as one of the city's most notable culinary icons. They've brought on board British chef Jonathan Wright to helm the kitchen, which will turn out a festive Sunday brunch in addition to Monday night dinners open to the public. The space will be open for private events other nights of the week.

Monday Nights at Rainbow Room will feature live performances, beginning with NYC house band The Roots on October 5th. The first Monday of each month will be reserved for these intimate concerts while subsequent Mondays will be for a more traditional dining experience. Dinner seatings on show nights begin at 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. with performances following at 8 p.m.; be prepared to shell out a minimum of $175 (without booze!) for the prix fixe meal, depending on the evening's show.

On Chef Wright's menu are classic Americana dishes like Oysters Rockefeller, Dover Sole, Maine Lobster Pot Pie with Black Truffle and Beef Wellington. Sunday service means a brunch "inspired by cuisines from all around the world," to the tune of $95 for adults, again, not including any alcohol.

Adjacent to the iconic rotating dance floor is the new cocktail lounge SixtyFive, which will be open five nights a week to the general public. The more casual (yet still costly) spot shakes up cocktails like Manhattans ($25) made with Wild Turkey 101 Rye, a Sazerac ($24) of Germain-Robin Craft Method Brandy; and more contemporary libations like the Piguant Pear ($22) made with jalapeno-infused Espolon Silver Tequila, pear, fresh lime and cinnamon syrup. The space also includes a wraparound outdoor terrace with gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline.

30 Rockefeller Center, 65th Floor, (212) 632-5000; website

Rainbow Room Dinner and Dancing Menu

SixtyFive Menu

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A Peek Inside The Rainbow Room, Which Reopens This Weekend

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release

September 30, 2014

East Room

1:08 P.M. EDT

MRS. OBAMA: Well, good afternoon everyone, and welcome to the White House. Yay! (Applause.) See, I always have to loosen you guys up. Youre in the White House, youre a little stiff. (Laughter.) But let me just take a moment to notice these nice chairs -- pretty nice. This is a new addition to the luncheon, those of you who have been here. (Laughter.) This is -- round of applause. (Applause.)

Well, it is truly a pleasure to be here with all of you today as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the National Design Awards. And I have been fortunate enough to be here for -- this is my 6th year that weve had the pleasure of hosting this event here in the East Room. And every year, I truly look forward to learning more about the honorees. I mean, I get to read everything, but then, every now and then, I get to sit down and talk to you guys and actually learn a little bit about how you do what you do.

And what I discover is that these men and women are some of the most daring and creative minds in the world. From a designer at Google whos using data and crowd-sourcing to create art that will take your breath away, to the former Hollywood set designers who are now creating some of the most unique buildings and interiors that youll ever see -- and they like each other, I think. (Laughter.) And then theres this fashion designer whose parents tried to convince him to be a lawyer, or a doctor, or a dentist, or something like that. And Im sure that I speak for all women -- (laughter) -- when I say that Im grateful that Narciso chose another path. (Laughter and applause.) Well done.

And its that idea of a path -- a lifes journey -- that Id like to spend just a moment reflecting on. Because every year at this event, I love asking our honorees how they ended up in these cool careers in the first place. And more often than not, they tell me some crazy, quirky, interesting story about a string of coincidences that led them here today - a chance meeting that turned into a partnership or business; a passion that no one ever dreamed they could actually make a living from; a mentor, a teacher, a family member who sort of led them into the career.

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Remarks by the First Lady at Annual Cooper Hewitt Luncheon

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