PS3's - Home

PlayStation Home is a community based service (rather like virtual reality!) for the PlayStation Network (through the wireless high-speed WiFi built into the PS3 units) which has been in development since early 2005. Home allows users to create an avatar character for their PlayStation 3 console. This avatar will get their own house, which can be adorned by items players can receive in several achievements. In the future the service will also expand, allowing players to have more sorts of clothing, as well as hold pets. When it is available, Home will be launched via its own category in the XMB between the "Game" and "Network" category. This service will be free of charge. Sony is aiming for the initial download to be under 500MB.

There will be at least four ways to communicate with other users in the enviroment. You will be able to type on the virtual keyboard, or your own bluetooth keyboard, talk using a bluetooth headset, and use e-motions, which are movements such as waves or a dance.

The Home System is currently in restricted BETA stages and will enter the Closed Beta stage (approx. 15,000 users): April - August 2007, followed by the Open Beta (approx. 50,000 users): August - October and then finally will go live in October.

But will it be a lot like Sims? Watch this video to see a sneaky preview!