Sony Launches Online Virtual World For PlayStation 3

Sony Launches New Online Virtual World For PlayStation 3 Sony said it would launch its online 3-D social networking service, Home, ending months of delay in the  long-awaited service for users of the company's PlayStation 3 video-game console. Home is similar to Linden Lab's Second Life in that it lets people create virtual characters, or avatars, to interact in cyberspace. PlayStation 3 users will be able to join the virtual world through a free software download. Home is the latest online service for the PS 3. Sony recently added video downloads to the PlayStation N e t w o r k , w h i c h , according to the company, has 15 million s u b s c r i b e r s w o r l d w i d e .

Nevertheless, Sony is seen as behind rival Microsoft, which makes the Xbox 360, in launching online gaming and video download services. In addition, Nintendo, which launched its Wii video-game console the same month as Sony launched PS 3, November 2006, has outsold Sony more than 2-to-1. Nintendo has sold 34.5 million units worldwide, compared with Sony's 16.8 million units. Besides offering mini-games, videos, and special events, Home will make it possible for users to create their own social networks and set up meetings in their own virtual apartments or in public gatherings. Home will offer instant messaging, voice, and video communications. Sony first announced Home in March 2007, saying it would launch the service later that year.