Whether you're into the whole social networking scene or not, chances are, you are into chat clients online. In fact, I'd say pretty much all of us use one. So the question becomes: Would you want an advanced version in your video game console?

Sony says yes. And, after finally getting my hands on their answer with Home, I can say that as an addition to the already free PlayStation Network, it's a welcome distraction to the constant chaos of the usual gaming world.

As I walked around and talked with the various European types already immersed in this virtual world, I found myself already just losing myself in the application itself. It's almost hypnotizing in the way it just feels like a soothing place to be.

Besides, doing the robot in front of an Irishman always means a good time in my book. 

OVERVIEW

Available this Fall, Home is an online, 3D networked community for the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION®Network.  Home provides a highly interactive environment that aims to broaden the online community market in the same way that the PlayStation brand has broadened the gaming market.  By accessing Home, PS3 users around the world will be able to interact, communicate, join online games, shop, share private content, and even build and show off their own personal spaces to others in real time.  Available as a free download from the PLAYSTATION® Store, Home provides a unique blend of community, user-generated content, collaboration, and commerce that will serve as a pillar for PlayStation Network services and help drive the future of computer entertainment.

The first application of its kind on a computer entertainment console, Home is a unique 3D service allowing PS3 users to control how they look, where they live, and how they interact with others.  
Socialize in public spaces with custom-created avatars and personalize your world by building custom apartments, game lobbies, trophy rooms, movie theaters, and other spaces that will become available as the Home universe expands.  Specific features will include:
Home Space – Design, decorate, and build a customized living space.  Users will be able to purchase add-ons including landscapes and home interiors.
World of Home – Purchase avatar accessories, pets, and other functional items to add personal value to the Home experience.
Entertainment – Share photos, movies, and music from the PS3 with others in the Home universe.
Gaming – Meet with others in game-specific lobbies to discuss games, obtain new content, or team up for online play.
Lobbies – First and third party-created lobbies will be available for user interaction and resource sharing.

Balances the creativity of user created content with the sophisticated control and moderation structure of the PlayStation Network to provide a safe and secure experience for all users.
Full support from professional quality, licensed first and third party content providers.
Able to support multiple languages including Japanese, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish with functionality to extend language support in the future.