Ben-DutkaAccording to PS3Fanboy, an e-mail has just been sent out to PlayStation Home beta testers and it details version 0.8.3. The updated information has popped up on both the official PlayStation site and on the beta message board, and we're gonna hit the highlights for you right here.
First up is improvements to the UI and graphics engine, which immediately means Home is going to more visually appealing (and more functional). You'll be able to check which of your friends are online, which of them are actually in Home, and a "bubble machine" will be there to let testers try out the new "Home Items" system. They've included the ability to stream video, and best of all is the official unveiling of the Marketplace in the Main Square. You can peruse your way through a goodly assortment of furniture, furnishings, clothes and other (still mysterious) content. Basically, this is one virtual world that is rapidly taking shape, and we hope to hear more about advancements and enhancements in the future.
This closed beta has been going on quietly for a little while now, and it's something that went unrecognized by many gamers and even industry sources. But now that we know it's chugging along, we'd love to think the official launch for Home isn't that far off… Could it show up next month?
