Sony's PlayStation3 metaverse Home that was unveiled over a year ago is finally approaching the beta phase, and subscribers to Sony's online magazine Qore are receiving the first keys outside of private beta to test the service.

In March 2007, when Home was officially unveiled, a large-scale beta was expected to take place "in April prior to the final launch." Then, at the Tokyo Game Show six months later, Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kazuo Hirai announced the service would be delayed until spring.

Spring came and went and Home was delayed again. A full year after the first console-based metaverse was announced, it was still labeled as "coming soon" at E3.

SCEA President and CEO Jack Tretton outlined Sony's plans for the PS3, which involved a greater emphasis on online gaming and content, the area where the Xbox 360 is regarded as superior.

Part of this online emphasis involved the release of an interactive online magazine available only through the PlayStation Network called Qore. Since June, issues of Qore have been available for $2.99 per month, or for an annual subscription fee of $24.99. The last issue contained a beta key for Resistance 2, the highly anticipated sequel to one of the system's most popular first-person shooters. Following a short period of "premier access" for Qore subscribers and those who pre-ordered the game, the Resistance 2 online component entered public beta.

Similarly, the November issue of Qore contains a beta key for Home, which means a public beta is finally approaching.