PlayStation 3 owners waiting for the “Home” Second Life-like online virtual world announced by Sony last year will need to wait a bit longer than expected, as the closed beta testing has been extended to Summer 2008. Or, in other words, it has been delayed for the second time.

Sony’s Kaz Hirai explained the decision, saying they needed “more time to refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience than what it is today.” The company now says Home will be offered to PlayStation 3 owners starting this autumn, with an open beta rolling out sometime this fall. This certainly isn’t a good sign and will likely disappoint many PS3 owners eagerly awaiting the community-focused service to launch.