According to the Japanese PlayStation website, the PlayStation store revamp will occur on April 15th 2008, which is a Tuesday. Firmware 2.30 will be released allowing access to the new store. The firmware update will be released in the Evening (Japanese time). There has been no announcement of when the new store will be available in North America or Europe other than in mid-April. It is likely that the new firmware will be available in Europe and US on Tuesday too.
Rough Japanese Translation:
Sony PlayStation 3 online service will be renewed on April 15th, 2008 (Tuesday) evening. This will renew and expand the store by adding functionality described below:
- New interface and navigation improvements
- Preview video content using still images
- New download categories added
After the update, PS3 System Software 2.30 will be available.
To promote the new store, SCEJ will be offering a "PS treasure hunt" running from April 15th to May 12 2008. This will allow every 50th user to the store to download a "hidden" application or game, most likely for free. Maybe this is the suprise SCEE/SCEA mentioned upon release of the new store.
[Via: SCEJ]