Web-based PS Store launching this month - Report

Sony is planning to launch a Web-based browser version of its PlayStation Store in the United States later this month. That's according to a Sony Network Entertainment COO Shawn Layden, who told GameSpot sister site CNET that the virtual marketplace will eventually allow users to buy a game in-browser and have that content delivered automatically to the PlayStation 3.

The platform launched in Europe and 15 other countries last month. Competitor Microsoft has offered a similar service through Xbox.com since November 2008.

Layden further revealed that the recent PlayStation Store redesign for PS3, which went live in October, led to a double-digit growth in the United States and Europe. It was not mentioned how "growth" was to be interpreted in this instance. In addition, he said users are spending more time browsing for titles and applications in the marketplace than prior to the redesign.