The long-promised PlayStation Home beta expansion is rolling out soon. How soon? Sony announced today that users who download a Home branded PS3 theme from the PS Store will be automatically entered in for possible participation in the ongoing beta program. Straight from Home director Jack Buser:

Later today, the PLAYSTATION Store will be updated with a PlayStation Home theme. By downloading the theme, users are submitting an application to join the PlayStation Home Beta test community. We will be using a variety of criteria including activity on the PLAYSTATION Network to determine eligibility for the Beta community.

Existing Home beta users worry not, as your accounts will transfer over to the extended beta period. Keep in mind that this all applies to North American folks only. Over in Euro-land, SCEE will be targeting the most active users on PSN.

Want into the PlayStation Home Closed Beta test? Here’s How to Apply [PS Blog]

Read more: PlayStation Home Delayed, Closed Beta Extended, PlayStation Home Invites Are Going Out, Sony Unveils its New 3D Universe, Killzone 2 Beta Sign-Ups Open For European PS3 Owners, SCEE Sends Over 100K Home Invites