I think my guess is on march '14 and US get it Nov '13 similar to the PS3 release but I can't say I won't be disappointed if it isn't a worlwide release
Yes I see great potential in the new features. someone who necessarily isnt interested in a game might watch over one of their friends play it and be convinced. I know that when God Of War 3 was looming I'd never played a God Of War game and my friend let me borrow his old PS2 copy. I wasn't excited about it to tell you the truth but after playing the first one I "got it" and was so hyped for 3 coming out. And now I am so hyped for Acsension. Can't wait to hear Kratos...
I remember when Fallout 3 used to freeze when a friend signed in and popped up in the corner. Also when PS3 didnt even have wallpapers. We've come an awful long way.