New character types and social networks are introduced-- artsy bohemians, sports fans, and gadget-loving techies. The expansion also includes a new reputation meter. The meter allows you to gain or lose respect with your fellow sims. If you get a high reputation meter, it's easier to recruit friends into helping you with your goals.
Coupled with the announcement of the new expansion, Electronic Arts has also announced The Sims 2 Apartment Pets for the DS. Both the DS game and the PC expansion will launch on August 22.