The Messenger Cafe is a new initiative from Microsoft designed to offer a collection of free content to users of its instant messaging client. New is actually a tad far off, as the concept behind the new Live marketing campaign for Windows Live Messenger is somewhat of a repeat of what Microsoft has done in the past for Windows Vista. Earlier this year, the Redmond company was delivering to users the Windows Vista Innovation Cafe. The Vista website was set up to allow users to interact with a set of programs designed for the operating system via their browser.

Much in the same manner, the Messenger Cafe presents a menu with free goodies created to integrate seamlessly with the instant messaging client. The cafe is nothing more than a campaign to market Windows Live Messenger. Still, the design and approach is rather rudimentary compared to the Windows Vista Innovation Cafe experience. Users will be able to access five free games including GoPets, Brain Battle, Jigsaw Too, Rock-Paper-Scissors, and UNO.

"Hot games and cool activities served up daily. If you and your friends are in the mood for some fun, we've got just the fresh selection of games and activities you crave. Sit down, relax, and check out the menu to see what we're serving up," reads a message posted on the Messenger Cafe. However, despite the welcoming invite, the fact of the matter is that the content is rather poor.

Microsoft is simply going in a wrong direction with such approaches. The webpage for messenger does offer free themes and emphasizes Music Mix, a way for users to share music across the IM client, but otherwise the content will not provide the thrills it promises. The Redmond company should underscore the core capabilities of Windows Live Messenger and not advertise accessories and bells and whistles with no real impact on user experience. According to the last Microsoft count, Windows Live Messenger accounts for in excess of 280 million users worldwide. I am sure that playing Brain Battle will not significantly increase this number.