In what could be viewed as a novel strategy for the desktop, Microsoft is using new hardware to leverage its Windows Live Messenger service. The release of its LifeCam range of webcams signals an attempt by Microsoft to make its instant messenging service plug and play and fully integrated. According to Microsoft, the LifeCam is a collaborative effort of both its Microsoft Hardware and Windows Live divisions.

Microsoft claims that more people would use webcams if they were simpler to operate and had better pictures and sound. The two LifeCam models, the low end VX-3000 and high end VX-6000, aim to address this. The LifeCam models are optimized to work with Windows Live Messenger and provide a number of interesting plug and play features that work from within Microsoft's instant messaging application.

For a start the new webcams come with integrated microphones, which when you think about it, is about as a basic a feature that should be standard on all webcams but surprisingly isn't. However, there are three additional features that make the LifeCam range a very tempting proposition for would-be users. The Windows Live Call Button on top of each webcam allows users to call up an online buddy list, select a buddy and automatically place a video call. The LifeCam Dashboard is integrated into Windows Live Messenger to allow on-screen camera controls such as pan, tilt and zoom. A feature called One-Touch Blogging enables users to paste webcam pictures to a Windows Live Space blog.

At US$49.95 and US$99.95 (A$99.95 and A$199.95 in Australia) the LifeCam VX-3000 and VX-6000 appear to provide an affordable high value package. Whether Microsoft is making much or anything off the hardware is probably a moot point. The real value in these new webcams is their ability to entice users into the Windows Live Messenger space. The instant messaging and internet telephony market is growing hotter by the minute with a number of very strong competitors, such as Yahoo, AOL, Google and Skype. Microsoft knows that what people are looking for is a simple plug and play solution that they don't have to fiddle about with. LifeCam is Microsoft's answer.

The LifeCam range will be available for general distribution in August with more products promised in September. {moscomment}