Microsoft is teaming up with the Coca Cola Company to give away millions of free MS Points as part of a ‘Happiness Factory’ promotion. Free, eh? So what’s the catch?

Er, as far as we can see there isn’t much of one. The Points - three million of ‘em - will be distributed on a fair and strictly first-come/first-served basis, and you’ll doubtless have marketing messages thrust into your freebie-eating face as you register for the promotion. After that the points are yours to spend on whatever Xbox LIVE delights as take your fancy - movies, Arcade games (try Peggle!), downloadable extras etc. You may notice a strange thirst while playing, though.

There seems to be a little confusion about when this promotion actually launches. Various web sources reckon it’s this week while others think early April is nearer the mark. Whatever the case it’s definitely happening so you’d better keep an eye on Xbox LIVE. You snooze you lose etc…