Tech District · VIDEO ESSAY

WebTV: The Set-Top Box That Put the Internet on Living Room TVs and Became Microsoft's MSN TV

Before smart TVs, Roku, and streaming devices, there was WebTV — a revolutionary set-top box that brought the internet directly into American living rooms without needing a computer. Launched in 1996, WebTV allowed people to browse websites, send emails, and explore the online world through their televisions. Microsoft saw its potential and acquired the company for $425 million in 1997, eventually rebranding it as MSN TV. But despite its early innovation, the service shut down in 2013. Discover the fascinating story of WebTV, its ambitious vision, Microsoft's acquisition, and how this forgotten device helped pave the way for today's smart TVs.