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    On This Day in Tech History

    Stories Published September 16 Throughout History

    Historic Tech Events

    Microsoft Unveils Improved WebTV Platform

    Microsoft Unveils Improved WebTV Platform
    1997

    Microsoft unveiled an improved version of its WebTV platform, which allowed users to access the internet and email through their television sets. The platform was aimed at consumers who did not own personal computers or were not comfortable using them, and was marketed as an easy and affordable way to access online content. The new version of WebTV featured an updated interface and faster performance, making it more user-friendly and responsive. However, despite Microsoft's efforts to promote the platform, WebTV struggled to gain widespread adoption, and it was eventually discontinued in 2013. The legacy of WebTV can be seen in modern smart TV platforms, which offer similar functionality but with more advanced features and integration with other devices.

    General Motors Founded in Michigan

    General Motors Founded in Michigan
    1908

    General Motors (GM) was founded by William Durant after he successfully merged several smaller car companies, including Buick, into a larger conglomerate. Initially, GM was only a holding company, but it soon began to acquire and develop its own brands, such as Chevrolet and Cadillac. Under Durant's leadership, GM became the largest automobile manufacturer in the world, a position it held for several decades. Today, GM remains a major player in the global automotive industry, producing a wide range of vehicles, including electric cars and trucks.

    Malaysia Formed as a Diverse Federation

    Malaysia Formed as a Diverse Federation
    1963

    The formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963, was a significant event in Southeast Asian history, aimed at creating a stable and prosperous nation with a diverse population of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous people. The Federation of Malaya, which had gained independence from Britain six years earlier, was united with Sabah and Sarawak, former British colonies on the island of Borneo, and the city-state of Singapore. However, the merger proved to be short-lived, as Singapore was expelled from the federation just two years later, in 1965, due to political and economic differences. Nevertheless, the creation of Malaysia represented a new era of cooperation and unity among the various states that joined to form the federation

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