July 4, 1996: Microsoft Hotmail Independence Day Launch

“Happy Independence Day. In return, we are going to give you a great new way to get email. It’s called “Hotmail“. Be free from your internet service provider!”

That was the call to action on 1996. Hotmail launched their email service as “HoTMaiL” (HTML is upper-case). It is the first web-based email that was later named MSN Hotmail, then Windows Live Hotmail.

Hotmail had many features since it’s start. Unlimited storage was one big feature. In 1997, Microsoft purchased Hotmail for $400 million, and changed the name to MSN Hotmail. They paired with the Microsoft Instant Messanger, then built items like the calendar, SkyDrive, and more.

After getting stiff competition from Google in 2004, Microsoft changed the service to Live Hotmail.  The service continues on with many updates to compete with Google and Yahoo mail.

Full Day in Tech History podcast show notes for July 4

• Major BBS is released
• Who is the President of the Internet
• 1 euro ebay baby goes home

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