Microsoft Buying WebTV -- On 06-Apr-97, Microsoft announced a surprising $425 million dollar stock and cash deal to buy WebTV Networks, Inc., makers of the WebTV set-top box that enables users to surf the Web via their television (see TidBITS-367). Already a content provider with efforts like MSN and MSNBC, WebTV also gives Microsoft a strong foothold in an emerging online consumer electronics market and - perhaps more importantly - may let Microsoft control key patents relating to set-top box design and software technology. [GD]

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