GEnie
GEnie (General Electric Network for Information Exchange) was an online service created by General Electric in 1985. It was one of the pioneering online services that provided an array of features for its users, including email, online chat, games, and information services. Here is an in-depth look at GEnie:
History
- Launch: GEnie was officially launched in October 1985. It was developed as a way for General Electric to utilize its existing infrastructure for data communication.
- Expansion: By 1986, GEnie had expanded to offer a wide range of services, attracting hobbyists, professionals, and businesses. It became particularly popular among computer enthusiasts and users of Apple II and IBM PC compatible systems.
- Partnerships: GEnie formed partnerships with companies like Radio Shack to offer the service through their stores, broadening its reach.
- Decline: With the rise of the Internet and services like AOL, CompuServe, and later Internet Service Providers, GEnie began to lose market share. General Electric sold GEnie in 1996 to Yahoo!, which later discontinued the service in 1999.
Features and Services
- RoundTables: These were discussion areas or forums where users could engage in topic-specific conversations. There were over 100 RoundTables covering subjects from computing to gardening.
- Email: GEnie offered email services with unique addresses ending in "@genie.com."
- Chat: Real-time chat rooms were available, allowing users to interact in a live setting.
- Games: A variety of games, including multi-player games, were accessible through GEnie.
- Software Libraries: Users could upload and download software, with sections dedicated to different computer platforms.
- News Services: Subscribers had access to news feeds, which were updated daily.
- GE Mail: A service similar to email, but focused on business communications with enhanced security and features.
Technology and Access
- GEnie could be accessed through dial-up connections. Users logged in with a username and password.
- It supported various data rates up to 28,800 bps, and later offered a TCP/IP connection for those with Internet access.
- Access was initially available via a local phone call or through a long-distance connection for those not in service areas.
Legacy
Although GEnie is no longer operational, it played a significant role in the early days of online services:
- It helped pave the way for the concept of online communities and forums.
- GEnie introduced many users to the idea of online shopping, information retrieval, and the social aspects of the Internet before the World Wide Web became mainstream.
- Some of the services and ideas from GEnie influenced modern platforms like social media networks, online gaming communities, and digital content distribution.
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