We've seen Microsoft's retro OS Windows 95 appear in the strangest places back in 2016, like the Xbox One, and even on the Apple Watch. And it seems that we're seeing more of these amazing experiments, this time featuring a developer who has actually managed to build a watch running Windows 98.
Michael Darby, who describes himself as an "amateur technology project maker," has created a wrist computer out of a Raspberry Pi, and managed to emulate Windows 98 on it. In his blog post, the project maker states that he has a soft spot for the OS, despite it driving him insane back in the day. He shares his interest for the experiment further:
"I also love emulation, the idea of running an operating system on virtual hardware? That’s awesome. It’s like the Matrix, or something. On top of this I love wearable/small tech and nowadays I have the ability to make things like this. So I thought, wouldn’t it be ridiculous and awesome to have Windows 98 on my wrist?"
The watch is built on a Raspberry Pi A+, with a touch screen and five buttons on top of the device. Darby programmed one of the buttons as a shutdown command, in order to prevent unclean shutdowns that may cause SD card corruption.
Testing the product, Darby states that while the interface is "usable," it provided a very slow experience. He also found the touchscreen to be a bit off, unsure if this is because of the QEMU (Quick Emulator) that he used to fire up Windows 98, or that the TFT screen needs calibration.
We have to say, it definitely looks like the blocky Pip-Boy of Fallout, but with more chances of running into a Blue Screen of Death.
You can check out Michael Darby's process in building the Windows 98 wristwatch at the source link below , for those who are interested in building one as well.
Source: 314reactor via Gizmodo
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