We have seen Windows 95 running on a lot of devices like an iPhone 6 Plus and a Samsung Gear Live, and now Nick Lee from Tendigi Insights has managed to get it running on the Apple Watch.
Apple’s smartwatch comes with a 520 MHz processor and features 8GB of built-in storage. There is also 512 MB of RAM, so it comes with enough power to run Windows 95. Have a look at the video below.
With a 520 MHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, and 8GB of internal storage, the Apple Watch packs a lot of computing horsepower into a very small package. On paper, its processor alone is about twenty-five times faster than the average 386, and 512 MB was the size of a hard drive in the mid-nineties, not memory. As a result, I was feeling confident that the Apple Watch had the ability to run one of the most revered desktop operating systems Redmond has ever produced.
The Technical Challenge
Running Windows 95 on an Apple Watch is no small feat. The Apple Watch’s hardware, while impressive for a smartwatch, is not designed to run desktop operating systems. Nick Lee had to overcome several technical challenges to make this possible. One of the primary hurdles was the lack of direct support for x86 architecture, which Windows 95 is built upon. The Apple Watch uses an ARM-based processor, requiring an emulation layer to translate x86 instructions to ARM instructions.
Additionally, the limited input methods on the Apple Watch posed another challenge. Windows 95 was designed for use with a keyboard and mouse, neither of which are available on the Apple Watch. Nick Lee had to create custom input methods to interact with the operating system, making the experience somewhat functional despite the constraints.
Why Run Windows 95 on an Apple Watch?
You might wonder why anyone would want to run Windows 95 on an Apple Watch. The answer lies in the realm of technological curiosity and the joy of pushing boundaries. Running an old operating system on modern hardware is a testament to how far technology has come. It also serves as a fun and educational project for those interested in software development and hardware capabilities.
For instance, the Apple Watch’s 520 MHz processor and 512 MB of RAM are significantly more powerful than the average desktop computer from the mid-90s. This comparison highlights the rapid advancement in technology over the past few decades. Moreover, projects like these can inspire others to explore unconventional uses for their devices, fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation.
You can find out more details about how Windows 95 was installed on the Apple Watch over at Tendigi Insights at the link below.
Source Tendigi Insights, MSPoweruser
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