If you are a fan of Apple retro gear, then this little mod running the old Newton OS on an iPhone 3G will brighten up your day. Check out the video after the jump.
The Open Einstein project is actually an emulator that allows you to run the Newton OS on other operating systems.
The Legacy of Newton OS
The Newton OS, originally developed by Apple in the early 1990s, was one of the first operating systems designed for personal digital assistants (PDAs). Despite its initial commercial failure, the Newton OS has garnered a cult following over the years. Enthusiasts appreciate its ahead-of-its-time features, such as handwriting recognition and a user-friendly interface. Running this OS on modern hardware like the iPhone 3G is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many tech aficionados.
It does run a little sluggish, but if you fancy running the Newton OS and giving this a go yourself, you can download the code from the Einstein website.
How to Get Started with Open Einstein
The Open Einstein project is an open-source initiative that aims to keep the Newton OS alive by allowing it to run on various modern platforms. The emulator is versatile and supports multiple operating systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Here’s a quick guide on how to get started:
1. Download the Emulator: Visit the Einstein website to download the latest version of the emulator.
2. Install the Emulator: Follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system. The emulator supports MacOS X (ppc and x86, 32 and 64 bits), iPhone, iPod, iPad running iOS, Linux (with X11), Windows, and ARM-Linux PDAs.
3. Load the Newton OS ROM: You will need a ROM image of the Newton OS to run it on the emulator. These can often be found through various Newton enthusiast communities.
4. Run the Emulator: Once everything is set up, you can start the emulator and enjoy the Newton OS on your modern device.
Performance and Usability
While the emulator does run a bit sluggishly on the iPhone 3G, it’s important to remember that this is more of a proof-of-concept than a practical application. The performance issues are primarily due to the hardware limitations of the iPhone 3G, which was released in 2008. However, the fact that the Newton OS can run on such a device is a testament to the flexibility and robustness of the Open Einstein project.
For those interested in exploring the Newton OS further, the emulator also runs on more powerful devices, including modern iPhones, iPads, and various desktop operating systems. This opens up a world of possibilities for developers and hobbyists who want to tinker with the Newton OS in a more responsive environment.
Einstein currently runs on: MacOS X (ppc and x86, 32 and 64 bits), iPhone, iPod, and iPad running iOS, Linux (with X11), Windows, ARM-Linux PDAs.
Via 9to5Mac
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