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Man creates Windows 98 "smartwatch" using Raspberry Pi

The watch was made using a Raspberry Pi A+ and QEMU to run Windows 98. (Source: 314Reactor)
The watch was made using a Raspberry Pi A+ and QEMU to run Windows 98. (Source: 314Reactor)
A DIY tech enthusiast has decided to satisfy his nostalgia cravings by creating a Windows 98 "smartwatch" using a Raspberry Pi A+ as a base.

DIY electronics project blogger and reddit user Lord_of_Bone has achieved something nobody has dreamed of (for good reason): putting Windows 98 on your wrist. The project makes use of a Raspberry Pi A+ running emulator QEMU to put the (in)famous OS onto the user's wrist. To what end? Well, sometimes the destination is the journey itself.

According to 314reactor, the creator's DIY blog, he always had a nostalgic affinity for Windows 98. He'd already created a Windows 98-era dream PC, so it would be "rediculous and awesome" to put it on his wrist. If you want to make your own nigh-useless Windows 98 wristwatch, you'll also need the following (as outlined on his blog):

  • A touchscreen
  • Case
  • Buttons
  • Raspberry Pi A+
  • Battery
  • Powerboost 500 power supply
  • Switch
  • Sugru case
  • Velcro feet
  • Velcro strap
  • Micro USB
  • 40-Pin Header
  • 40 Pin Header Extender
  • Other accessories from www.MODMYPI.com

After cobbling the hardware together, he installed QEMU and then Windows 98 through the emulator. It isn't fast and it isn't useful, but... it certainly exists. More pictures and instructions are available on his blog.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2017 03 > Man creates Windows 98 "smartwatch" using Raspberry Pi
Douglas Black, 2017-03- 6 (Update: 2021-09-28)