Credit: Throaty Mumbo

Summary

  • Windows 95 runs a smart toaster via a Raspberry Pi inside a 3D-printed beige shell – delightfully retro.
  • Toaster’s original hardware couldn’t run Win95; a Pico intercepts inputs and a Pi handles the OS-toaster bridge.
  • Toast.exe on the Win95 desktop lets you manually control heating, cycles, and tray – impractical but wickedly cool.

In a whimsical twist of technological nostalgia, YouTuber Throaty Mumbo has brought to life a concept that many might have thought impossible: a smart toaster powered by the iconic Windows 95 operating system. While the original hardware of the toaster was not equipped to handle such a vintage OS, Throaty Mumbo’s innovative approach has turned this dream into a reality, albeit with a modern twist.

Running a smart toaster off Windows 95 is an amazing feat

Throaty Mumbo embarked on this quirky project with a Revolution smart toaster, eager to explore its inner workings. Upon discovering that the toaster’s hardware was incompatible with Windows 95, they ingeniously devised a workaround. By employing a Raspberry Pi Pico, they intercepted the necessary signals, effectively creating a bridge between the toaster and the vintage operating system.

The result is a delightful fusion of old and new: Windows 95 now runs on a Raspberry Pi, encased in a charming 3D-printed beige shell that pays homage to the 90s aesthetic. This setup allows users to interact with the toaster through a custom application aptly named Toast.exe.

And yes, there’s a “Toast.exe” application

With Toast.exe on the desktop, users can manually control the toasting process, including heating levels, cycle durations, and tray movements—all through a series of buttons that evoke a sense of nostalgia. While this method may be impractical for everyday use, it certainly adds a layer of charm and whimsy to the mundane task of making toast.

For those who appreciate the retro vibes but prefer a more streamlined experience, there are alternative uses for single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi, such as emulating classic gaming consoles. However, for those who revel in the joy of merging the past with the present, Throaty Mumbo’s creation stands as a testament to creativity and innovation in the tech world.