Ivan Kuznetsov has created a smart toaster that runs on Windows 95, combining retro technology with modern IoT features. This project blends the 1990s operating system with voice control and internet connectivity, using a Raspberry Pi as its core. By running Windows 95 through an emulator, the device includes a touchscreen and Alexa compatibility for voice commands. The design is both functional and nostalgic, showing how old software can be adapted for modern uses.
The toaster is built around a Raspberry Pi 4, which acts as the brain of the device. Kuznetsov used a virtual machine to install Windows 95, allowing it to run the 30-year-old OS on modern hardware. This required careful configuration to ensure stability and performance. The toaster’s interface features a touchscreen that displays the Windows 95 desktop, complete with icons and a start menu. Users can interact with the system through a physical keyboard or a mouse connected via USB.
The IoT integration is achieved through a Wi-Fi module, allowing the toaster to access the internet for software updates and remote monitoring. Voice control is added using an Alexa-compatible module, which translates commands into actions. For example, saying, “Alexa, toast bread,” triggers the heating elements and displays a countdown on the screen. The project also includes a temperature sensor to prevent overheating, a timer for precise cooking times, and a backup power supply to ensure the device remains operational during outages.
Running Windows 95 on modern hardware involved optimizing system resources. Kuznetsov used a lightweight emulator to reduce the load on the Raspberry Pi and calibrated the touchscreen to work with low-resolution graphics using custom drivers. Technical details involved soldering components, configuring the Raspberry Pi’s operating system, and writing custom Python scripts to control the heating elements and voice recognition. The heating coils and timer were specifically modified to integrate with the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO pins.
The project highlights the versatility of retro software and the potential for creative tech experiments. The Windows 95 desktop remains fully functional, allowing users to use applications like Notepad and Paint alongside a menu for customizing toast color. By sharing the design files and code online, Kuznetsov encourages innovation in the maker community. This smart toaster stands as a testament to technical problem-solving, showing how legacy systems can be repurposed for unique, modern applications.