#techthrowback

🎄💾🗓️ Day 9: Retrocomputing Advent Calendar - The Apple Lisa 🎄💾🗓️

The Apple Lisa, introduced on January 19, 1983, was a pioneering personal computer notable for its graphical user interface (GUI) and mouse input, a big departure from text-based command-line interfaces. Featured a Motorola 68000 CPU running at 5 MHz, 1 MB of RAM (expandable to 2 MB), and a 12-inch monochrome display with a resolution of 720×364 pixels. The system initially included dual 5.25-inch "Twiggy" floppy drives, later replaced by a single 3.5-inch Sony floppy drive in the Lisa 2 model. An optional 5 or 10 MB external ProFile hard drive provided more storage.

The Lisa's price of $9,995 (equivalent to approximately $30,600 in 2023) and performance issues held back its commercial success; sales were estimated at about 10,000 units.

It introduced advanced concepts such as memory protection and a document-oriented workflow, which influenced future Apple products and personal computing.

The Lisa's legacy had a huge impact on Apple computers, specifically the Macintosh line, which adopted and refined many of its features. While the Lisa was not exactly a commercial success, its contributions to the evolution of user-friendly computing interfaces are widely recognized in computing history.

These screen pictures come from Adafruit fan Philip " It still boots up from the Twiggy hard drive and runs. It also has a complete Pascal Development System." …"mine is a Lisa 2 with the 3.5” floppy and the 5 MB hard disk. In addition all of the unsold Lisa machines reached an ignominious end."

What end was that? From the Verge -

In September 1989, according to a news article, Apple buried about 2,700 unsold Lisa computers in Logan, Utah at a very closely guarded garbage dump. The Lisa was released in 1983, and it was Apple’s first stab at a truly modern, graphically driven computer: it had a mouse, windows, icons, menus, and other things we’ve all come to expect from “user-friendly” desktops. It had those features a full year before the release of the Macintosh.

Article, and video…

Check out the Apple Lisa page on Wikipedia

, the Computer History's article -

and the National Museum of American History – Behring center -

Testing Dark Castle with audio on the RP2350 Fruit Jam 🕹️🏰

Jepler spent a bunch of time this week working on getting audio working on the pico-umac port https://github.com/jepler/pico-mac/tree/rp2350-fruitjam to Fruit Jam

. Audio on the hardware we're emulating is pretty straightforward: every scanline of the video generator also pops out one byte of PWM data. We have 370 horizontal lines—352 visible and 18 during the vsync—and a 60.15 Hz refresh rate for 22.255 KHz audio approximately. That data is written to $1FD00 http://www.mac.linux-m68k.org/devel/plushw.php . That data is being piped over I2S to the MAX98357

and to a speaker for now.

So, of course, the first thing we have to try out is Dark Castle

🎄💾🗓️ Day 16: Retrocomputing Advent Calendar - Tandy 1000🎄💾🗓️

Tandy's 1000, sold by Tandy Corporation in 1984 via its RadioShack stores, was a low-cost home computer designed to be compatible with IBM PC software. It shipped with an Intel 8088 processor, 128 KB of RAM, expandable to 640 KB, and had better-at-the-time graphics and sound than many of the standard PCs. The 1000 had the Tandy Graphics Adapter, or TGA, and the more superior SN76496 or NCR 8496 sound chips. The built-in joystick port also made it desirable for gamers and home users. Different models were produced, each with improved hardware, before being discontinued in 1993. One of the main selling features was its compatibility with IBM-PC, the MS-DOS operating system, and expansion slots for peripheral devices.

And check out our guide! Tandy 1000 Keyboard to USB with CircuitPython. https://learn.adafruit.com/tandy-1000-keyboard-to-usb-with-circuitpython

Celebrating 50 Years of Innovation and Design

Can you believe it? Apple has reached a remarkable milestone of 50 years, and what a journey it has been! From its humble beginnings in a garage to becoming one of the most influential companies in tech history, Apple has not only transformed the way we communicate but also how we live our everyday lives.

Visual Evolution: One of the most striking aspects of Apple’s journey is its visual transformation. Remember the iconic Apple I? It paved the way for a series of groundbreaking products, including the Macintosh, which introduced the world to graphical user interfaces. Fast forward to the sleek lines of the iPhone, and we see a design philosophy that emphasizes simplicity and elegance.

Innovation at Its Core: Apple’s commitment to innovation has continually pushed boundaries. The launch of the iPod revolutionized how we consume music, while the App Store created an entirely new ecosystem for developers and users alike. As we reflect on these milestones, it’s clear that Apple has consistently redefined industries, from computing to entertainment.

Cultivating Community: Beyond products, Apple has fostered a vibrant community of users and developers. The annual WWDC event, for example, serves as a gathering point for creative minds passionate about technology. It’s this sense of belonging that keeps fans eagerly awaiting the next big reveal, whether it’s a new gadget or a software update.

Looking Ahead: As we celebrate this golden anniversary, it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. With advancements in areas like augmented reality and artificial intelligence, Apple continues to lead the charge in shaping technology for the next generation. Who knows what groundbreaking innovations await us in the next 50 years?

Apple's journey is not just about products; it's about a shared experience that resonates with millions. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, there's something in Apple’s story for everyone. Here’s to celebrating the past, present, and future of this iconic brand!

#AppleAt50 #TechHistory #Innovation #Design #AppleFan #MilestoneMoments

📖 Read the full article on Denver Mobile App Developer

Celebrating the Vibrant Evolution of Pixel Colors

Remember the excitement of unboxing your first Google Pixel? The vibrant colors and sleek design were not just about aesthetics; they marked a significant evolution in smartphone technology. Google recently celebrated this journey with their gallery titled ‘Pixel Colors Through the Years’, inviting us to look back at the stunning hues that have graced each Pixel model.

Throughout the years, the Pixel has introduced an array of colors that resonate with users, making each device feel personal and unique. Here are some key highlights from the gallery:

Diverse Palette: From the striking Just Black to the playful Oh So Orange, Google has embraced a spectrum that caters to every personality. Each color tells a story, reflecting the mood and spirit of its time.

Innovative Design: Color is not just about looks; it’s about how the device feels in your hand. The matte finishes and glossy accents have evolved, offering users a tactile experience that enhances their connection to the device.

Community Feedback: Google has always listened to its users, and the selection of colors is no exception. Fans have influenced the choice of shades, showcasing how community engagement shapes product design.

Emotional Connection: Colors evoke feelings. Each Pixel color has become synonymous with memories—whether it’s capturing a moment in a vibrant Clearly White or showcasing your unique style with Kinda Blue.

As we reflect on these iconic colors, it’s clear that Google has not just sold smartphones; they’ve created devices that resonate deeply with their users. Each Pixel is a canvas of creativity and innovation, reminding us that technology can be both functional and expressive.

What’s your favorite Pixel color? Share your thoughts and let’s celebrate the colorful journey together! 🌈

#GooglePixel #PixelColors #TechHistory #SmartphoneDesign #ColorfulTech #InnovationInDesign #PixelLove

📖 Read the full article on Denver Mobile App Developer

Remember These? The Gadgets Everyone Was Talking About in 2019. 🕰️

What was the first WiFi standard released?

WiFi didn’t start as fast as it is today! The very first WiFi standard, IEEE 802.11, was released in 1997 and allowed speeds up to 2 Mbps—tiny compared to modern gigabit speeds, but revolutionary at the time. Want to see how WiFi evolved over the decades?