Infinite Mac Construction Set
10 months ago
- #retro-computing
- #web-development
- #emulation
- Infinite Mac now allows embedding any OS from System 1.0 (1984) to Mac OS X 10.4 (2005) into websites.
- New `/embed` endpoint enables seamless iframing with controls for resolution, input events, and screen updates.
- Auto-pausing feature added for embedded instances using `IntersectionObserver` and `visibilitychange` signals.
- Embedding supports customization via query parameters and `message` events for programmatic control.
- Infinite Monkey demo connects an emulated Mac 128K to OpenAI and Anthropic models, showcasing cross-era tech interaction.
- Challenges included Safari's lack of `SharedArrayBuffer` support in iframes and slow disk image loading.
- Prefetching and service worker caching improved boot times for Mac OS 8.5 and NeXTStep images.
- LLMs struggle with older UI conventions, like pull-down menus, despite their ability to control the emulated Mac.
- Modernized Cloudflare setup with static assets and Vite plugin for better maintenance and dev experience.
- Potential for speed settings to accurately emulate older hardware performance in the web-based emulator.