A Desktop OS for the ESP32-P4
Developer Jthwho has created BMDS, a desktop operating system for the ESP32-P4 microprocessor, featuring a GUI reminiscent of late 1990s computing environments.
The ESP32-P4, Espressif's high-end application processor featuring two fast RISC-V cores, now has a dedicated desktop operating system called BMDS (Bare Metal Do Stuff). Created by developer Jthwho, the OS targets Olimex boards and combines the FreeRTOS kernel with a user interface that closely resembles computing environments from the late 1990s.
Retro Computing Power
BMDS operates as a single-user, minimally intrusive system similar to DOS, while maintaining some POSIX compliance. The OS can run ELF binaries and includes a port of BusyBox, providing functionality that would have made it a competitive option in the era of Amigas, 68k Macs, and Windows 3.x.
Modern Applications
As the ESP32-P4 processor gains traction among hackers and tinkerers, BMDS demonstrates the potential for powerful, specialized computing platforms. While its retro aesthetic might seem nostalgic, the OS represents an impressive achievement in maximizing the capabilities of modern microprocessor technology.
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