We are going through a time of nostalgia. In entertainment, many productions are turning to remakes, reboots and other returns of popular major licenses. The small world of tech is also not spared…
Thus, a French company has chosen to bring this good old Minitel up to date.
An unexpected return
After production stopped ten years ago, the Minitel has almost completely disappeared from radar screens. It must be said that the computer terminal has always paled in comparison to modern computers. And this is all the more the case in 2022. However, since nostalgia is in fashion, these devices from another time are about to get a second youth.
It was through a crowdfunding campaign launched on Ulule that the French company Multiplié presented its project aimed at resuscitating the Minitel. This feat is made possible thanks to a small box called MiniMit which is connected to the Minitel via the DIN port positioned at the back of the device. The user can then connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
Basic features that work
Once the connection has been made, the Internet user will be able to access a whole range of tools from the Minitel. We can for example quote the weather, the directory, the astrology or the famous 3615 ULLA, renamed 3615 ELIZA for the occasion. But this adult dating service, initially launched in 1987, has quite logically been modified, and it is an artificial intelligence that will respond to the user.
Finally, it is important to specify that the Multiplié company will only market the MiniMit (from 75 euros). Thus, those interested will have to find a Minitel by their own means. The release of the case should take place in March 2023. A target of 500 presales has been posted so that the Ulule campaign can be crowned with success.
Source : Le Figaro
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