Named after the father of modern mechanics, the 'Newton Virus' introduces the concept of gravity causing your desktop to behave exactly as it would in the real physical environment. Desktop icons become susceptible to Newton’s invisible force and fall, roll and tumble in whatever direction gravity pulls them delivering a little bit of reality to your virtual environment. Perfect for spicing up your colleagues day or simply enjoying the marvels of Newtonian principles at work.

But not to worry, the non-destructive virus will not replicate itself, mail itself to your friends or destroy any of your files, but instead provide you with moments of blissful surprise and magic.

You can download 2 versions of the 'Newton Virus' from our site.

'Newton Virus Install to USB' allows you to download the virus directly onto your own USB key with which you can 'infect' any number of Macintosh laptops, and 'Newton Virus Screensaver' that allows you to install the virus as a screensaver onto your computer.

The Newton Virus is now part of the permanent collection at MOMA, New York. 

Concept

In the early days of computing viruses were born out of the wit of early computer adopters, viruses whose sole purpose was to surprise and amuse. Essentially creating non-destructive forms of artificial life. We wanted to revive this golden era, and went on to create our first computer virus. We chose to do it for Mac as the platform is still a virgin territory.  At the same time the virus toys with the idea of interaction beyond the strictly functional. The virus celebrates the urge for humans to play while introducing some of the randomness of reality into our strictly controlled and de-humanized virtual environments.

Design and Development

Utilizing the onboard motion sensors of MacBooks, the virus senses the movements of it's host adjusting it's affects accordingly.

First Prototype: in collaboration with Mauritius Seeger

Programming: Everita