Rumors indicate that Flipper Devices, the creators of the Flipper Zero, are developing a new device called the Flipper One. This new device, as speculated, marks a significant departure from the Flipper Zero, which gained notoriety for its hacking capabilities and subsequent bans by governments concerned about potential misuse.
The Flipper Zero became known for its ability to clone hotel key cards and manipulate garage doors, raising concerns among security professionals. Its toy-like design, featuring a pixelated dolphin on its screen, contributed to its fame and controversy. This combination of hacking functionality and a playful aesthetic fueled its popularity. Regulators responded with bans, and the device became a subject of widespread discussion, exemplified by YouTube videos claiming it could be used to steal cars.
The Flipper team, led by designer Pavel Zhovner, is reportedly shifting its focus from wireless signal manipulation, which defined the Flipper Zero, to creating a pocket-sized Linux computer. This proposed device aims to offer the functionality of a computer in a handheld form factor, distinct from smartphones or tablets. The Flipper One is not intended as an evolution of the Flipper Zero, Zhovner and his team have stated.
The team’s design choices seemingly reflect lessons learned from the regulatory challenges faced by the Flipper Zero. The rumored Flipper One is said to omit the radio features that caused concern, including RFID, NFC, sub-gigahertz, and infrared communication capabilities. Instead, the device is envisioned as a Linux-based platform with a modular design to facilitate pen-testing without attracting governmental scrutiny.
This modular approach suggests that the Flipper One could function as a platform similar to a smartphone that runs applications. Regulators would then evaluate individual radio modules rather than the entire device, a strategy that mirrors how apps are regulated as opposed to phones. Users could select desired wireless features without incurring the cost of unnecessary components. This approach transforms regulatory compliance into a business opportunity.
The speculative engineering choices suggest ambitious goals. The Flipper One is rumored to feature a dual-processor setup, balancing battery life and performance. A smaller, efficient chip would manage background tasks, while a more powerful processor would handle demanding applications. Full Linux support will allow the device to run desktop applications, and Android compatibility will expand the range of available software. Rumors suggest a custom Kali Linux distribution featuring user-friendly interfaces designed for security tools. The normal command-line syntax will be simplified.
Though internal components may change, the external design of the Flipper One is expected to retain the landscape orientation and orange backlit LCD display of the Flipper Zero. The screen resolution is rumored to be 256×144 pixels, optimized for displaying a multilingual keyboard. This, along with eight physical buttons, a directional pad, and a joystick, suggests a focus on usability.
The potential development of an open-source operating system is being rumored. This move would transform the Flipper One from a hardware product into a platform for pocket computers. The cyberdeck community has been creating similar devices as individual projects requiring fabrication skills. Open sourcing the operating system would allow the devices to be accessible to people with all skill levels.
The actual realization of these features remains uncertain. The rumored specifications are ambitious, balancing advanced capabilities with practical considerations. Should Flipper Devices deliver on these specifications, the Flipper One could establish itself as a viable pocket computer designed for users with computer expertise. This would either be a revolutionary product or a learning experience in hardware development. Given Flipper Devices’ track record, it seems imprudent to dismiss these claims. If executed effectively, the Flipper One might become the standard for portable Linux computers.
