Nearly six years after the launch of its controversial Flipper Zero, Flipper Devices is back with a new creation: the Flipper One. Unlike its predecessor, which focused on wireless hacking and multi-tool capabilities, the Flipper One is a full-fledged pocket-sized Linux computer. Powered by an 8-core RK3576 processor, it boasts a GPU, a 6 TOPS NPU for on-device AI inference, and 8GB of RAM. The device is open-source, running Linux, and is designed for developers, security researchers, and hobbyists who want a portable computing platform with extensive I/O capabilities.
The Flipper One is not meant to replace the Flipper Zero. Instead, it represents an evolution—a more powerful and versatile tool that can be customized through hardware modules. The device includes PCIe, SATA, and USB 3.0 interfaces, two ethernet ports, and an M.2 slot. This M.2 slot allows users to add modules for cellular connectivity, NFC, RFID, or even full Flipper Zero functionality. The company envisions a modular ecosystem where users can swap out capabilities depending on their needs.
One of the key design choices is the user interface. Rather than relying on a touchscreen or mouse, the Flipper One uses a built-in D-pad and a collection of customizable buttons. This makes it easier to use in environments where a mouse is impractical, such as field testing or close-quarters work. However, the interface is not yet finalized. Flipper Devices is actively soliciting feedback from the community through an online portal where developers can submit suggestions and ideas before the hardware is locked in.
The announcement comes after a period of quiet from Flipper Devices following the success and controversy of the Flipper Zero. The Zero became a favorite among security enthusiasts for its ability to interact with various wireless protocols, including sub-GHz, NFC, RFID, and Bluetooth. It also drew scrutiny from regulators and manufacturers due to its potential for misuse, such as cloning key fobs or interfering with IoT devices. Flipper Devices has always maintained that the Zero is an educational tool, and the company has implemented safeguards to prevent malicious use.
With the Flipper One, the company is doubling down on its mission to empower tinkerers and developers. The inclusion of a general-purpose Linux computer opens up possibilities beyond hacking. Users can run custom scripts, serve as a portable development environment, or even use it as a lightweight server. The dual ethernet ports suggest applications in networking and penetration testing. The M.2 slot, which supports SATA and PCIe, allows for storage expansion or specialized cards like Wi-Fi 6E or 5G modems.
The RK3576 processor is a notable choice. It is a mid-range ARM chip designed for edge computing and AI applications. The 6 TOPS NPU enables on-device machine learning tasks without relying on cloud services. This could be used for anomaly detection, pattern recognition, or real-time signal analysis. With 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, the device can handle multitasking reasonably well, though it is not intended to replace a desktop computer.
Flipper co-founder and CEO Pavel Zhovner revealed that the device is expected to launch via Kickstarter later this year, with a price target of around $350. The crowdfunding approach is reminiscent of the original Flipper Zero campaign, which raised over $4.8 million and built a dedicated community. The company is once again leaning on community input to refine the product before manufacturing begins.
Security experts have expressed cautious interest in the Flipper One. "It fills a niche for portable, open-source hardware that can be used for both education and advanced security testing," said a researcher who asked not to be named due to their employer's policies. "The modularity is a big plus. You can start with basic RFID testing and later add Sigfox or LoRa modules for IoT research." However, some warn that the same flexibility could be abused. "Any device that gives easy access to radio frequencies will inevitably attract bad actors. But the benefits for security research outweigh the risks if used responsibly."
The timeline for the Flipper One remains fluid. Flipper Devices has not announced a firm release date, but the community portal is already live. Developers can sign up to provide feedback on the user interface, hardware layout, and potential module designs. The company hopes to finalize the design by late summer and launch the Kickstarter in early fall. Given the complexity of manufacturing a modular Linux computer, initial units may ship in limited quantities.
In the six years since the Flipper Zero debuted, the landscape of portable hacking tools has changed. Competitors like the HackRF, RTL-SDR, and various Raspberry Pi-based devices have emerged. The Flipper One aims to differentiate itself through tight integration of hardware and software, a curated modular ecosystem, and the brand loyalty built by the Zero. The open-source nature also means the community can contribute improvements and custom OS builds.
For now, the device exists only as concept renderings and preliminary specifications. The final product may differ based on community input. Flipper Devices has a history of listening to its users; the Zero received multiple firmware updates and new hardware modules post-launch. The company is also known for its whimsical approach—the Flipper One retains the same playful design language as the Zero, with a compact rectangular body and a dot-matrix-style display reminiscent of retro computing.
Battery life remains an open question. The RK3576 is a relatively power-efficient chip, but the addition of an NPU and multiple high-speed interfaces could drain the battery quickly. Flipper Devices has not disclosed the battery capacity, but early mockups show a USB-C port for charging and data. Given the device's size, it likely houses a battery in the 3000-5000 mAh range, which would provide several hours of active use.
The Flipper One represents a significant step forward for Flipper Devices. By moving beyond a dedicated hacking tool to a general-purpose computing platform, the company is expanding its audience while staying true to its roots in open-source hardware and community-driven development. Whether the device will achieve the same cult status as the Zero remains to be seen, but the early buzz suggests strong interest from both longtime fans and new users looking for a portable Linux box with built-in hacking capabilities.
As the company works through the design phase, the open portal will be the primary channel for collaboration. Developers can expect regular updates from the team, including prototype photos and interface mockups. The final product will likely support a range of operating systems beyond the default Linux distribution, including Debian, Ubuntu, or Arch Linux ARM. The device's PCIe and USB 3.0 support also opens the door for external GPUs or other accelerators, though practicality would be limited by power constraints.
The Flipper One is not yet ready for sale, but the concept alone has already sparked discussions in the security and maker communities. For those who missed out on the Flipper Zero or are looking for a more capable platform, the One could be the next essential tool. The price point of $350 is competitive when compared to building a custom setup with a Raspberry Pi 5, battery pack, screen, and separate SDR modules. The integrated form factor and software support may justify the cost for serious hobbyists.
Source: The Verge News