Flipper One Emerges as a Pocket Computer for Wireless Tools

Rumors are circulating about the upcoming release of the Flipper One, a new device that could redefine what a pocket computer can be. Unlike its predecessor, the Flipper Zero, which gained notoriety for its ability to manipulate various wireless signals, the Flipper One is designed as a compact Linux computer. This innovation might not only offer advanced functionality but also navigate the regulatory hurdles that plagued its forerunner.

The Flipper Zero became a cultural phenomenon, known for its playful dolphin design and capabilities that made security professionals uneasy. Users could clone hotel key cards, interfere with garage doors, and much more. Governments reacted by banning the device in some jurisdictions. The Flipper One, however, appears to be a strategic pivot, intentionally omitting the controversial features that made the Flipper Zero a target.

A New Direction for Flipper Devices

According to Pavel Zhovner and his team at Flipper Devices, the Flipper One is not simply an upgrade but an entirely new device. Gone are the wireless features like RFID and NFC that characterized the Flipper Zero. Instead, the Flipper One focuses on being a versatile Linux platform, potentially allowing users to install various applications while avoiding the scrutiny that its predecessor faced.

The design aims to offer users a device that can handle pen-testing tasks without attracting regulatory ire. By creating a modular system, regulators could evaluate specific components rather than the entire device, similar to how mobile apps are managed. This could significantly reduce compliance issues while providing users with the features they actually want.

The ambition behind the Flipper One is evident in its proposed dual-processor architecture. This setup would allow a low-power chip to manage background tasks while a more powerful processor handles demanding applications. Full support for Linux means that users could run desktop applications and access a wide array of existing software, including millions of Android apps. There is even speculation about a custom Kali Linux distribution that would simplify the use of security tools, traditionally reliant on complex command-line instructions.

Design and Usability Features

Despite the significant internal changes, the Flipper One retains a design reminiscent of its predecessor. It features a landscape layout and an orange backlit LCD display with a resolution of 256×144 pixels, selected for its suitability for a functional multilingual keyboard. The device also includes eight physical buttons, a directional pad, and a miniature joystick, indicating a thoughtful approach to user experience.

Perhaps the most intriguing rumor involves the intention to open-source the operating system. This would transform the Flipper One from merely a hardware product into a platform for pocket computers, appealing to a community already engaged in creating similar devices. This vision could either be groundbreaking or overly ambitious, depending on execution.

While the details surrounding the Flipper One remain speculative, the potential for a commercially viable pocket computer designed for tech-savvy individuals is noteworthy. If Flipper Devices can deliver on these ambitious specifications, they may set a new standard for what portable Linux computers can achieve by 2025. Given their history of turning controversial tools into mainstream successes, the tech community will be watching closely as the situation develops.