The Flipper One is the latest project from the creators of the Flipper Zero, one of the most successful hacking devices currently available. With the company moving into a new headquarters and hacker space in London, significant details about the upcoming device have been revealed. Unlike the Flipper Zero, which is primarily a hacking tool, the Flipper One is designed as a fully functional portable computer.
Hardware Features
The Flipper One introduces several hardware advancements. It features a dual-processor architecture:
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A core processor that continuously runs in the background to handle essential functions such as battery monitoring and power management.
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A high-performance ARM System-on-Chip (SoC), likely a Rockchip processor, capable of executing six trillion operations per second (TOPS), allowing for on-device AI processing.
The device includes a custom-designed screen with a resolution of 256x144, specifically chosen to support a multilingual on-screen keyboard. It does not feature a touchscreen but includes eight physical buttons, four of which adapt based on the active application.
Unlike its predecessor, the Flipper One does not have built-in radios. Instead, it incorporates an M.2 slot for modular expansion, allowing users to install different radio cards, including Software-Defined Radio (SDR), LTE, and Wi-Fi. The device also supports DisplayPort over USB-C, enabling connection to external screens and providing a complete graphical user interface (GUI).
Additionally, the Flipper One includes a built-in power bank for charging other devices. It is equipped with a D-pad, an OK button, and a joystick to facilitate navigation through menus, logs, and the keyboard.
A notable design change is the concealed GPIO ports, which, unlike the Flipper Zero, are not exposed. To access them, users must either design compact expansion modules or 3D-print a custom case to reveal the ports.
Software and Operating System
A major distinction between the Flipper Zero and Flipper One is the operating system. The Flipper One runs a full Linux-based OS, supporting multiple systems, including Android, Android TV, and a customized version of Kali Linux—a Linux distribution designed for ethical hacking and penetration testing.
The customized Kali Linux version features a user-friendly interface that enables efficient interaction with Linux applications. The device supports multitasking, allowing users to switch between applications seamlessly. Background services are also supported, ensuring continuous operation of specific applications even when not actively displayed.
Another key feature is UI synchronization with desktops. When connected to a computer or external display, the Flipper One can function as a complete Linux desktop, with the interface dynamically adjusting to screen size. The Flipper development team also plans to open-source the OS, making it available for integration into other devices, such as cyber decks and small gaming consoles.
The Flipper One marks a significant shift from a specialized hacking tool to a fully-fledged Linux-powered portable computer. Its modular design, enhanced hardware, and flexible operating system make it a versatile platform for development, hacking, and portable computing. The decision to open-source the OS further expands its potential applications across various devices. The project is generating considerable anticipation within the tech and hacking communities, highlighting its potential impact on the field of portable computing.