Flipper Devices, the company behind the popular Flipper Zero, has announced its latest project: the Flipper One. Described as an 'ARM-based Linux multi-tool', the device is designed to fit in a pocket and offer a wide range of capabilities, from radio frequency analysis to hardware hacking. Unlike the Flipper Zero, which focused on a user-friendly, closed ecosystem, the Flipper One is built around openness, running a full Linux operating system on an ARM processor, giving users near-total control over the hardware.
The device is not intended as a direct successor to the Flipper Zero, which became a cult hit among cybersecurity enthusiasts and hobbyists. Instead, the Flipper One targets a more advanced audience: developers, penetration testers, and educators who need a portable, customisable platform. Early specifications suggest it will include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPIO pins, allowing it to interact with a vast array of electronic systems. However, the company has been cautious about shipping timelines, acknowledging that bringing such a flexible device to market is fraught with logistical and regulatory hurdles.
For UK businesses, the Flipper One represents both an opportunity and a risk. On the one hand, it could be a powerful tool for internal security testing, allowing IT teams to simulate attacks on their own networks and hardware. On the other hand, its openness means it could be used for malicious purposes, such as unauthorised access to payment terminals or building automation systems. Dr. Sarah Jennings, a cybersecurity researcher at the University of Birmingham, notes: 'The Flipper One democratises access to hardware hacking. That's great for education and ethical testing, but it also lowers the barrier for less scrupulous actors.'
From a regulatory perspective, the device sits in a grey area. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has not yet issued specific guidance on multi-tool hacking devices, but existing laws around computer misuse and data interception apply. Meanwhile, the EU AI Act, though not directly applicable post-Brexit, may influence UK policy if the device uses any AI-driven features for signal analysis or automation. The UK government is currently consulting on its own AI regulation framework, which could impose additional requirements on devices capable of autonomous interaction with other systems.
For consumers, the Flipper One is unlikely to be a mass-market product, but its existence could drive broader awareness of digital security. As more smart home devices and connected cars enter UK households, tools like the Flipper One highlight vulnerabilities that manufacturers must address. The economic implications are twofold: British tech firms could benefit from a new wave of security testing services, but the potential for misuse may lead to increased insurance premiums or stricter liability rules for IoT device makers.
Flipper Devices has not confirmed a release date or price for the UK market, but early estimates suggest a cost of around £150 to £250. The company is expected to launch a crowdfunding campaign later this year, which will test both demand and its ability to navigate international shipping and customs regulations. For now, the Flipper One remains a compelling concept, but its real-world impact will depend on how quickly it can move from prototype to pocket.
Source: Flipper Devices official announcement