News in Short

• Flipper has announced Flipper One, a Linux-powered networking device designed for hackers, makers, and tinkerers.
• The device combines Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit Ethernet, modular expansion, and local AI capabilities.
• Flipper One runs dual processors and supports use cases ranging from routers to portable Linux desktops.
• The product remains under development, while Flipper is inviting developers to shape its software ecosystem.

Flipper has officially revealed Flipper One, a new Linux-powered networking gadget built for hackers and hardware tinkerers. Unlike the popular Flipper Zero, the new device is not a replacement or sequel. Instead, it targets an entirely different layer of experimentation focused on networking, Linux computing, modular hardware, and local AI.

The company announcement arrives after the company crossed a major milestone. It has now sold over one million Flipper Zero units and generated more than $150 million in sales. Now, the company appears ready to expand beyond compact hacking tools and move deeper into portable computing.

And this time, the idea looks much bigger.

What exactly is Flipper One?

Flipper One is a portable networking gadget that combines Linux computing with hardware expansion and connectivity features. The device focuses heavily on network tools rather than radio signals.

That marks a major shift. The original Flipper Zero became popular among security researchers and hobbyists because it interacted with Bluetooth, NFC, RFID, infrared, and sub-1GHz signals. Users employed it for testing devices, automating interactions, and experimenting with wireless systems.

However, Flipper One moves toward internet infrastructure and portable computing. The device includes dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB Ethernet with speeds up to 5Gbps, and Wi-Fi 6E support across 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. As a result, it can connect across multiple environments and operate as more than a traditional handheld tool.

Why is Flipper betting big on modular hardware?

One of the biggest details around Flipper One is its M.2 expansion slot. That single addition opens several possibilities.

Users can attach 5G modem modules for cellular connectivity. They can also connect software-defined radio modules, AI accelerators, SSD storage, or additional Wi-Fi hardware using adapters.

This approach gives users flexibility. Instead of shipping one fixed configuration, Flipper appears to be building a device that changes based on use cases. For hackers and makers, that matters because projects rarely stay static. Today it could act as a router. Tomorrow it could become a portable AI box.

How does the Flipper One hardware work?

Flipper One runs on a dual-chip architecture with 8GB RAM.

Its main processor is an eight-core RK3576 chip. It runs open Linux and includes a Mali-G52 GPU along with a dedicated NPU for local AI processing.

The company also said it worked with software consulting firm Collabora to push support into the mainline Linux kernel. That means developers can directly access support through standard Linux builds instead of relying on isolated custom software.

Alongside the main processor sits a Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller. This chip handles system controls including buttons, power management, LEDs, display functions, and touch controls. So even when Linux shuts down, core hardware functions continue operating. That separation creates a layered design where low-level operations remain independent.

Can this replace a Linux desktop?

Surprisingly, Flipper thinks the answer could be yes. The company says users can connect monitors, keyboards, and a mouse through USB hubs and transform the device into a Linux desktop.

Flipper One also includes HDMI 2.1 support with 4K output at 120Hz. That opens another possibility. Users may turn it into a compact media box or portable workstation.

Meanwhile, network drivers could allow users to use the device as a router, VPN gateway, or bridge between systems. That expands Flipper beyond handheld experimentation. Instead, it starts entering portable infrastructure territory.

Where does AI fit?

The AI conversation is now reaching hardware projects of every size, and Flipper wants a place in that shift.

The device includes an onboard NPU capable of handling local AI tasks. According to the company, users may eventually run offline AI models to operate parts of the system, generate configurations, and receive guidance without internet access.

However, several features remain unfinished. Hardware video decoding still lacks complete support. NPU support remains under development. The company has also not trained its planned offline language models. In short, much of the AI vision remains early. Still, the roadmap reveals where Flipper wants to go.

What software is Flipper building?

CEO Pavel Zhovner also revealed a concept called FlipperOS. The idea centers around profiles and cleaner experimentation. Users would be able to create isolated environments with specific packages and settings. Then they could reset environments quickly without reflashing storage cards. The company is also developing FlipCTL, an interface designed to control smaller displays using D-pad and touch interactions. Both remain concept-stage projects.

What happens next for Flipper?

The company has not announced a launch date yet. However, the company estimates that a base version could cost under $350 without cellular modules. For now, software development remains the bigger challenge.

It is actively inviting developers to contribute features and help build parts of the ecosystem.

The roadmap shows that the company is moving beyond pocket-sized hacking tools and into a wider computing vision. Whether Flipper One reaches that goal now depends on how quickly software catches up with hardware ambitions.

For hackers, makers, and developers, Flipper is opening another experimental playground. For the rest of the tech industry, it signals a new category worth watching.