Flipper Devices, renowned for its Flipper Zero—a multifunctional tool favored by hackers and tech enthusiasts—has unveiled a new product aimed at enhancing productivity: the Busy Bar. This innovative device is designed to assist users in managing tasks, setting timers, blocking distracting applications, and displaying personalized messages and widgets on its LED screen.
Resembling a tabletop clock, the Busy Bar features a 72×16 LED matrix display on its front, capable of emitting up to 400 nits of brightness and supporting 16 million colors. An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the display’s brightness to suit varying lighting conditions. The rear of the device houses a monochrome screen that provides essential information such as status updates, timers, battery levels, and connectivity indicators, ensuring users can stay informed regardless of the device’s orientation. Additionally, a built-in speaker delivers custom sounds and notifications.
The top panel includes a mode selector switch, a start/stop button, an indicator light, and a scroll wheel for intuitive menu navigation and time setting. Connectivity options are versatile, offering Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB interfaces to accommodate various user preferences.
Powered by a 3250 mAh battery, the Busy Bar delivers up to eight hours of active use and can remain on standby for up to two weeks. A 15W adapter enables a full recharge in approximately one hour, ensuring minimal downtime.
Designed with the modern work environment in mind, the Busy Bar allows users to display messages indicating their current tasks, which is particularly beneficial in shared spaces or home offices. It also supports Pomodoro-style timers to facilitate focused work sessions, helping users manage their time effectively.
Flipper Devices is rolling out companion applications for iOS, Android, and macOS platforms, with plans to introduce a Windows version in the near future. These apps enable users to block specific applications using various timer settings on mobile devices. Notably, the macOS integration includes microphone functionality that automatically displays an “on call” status on the Busy Bar and silences notifications during meetings, recordings, or live streams.
As a Matter-certified device, the Busy Bar seamlessly integrates with existing smart home ecosystems, including those from Amazon, Apple, and Google. This certification allows users to initiate smart home automations based on the Busy Bar’s status, enhancing the interconnectedness of their devices.
For developers, the Busy Bar offers open firmware, providing opportunities for customization and the creation of new functionalities. Through open HTTP APIs, MQTT protocols, and official Python and TypeScript libraries, developers can build custom widgets and applications. Additionally, the device can be controlled remotely via its cloud API, offering flexibility and expanded use cases.
Interested customers can join the waitlist on the Busy Bar’s official website. The first 3,000 units are priced at $199, with subsequent units available for $249. Shipping and sales are set to commence on July 14, targeting markets in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and Canada. Flipper Devices also plans to offer accessories such as wall mounts, screen protectors, and custom switches to complement the Busy Bar.
The introduction of the Busy Bar marks a significant shift for Flipper Devices from its traditional focus on hacking tools to productivity solutions. This move reflects the company’s adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving needs of tech users. By combining customizable hardware with versatile software integrations, the Busy Bar has the potential to become a valuable asset for individuals seeking to enhance their productivity and streamline their work environments.
