Flipper One open Linux computer and pre-orders announced

The creators of the popular Flipper device have announced the launch of a Kickstarter campaign and open pre-orders for a new project called Flipper One. It is a completely open Linux computer built on a powerful ARM processor and designed as an advanced network multi-tool.

• Open-source Linux computer powered by an 8-core ARM processor (Rockchip RK3576).
• Network multi-tool with built-in Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit Ethernet, and M.2 module expansion (5G, SDR).
• Dual-processor architecture featuring a low-power MCU (Raspberry Pi RP2350).
• Fully upstream-supported Linux firmware free from binary blobs and vendor lock-in.

Hardware Architecture and Performance Flipper One runs on two independent processors working in parallel. The low-power MCU (Raspberry Pi RP2350) manages core device controls, power systems, the LCD display, and physical buttons. Meanwhile, the high-performance 8-core ARM SoC (Rockchip RK3576) runs the Linux operating system, handles high-speed networking interfaces like Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and manages peripherals including USB3 and PCIe. Through a partnership with the Collabora team working on bringing the RK3576 SoC into the mainline kernel, Flipper One is entirely free from proprietary binary blobs. This ensures long-term compatibility with bleeding-edge kernel versions and provides the community with complete customization freedom. Users can access the Linux console and charge the device via a single USB cable without needing additional drivers.

Networking Capabilities and Expandability Positioned as an ultimate network toolkit, Flipper One allows users to connect up to five uplinks simultaneously, configuring dynamic routing, failover, load balancing, and firewall rules. The built-in Mediatek MT7921U chipset enables advanced Wi-Fi network analysis, including monitor mode and packet injection support. The core concept of the device is its hardware expandability via M.2 modules installed beneath the back plate. It supports cellular and satellite modems, SDR modules, AI accelerators, and SSDs. All mechanical parts and mounting solutions are completely open-source, enabling users to design custom antennas, cooling systems, and accessories.

Satellite Communications and Flipper SIM Flipper One features support for NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks), a satellite communication technology designed for IoT devices and standardized by 3GPP as part of 5G and LTE specifications. It utilizes the standard cellular stack, including SIM authentication and roaming capabilities. Additionally, the device comes with a built-in eSIM chip pre-provisioned with a Flipper SIM data plan. To use the eSIM, a 5G modem must be installed in the M.2 slot, with the ability to switch between the eSIM and a physical SIM card. Flipper SIM is being developed as an experimental universal SIM card for routers and IoT devices offering always-on connectivity and traffic management tools.

What This Means for Developers and Tech Community For engineers, security researchers, and tech enthusiasts, Flipper One delivers a versatile, future-proof platform for mobile networking tasks. By combining a network analyzer, mini-PC, and expandable hardware into a single open-source device, it eliminates vendor constraints and sets a new standard for portable developer tools.