(Credit: Flipper Devices)
Flipper has released a substantial 1.0 firmware update for its hobby hacking multi-tool, the Flipper Zero, bringing a number of quality-of-life improvements and expanded utility to the device.
The firmware update doubles data transfer speeds via Bluetooth from Android, makes Bluetooth firmware update installations 40% faster, and overhauls the device's near-field communication (NFC) engine so that it can support more card types and read data faster.
The team completely redesigned the Flipper Zero's NFC system, restructuring its library and making it compatible with the FreeRTOS operating system. It can also support ICODE SLIX and FeliCa Lite-S chip types. This firmware update means the Flipper Zero can read and emulate "tap" cards like room keys faster than before.
The Flipper Zero can now eavesdrop on analog walkie-talkie audio, and will play it through its built-in speaker. It can decode 89 different radio protocols with the Sub-GHz app.
Its infrared capabilities mean it can be used as a universal remote for TVs, projectors, ACs, or audio systems. The firmware update brings new remote layouts, and enables external infrared hardware support to increase the Flipper Zero's range as a remote. The Flipper Zero will now be able to run apps from microSD cards directly, and the device's low-power mode now has a battery life of a month instead of just a week. All of these upgrades in Flipper's 1.0 firmware update have been three years in the making, according to the company.
There are hundreds of third-party apps in the Flipper Zero's app catalog, and developers can now code apps in JavaScript in addition to C or C++. Flipper's organized Apps Catalog can be accessed via its mobile app, which is on Google Play and Apple's App Store. Flipper Zero apps are sorted into categories by function like USB, RFID, Infrared, iButton, NFC, Sub-GHz, GPIO, and Games, to name a few.