Flipper Devices, headquartered in London, is recognized for its Flipper Zero device, which is utilized by hackers and enthusiasts to interface with various radios including Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, and a sub-1GHz transceiver. Today, the company has ventured into new territory by introducing a productivity-centric gadget named Busy Bar, designed to assist in setting timers, blocking applications, and showcasing custom messages and widgets on an LED screen.

The company revealed the device last year and is set to make it available for purchase next month. The Busy Bar resembles a conventional table clock, equipped with several knobs and buttons. The front features a 72×16 LED matrix display boasting up to 400 nits of brightness, the capability to display 16 million colors, and an automatic brightness adjustment sensor.

On its rear, there is a monochrome display that shows the status, timer, battery, and connectivity status indicators. This allows users to access information even when the main screen is turned away. Additionally, a small speaker on the side enables the playback of custom sounds and notifications.

At the top, there is a mode selector, a start/stop button, an indicator light, and a scroll wheel to navigate through menus and adjust the time. The device includes options for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity.

The Busy Bar features a 3250 mAh battery, capable of providing up to eight hours of active usage and up to two weeks of standby time. The company states that using a 15W charger, users can completely recharge the device in just one hour.

This device’s concept is to allow users to set messages that inform others (and themselves) about the task they are engaged in. This is particularly beneficial in a work-from-home scenario where there may be other individuals in the vicinity. Furthermore, users can set Pomodoro-style timers for dedicated productivity sessions to help focus on task completion.

Flipper Devices is developing applications for iOS, Android, and macOS, with plans for a Windows app as well. Users can block specific apps using various timer types on iOS and Android. Additionally, there is microphone integration with macOS, allowing the device to indicate “on call” status on the screen and mute notifications during meetings or while recording or streaming.

The Busy Bar is also certified as Matter-compatible, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with existing smart home systems across Amazon, Apple, and Google platforms. This enables users to initiate smart home automations based on the device’s status.

The device has been designed with developers in mind, allowing for customization through open firmware. They can leverage open HTTP API, MQTT, along with official Python and TypeScript libraries to create widgets and components. Additionally, users have the capacity to manage the Busy Bar remotely via its cloud API.

The initial 3,000 customers can acquire the device for $199, while subsequent buyers will need to pay $249. Shipping and sales are set to commence from July 14 to the U.S., EU, U.K., and Canada. The company also intends to offer accessories such as wall mounts, screen protectors, and specialized switches.