Flipper’s Busy Bar is a compact smart display designed to make work status visible without adding another distracting touchscreen to the desk. The device can show when someone is busy or on a call, while also functioning as a clock and Pomodoro timer.
Measuring 6.64 x 2.17 x 1.61 inches, the Busy Bar uses the white-and-orange styling associated with Flipper’s Flipper Zero. It includes a braided USB-C cable and can run for around eight hours on battery, or up to two weeks in standby. It can also remain connected to a USB power adapter.
The front features a 6.35-inch RGB pixel-matrix display, while physical controls sit on top. A selector switch changes modes, a central mechanical Start/Pause bar controls timers, and a rotary knob adjusts time or navigates menus. The controls provide a tactile alternative to touchscreen interaction, with clicks designed to remain quiet enough for an office environment.
On the bottom, a USB-C port handles charging and computer connections. Two fold-out feet allow the device to sit on top of a monitor, where its status can be seen by people nearby. A rear-facing 1.54-inch monochrome OLED display mirrors the main screen, allowing the user to check what others can see when the Busy Bar is mounted facing away.
In Busy mode, the timer defaults to a 20-minute focus session followed by a five-minute break. A built-in 0.8W speaker plays a chime when an interval ends. The device can also display a clock with the current time and date, while a firmware update added a Weather app with a clock interface.
The Busy Bar’s meeting features require Flipper’s macOS app and a USB connection to the computer. When the app is running, the display automatically changes to “On Call” when a meeting begins and returns to the clock or timer afterward. A Windows companion app is listed as coming soon.
The device supports additional customization through an open-source API and custom apps. It can also be integrated with smart-home routines, such as turning on lights, locking a door or pausing music when the status changes to Busy. Flipper has released 3D-printable model files for custom mounts and accessories, and the Busy Bar can also be wall-mounted.
The device costs $249, although it had been available for $200 after a 20% discount. That price is higher than some larger smart displays, but the Busy Bar deliberately omits entertainment-focused features in favor of a simpler, more tactile and customizable productivity experience.
Sources: Tom's Guide.