Flipper Busy Bar: A $250 Physical Focus Timer

Flipper Devices, known for the Flipper Zero hacking tool, released the Busy Bar in June 2025. The device is a physical productivity timer that displays a bright red "BUSY" sign, intended to signal to others that the user should not be interrupted. It costs $250 and can be placed on a desk, mounted on a monitor, or hung outside an office. The Busy Bar features tactile switches, a Pomodoro timer, and customizable themes like "KEEP OUT" or "ON AIR." It syncs via Bluetooth to a companion app and is Matter-certified, allowing integration with smart home devices to trigger lights, music, or other automations. The open-source firmware was released on GitHub. Flipper CEO Pavel Zhovner conceived the idea as a way to prevent interruptions. In testing at WIRED's open office, the device was largely ignored by coworkers. The Busy Bar is better suited for personal focus than for signaling to others, with its countdown timer and visual feedback proving effective for the user. Future updates may include an expanded app library and deeper OS customization.