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Flipper Zero: Multi-Tool Device for Geeks

flipperzero.one

231–240 of 346 posts

Re: Flipper Zero: Multi-Tool Device for Geeks

#231
post #202

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In other words, Chinese brands still have IR blasters. I don't know I would trust Chinese-brand of phones though.

Why not? Most phones are manufactured in China anyways, and Xiaomi, OnePlus, Honor, Oppo are major and very widely popular and used brands all over the world (outside of the US which is allergic to Chinese brands unless it's for cheap crap or to outsource manufacturing to).

Outside of the US is a problem when it comes to availability and usability. I’m not going to buy a phone that doesn’t play nicely with my carrier or receive regionally relevant support.

OnePlus is the only brand on that list that makes sense buying in the US.

(Personally I can see why the IR blaster was removed as a feature in US phones. I can’t think of a time I wanted or needed it. How often are y’all losing remotes? My current remote doesn’t even really use IR for anything since the streaming box is controlled by Bluetooth and connected devices including the sound system are controlled by HDMI-CEC. My phone already controls the entire setup via a remote app that utilizes WiFi/Bluetooth).

Re: Flipper Zero: Multi-Tool Device for Geeks

#232
post #142

When people realized anyone with a sophisticated police scanner could listen in on cordless (and then early cellular) phone calls, it forced manufacturers to actually implement a bare-minimum level of security on those devices. I hope this pushes more manufacturers to switch to rolling-code algorithms (like the key fob your car uses), in place of simpler, less secure codes that can be captured and replayed.

Sure though in some cases it isn't worth the cost or effort, e.g. kinetic light switches. In some cases it's appropriate to expect people to not be arseholes.

Re: Flipper Zero: Multi-Tool Device for Geeks

#234

I really resent the marketing of this product. It's as if they invented the cheap RF chips they're using and are the exclusive distributors of it. It's rubbed me as thoroughly dishonest and fraudulent. I know this is currently a minority position, that's why I took the time to state it.

I think you're just feeling that you knew about something "before it was cool", and now anyone can do it so you aren't special anymore.

Re: Flipper Zero: Multi-Tool Device for Geeks

#235

Oh man. If my friends and I had this in high school things probably would have gotten even more out of control.

Yeah we found a remote control cloning app for a palm pilot that had IR and caused enough trouble randomly turning tvs on with that.

Re: Flipper Zero: Multi-Tool Device for Geeks

#236
post #84

I got one not too long after the official launch and I've used it a decent amount (granted I am in cybersecurity and have a more real-world use cases then the average person). My favorite use case is the IR remote since phones no longer have IR blasters. It's saved me twice so far in having to buy/find a remote for something. One thing people don't realize is that the custom firmware [0] that you can run allows you t…

> phones no longer have IR blasters Plently of phones still do [0]. I've configured mine to operate all my devices at home. [0] https://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?nYearMin=2023&chkInfra...

You just need a small Bluetooth-enabled box sitting on your coffee table near the TV that has an IR transmitter and a paired app on your phone that can send commands to the box.

Edit: I had only search and one did appear: https://www.amazon.com/PUCK-Smart-Universal-Remote-Model/dp/...

Re: Flipper Zero: Multi-Tool Device for Geeks

#237

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Another is that a microwave doesn't operate at a set pressure, so even the same model will behave differently at different evelations.

That's true of pretty much all cooking (and baking) except when using a pressure cooker, so it's kind of a given - people learn to cook given their local pressure and humidity levels. But then again, cooking is poor man's process engineering - what you do when you don't particularly care about quality and consistency, or at least don't have access to hardware and methods to ensure them.

Yeah so the instant pot is an exceptionally good kitchen tool for sharing recipes with others in a reproducible way.

Re: Flipper Zero: Multi-Tool Device for Geeks

#238
post #142

When people realized anyone with a sophisticated police scanner could listen in on cordless (and then early cellular) phone calls, it forced manufacturers to actually implement a bare-minimum level of security on those devices. I hope this pushes more manufacturers to switch to rolling-code algorithms (like the key fob your car uses), in place of simpler, less secure codes that can be captured and replayed.

In the 1980s a friend of mine had a German radio which had a larger array of frequencies than that available in my country. It allowed us to listen to the police. Curious, but not interesting.

In the 90s my brother had a portable TV/Radio which we managed to tune into cellphone conversations.

Those were the days you could still telnet 25 to send emails with whatever sender you wanted. I used to send Christmas greetings from Santa to my colleagues at uni.

Re: Flipper Zero: Multi-Tool Device for Geeks

#239
post #233

I would love to get one but articles like this about the Russian connection put me off. https://simovits.com/flipper-zero-zero-trust/

The device is nothing more than a quite powerful STM32 board with some interesting peripherals added and of course a very powerful firmware/software, which is what makes the difference. However, as everything is Open Source, it can be ported to a similarly designed, possibly different looking, device without the code that phones home, an it probably is what hackers should consider since the Flipper Zero has been banned in some places and being caught with it say in a airport could be enough for confiscation and/or interrogation. Also, it is overpriced for what it contains; they could sell it at half the price and still make a significant profit. And frankly, as someone who is 100% on Ukraine's side against the barbaric Putin invasion, I'd rather use my money to buy some electronics from Ukrainian surplus shops on Ebay.
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