Yet Another Flipper Zero Competitor
POOM is the newest Flipper Zero competitor to hit Kickstarter.
The Flipper Zero has been wildly successful as everyone’s favorite pocket-friendly delphine hacking multitool. But its success has been a double-edged sword, with many governments and agencies going on the offensive against the adorable gadget. Brazil has even effectively banned the Flipper Zero. Luckily, we’re starting to see alternatives and POOM is the newest of the bunch.
POOM is on Kickstarter right now and has already surpassed its $10,000 funding goal. The best way to describe it is as a Flipper Zero in a different form factor. It is an ESP32-C5-based digital multitool intended for pentesting, development, and general fun.
The biggest hardware difference is the form factor, which has a handheld game console vibe. And it even has a “Gamer Mode,” in which the owner can use their POOM as a wireless gamepad or even play very simple games on the device itself.
Other than that, you’re basically getting the capability you would from a Flipper Zero with its most popular apps. Part of Flipper Zero’s success has come from its widespread adoption and community development. POOM doesn’t have that to its advantage yet, but it seems that some popular Flipper Zero “apps” have been (or could be) recompiled for this platform. It looks like the POOM team has also developed and/or ported quite a few apps themselves, so there will be a pretty comprehensive suite upon release.
It is worth noting that the POOM will let you do some Wi-Fi shenanigans without the need for an add-on module, like the Flipper Zero requires.
POOM is also cheaper than the Flipper Zero, which retails for $199. The POOM MSRP will be $140, but Early Birds can still grab one for $99.
For those who are willing to roll the dice on this nifty-looking gadget, the Kickstarter campaign will run until February 13th. Rewards should ship in April.