The Busy Bar Is a Gadget to Get People to Leave You Alone
Focus and productivityapps abound, all to help you stave off the many distractions coming from your phone. Or the annoying people at your open-office desk. Digital well-being tools can silence notifications, limit apps like TikTok and Instagram, and help you focus on the task at hand. But you can also turn them off very easily as soon as you feel like you haven’t endlessly scrolled enough.
This is where Flipper’s Busy Bar comes in, a hardware clock with an LED screen that doubles as a clock and a dedicated timer. Slap the big button in the middle, and the screen displays a bright red “BUSY” sign or another message that lets the people around you know you’re, well, busy. (Maybe try “GO AWAY” or “GET OUT OF MY ROOM, MOM.”) The bar goes on sale today and costs $249.
“How do you let people know politely, yet firmly, that you don’t want to be disturbed?” says Callum Tennent, a creative writer at Flipper. “We decided the politest way to do it was a massive red light on your desk.”
Courtesy of Flipper Devices
Flipper Devices made the Flipper Zero, a $200 portable hacking tool that got big on TikTok in 2022 for using a Tamagotchi-esque dolphin character to detect wireless frequencies and potentially break RFID-controlled locks. It was a device that raised a variety of security concerns. Canada proposed a ban on the device out of fear that it might enable car thefts. In 2023, the US Customs and Border Protection seized 15,000 Flipper Zero devices, then ultimately released them. Flipper is currently working on another model, the Flipper One, that has even more advanced capabilities.
In between those more controversial devices comes the Busy Bar. The bar also works with the separate Busy app, yet another one of those productivity and focus tools living on your phone. What it doesn’t have is the capability of hacking anything. “It’s being made by us here at Flipper, but there’s no real connection to them,” Tennent says. “They’re totally disconnected products.”
Fundamentally, the Busy Bar is a pricey “On Air” light. It offers many of the same productivity capabilities that are likely already baked into your phone’s operating system—like blocking notifications on your phone. But Flipper is making the case that—much like the Brick, a hardware gadget you tap to block access to certain apps—having a hardware option to shut off the distractions around you is meaningfully different than just trying to use software productivity tools on your device.
Focus and productivity apps abound, all to help you stave off the many distractions coming from your phone. Or the annoying people at your open-office desk. Digital well-being tools can silence notifications, limit apps like TikTok and Instagram, and help you focus on the task at hand. But you can also turn them off very easily as soon as you feel like you haven’t endlessly scrolled enough.
This is where Flipper’s Busy Bar comes in, a hardware clock with an LED screen that doubles as a clock and a dedicated timer. Slap the big button in the middle, and the screen displays a bright red “BUSY” sign or another message that lets the people around you know you’re, well, busy. (Maybe try “GO AWAY” or “GET OUT OF MY ROOM, MOM.”) The bar goes on sale today and costs $249.
“How do you let people know politely, yet firmly, that you don’t want to be disturbed?” says Callum Tennent, a creative writer at Flipper. “We decided the politest way to do it was a massive red light on your desk.”
Courtesy of Flipper Devices
Flipper Devices made the Flipper Zero, a $200 portable hacking tool that got big on TikTok in 2022 for using a Tamagotchi-esque dolphin character to detect wireless frequencies and potentially break RFID-controlled locks. It was a device that raised a variety of security concerns. Canada proposed a ban on the device out of fear that it might enable car thefts. In 2023, the US Customs and Border Protection seized 15,000 Flipper Zero devices, then ultimately released them. Flipper is currently working on another model, the Flipper One, that has even more advanced capabilities.
In between those more controversial devices comes the Busy Bar. The bar also works with the separate Busy app, yet another one of those productivity and focus tools living on your phone. What it doesn’t have is the capability of hacking anything. “It’s being made by us here at Flipper, but there’s no real connection to them,” Tennent says. “They’re totally disconnected products.”
Fundamentally, the Busy Bar is a pricey “On Air” light. It offers many of the same productivity capabilities that are likely already baked into your phone’s operating system—like blocking notifications on your phone. But Flipper is making the case that—much like the Brick, a hardware gadget you tap to block access to certain apps—having a hardware option to shut off the distractions around you is meaningfully different than just trying to use software productivity tools on your device.
Looking for a simple way to upgrade your streaming setup? Sounds like it’s time to invest in a streaming stick.
These handy pieces of tech plug straight into your TV to give you easy and quick access to apps, streaming platforms, and live TV options. And as of June 29, the Google TV Streamer 4K is on sale for $20 off the list price, now down to $79.99.
Mashable Deals
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This streaming device also gives you great quality. It supports up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and works with Dolby Atmos-compatible speakers for more immersive, 3D-style sound. Thanks to its powerful processor, it runs fast, and it has double the memory compared to the previous generation of this device. It also includes a redesigned remote with voice control and smart home control. You can even find the remote if lost by making it ring.
And of course, you’ll have access to all the major streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and more. Plus, over 800 free live TV channels from apps like Pluto TV and Tubi are at your fingertips.
Mashable Deals
By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Looking for a simple way to upgrade your streaming setup? Sounds like it’s time to invest in a streaming stick.
These handy pieces of tech plug straight into your TV to give you easy and quick access to apps, streaming platforms, and live TV options. And as of June 29, the Google TV Streamer 4K is on sale for $20 off the list price, now down to $79.99.
Mashable Deals
By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
This streaming device also gives you great quality. It supports up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and works with Dolby Atmos-compatible speakers for more immersive, 3D-style sound. Thanks to its powerful processor, it runs fast, and it has double the memory compared to the previous generation of this device. It also includes a redesigned remote with voice control and smart home control. You can even find the remote if lost by making it ring.
And of course, you’ll have access to all the major streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and more. Plus, over 800 free live TV channels from apps like Pluto TV and Tubi are at your fingertips.
Mashable Deals
By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
#streaming #stick #deal #Save #Google #Streamer">Best streaming stick deal: Save $20 on Google TV Streamer 4K
SAVE $20: As of June 29, the Google TV Streamer 4K is on sale for $79.99 at Amazon. That’s a 20% discount on the list price.
$79.99 at Amazon $99.99 Save $20
Looking for a simple way to upgrade your streaming setup? Sounds like it’s time to invest in a streaming stick.
These handy pieces of tech plug straight into your TV to give you easy and quick access to apps, streaming platforms, and live TV options. And as of June 29, the Google TV Streamer 4K is on sale for $20 off the list price, now down to $79.99.
Mashable Deals
By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
This streaming device also gives you great quality. It supports up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and works with Dolby Atmos-compatible speakers for more immersive, 3D-style sound. Thanks to its powerful processor, it runs fast, and it has double the memory compared to the previous generation of this device. It also includes a redesigned remote with voice control and smart home control. You can even find the remote if lost by making it ring.
And of course, you’ll have access to all the major streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and more. Plus, over 800 free live TV channels from apps like Pluto TV and Tubi are at your fingertips.
Mashable Deals
By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
China’s Zhipu AI (Z.ai) released its open-weight GLM-5.2, and some researchers have claimed that it matches Mythos in certain bug-finding and cybersecurity scenarios. While GLM lags behind models from Anthropic and OpenAI in other, more general tasks, it seems that China has dramatically reduced the gap in the capabilities between its models and those of the US.
This level of advancement is particularly concerning to the US government, which has worked to restrict China’s access to powerful models like Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable, as well as the hardware necessary to train and run them. The Trump administration views Mythos and other advanced AI models capable of identifying vulnerabilities as serious national security threats. Recently, OpenAI unveiled GPT-5.6, which has also raised concerns about its potential for misuse and has limited access to it.
Because GLM is an open-weight model, it can be downloaded and run by anyone on readily available hardware. That gives it great flexibility and allows power users deep access, but it also makes it ripe for abuse by bad actors who can run it with little oversight.
China’s Zhipu AI (Z.ai) released its open-weight GLM-5.2, and some researchers have claimed that it matches Mythos in certain bug-finding and cybersecurity scenarios. While GLM lags behind models from Anthropic and OpenAI in other, more general tasks, it seems that China has dramatically reduced the gap in the capabilities between its models and those of the US.
This level of advancement is particularly concerning to the US government, which has worked to restrict China’s access to powerful models like Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable, as well as the hardware necessary to train and run them. The Trump administration views Mythos and other advanced AI models capable of identifying vulnerabilities as serious national security threats. Recently, OpenAI unveiled GPT-5.6, which has also raised concerns about its potential for misuse and has limited access to it.
Because GLM is an open-weight model, it can be downloaded and run by anyone on readily available hardware. That gives it great flexibility and allows power users deep access, but it also makes it ripe for abuse by bad actors who can run it with little oversight.
#Chinas #Z.ai #claims #match #Mythos #cybersecurityAI,News,Policy,Politics,Security,Tech">China’s Z.ai claims it can match Mythos on cybersecurity
China’s Zhipu AI (Z.ai) released its open-weight GLM-5.2, and some researchers have claimed that it matches Mythos in certain bug-finding and cybersecurity scenarios. While GLM lags behind models from Anthropic and OpenAI in other, more general tasks, it seems that China has dramatically reduced the gap in the capabilities between its models and those of the US.
This level of advancement is particularly concerning to the US government, which has worked to restrict China’s access to powerful models like Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable, as well as the hardware necessary to train and run them. The Trump administration views Mythos and other advanced AI models capable of identifying vulnerabilities as serious national security threats. Recently, OpenAI unveiled GPT-5.6, which has also raised concerns about its potential for misuse and has limited access to it.
Because GLM is an open-weight model, it can be downloaded and run by anyone on readily available hardware. That gives it great flexibility and allows power users deep access, but it also makes it ripe for abuse by bad actors who can run it with little oversight.
Ars Technica notes that streaming services have not shared additional details about how they plan to comply with the law. While the volume limitations only apply to California for now, it seems likely that any relevant changes would be deployed more broadly, especially with a similar bill set to take effect in Illinois next year.
When the law was passed in 2025, its sponsor, State Senator Thomas Umberg, said it was inspired by “every exhausted parent who’s finally gotten a baby to sleep, only to have a blaring streaming ad undo all that hard work.”
Industry groups including the Motion Picture Association of America and the Streaming Innovation Alliance opposed the bill, claiming streamers were already working to address the issue, and noting that they have to deal with a variety of output devices, including TVs, tablets, and phones.
Ars Technica notes that streaming services have not shared additional details about how they plan to comply with the law. While the volume limitations only apply to California for now, it seems likely that any relevant changes would be deployed more broadly, especially with a similar bill set to take effect in Illinois next year.
When the law was passed in 2025, its sponsor, State Senator Thomas Umberg, said it was inspired by “every exhausted parent who’s finally gotten a baby to sleep, only to have a blaring streaming ad undo all that hard work.”
Industry groups including the Motion Picture Association of America and the Streaming Innovation Alliance opposed the bill, claiming streamers were already working to address the issue, and noting that they have to deal with a variety of output devices, including TVs, tablets, and phones.
#California #law #targeting #loud #streaming #ads #takes #effect #July #TechCrunchstreaming,thomas umberg">California law targeting loud streaming ads takes effect on July 1 | TechCrunch
Streaming ads might be getting a lot quieter this week.
A California law banning streaming services from showing ads “louder than the video content” that they accompany is set to take effect on Wednesday, July 1. (Existing legislation already imposes similar volume restrictions on broadcast and cable TV commercials.)
Ars Technica notes that streaming services have not shared additional details about how they plan to comply with the law. While the volume limitations only apply to California for now, it seems likely that any relevant changes would be deployed more broadly, especially with a similar bill set to take effect in Illinois next year.
When the law was passed in 2025, its sponsor, State Senator Thomas Umberg, said it was inspired by “every exhausted parent who’s finally gotten a baby to sleep, only to have a blaring streaming ad undo all that hard work.”
Industry groups including the Motion Picture Association of America and the Streaming Innovation Alliance opposed the bill, claiming streamers were already working to address the issue, and noting that they have to deal with a variety of output devices, including TVs, tablets, and phones.
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