Clicks shows off its BlackBerry-inspired phone in a new hands-on video
TechCrunch
β’Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:34:22 +0000
π° What Happened
Clicks Technology released a new hands-on video showcasing its upcoming Clicks Communicator, a $499 smartphone inspired by the classic BlackBerry design. The device, first introduced at CES in January 2026, features a tactile, touch-sensitive physical keyboard below a modern touchscreen. Beyond the keyboard, the Communicator includes several unique features: a customizable Signal Light button that uses different colors and patterns to indicate notifications from specific contacts or apps, swappable back covers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a physical SIM tray alongside eSIM support, expandable microSD storage up to 2TB, and a dedicated tactile switch for airplane mode. The phone runs Android through a partnership with Niagara Launcher, a minimalist launcher designed to reduce screen time and app distractions. The company positions the device as appealing to users looking to disconnect from addictive social media and games while maintaining productivity.
π The Backstory
BlackBerry dominated the smartphone market in the late 2000s and early 2010s before being overtaken by iPhone and Android touchscreen devices. The brand's physical QWERTY keyboards were beloved by professionals for typing efficiency. BlackBerry's decline was complete by 2016 when it exited the hardware business. Since then, several attempts to revive physical keyboard smartphones have been made, including the UniHerb Titan series and the F(x)tec Pro1. Clicks Technology is a startup targeting the productivity-focused niche. The Niagara Launcher partnership is notable β Niagara is a popular minimalist Android launcher designed to reduce screen time through a clean, notification-reduced interface.
π― Why It Matters
The Clicks Communicator represents a niche but growing counter-trend in the smartphone market: users seeking digital minimalism and physical keyboard functionality in an era dominated by glass-slab touchscreens. If successful, it could demonstrate viable demand for alternative smartphone form factors and inspire other manufacturers to explore designs that prioritize productivity and intentional usage over engagement-maximizing interfaces.
Clicks Technology released a new hands-on video showcasing its upcoming Clicks Communicator, a $499 smartphone inspired by the classic BlackBerry design. The device, first introduced at CES in January 2026, features a tactile, touch-sensitive physical keyboard below a modern touchscreen. Beyond the keyboard, the Communicator includes several unique features: a customizable Signal Light button that uses different colors and patterns to indicate notifications from specific contacts or apps, swappable back covers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a physical SIM tray alongside eSIM support, expandable microSD storage up to 2TB, and a dedicated tactile switch for airplane mode. The phone runs Android through a partnership with Niagara Launcher, a minimalist launcher designed to reduce screen time and app distractions. The company positions the device as appealing to users looking to disconnect from addictive social media and games while maintaining productivity.
BlackBerry dominated the smartphone market in the late 2000s and early 2010s before being overtaken by iPhone and Android touchscreen devices. The brand's physical QWERTY keyboards were beloved by professionals for typing efficiency. BlackBerry's decline was complete by 2016 when it exited the hardware business. Since then, several attempts to revive physical keyboard smartphones have been made, including the UniHerb Titan series and the F(x)tec Pro1. Clicks Technology is a startup targeting the productivity-focused niche. The Niagara Launcher partnership is notable β Niagara is a popular minimalist Android launcher designed to reduce screen time through a clean, notification-reduced interface.
The Clicks Communicator represents a niche but growing counter-trend in the smartphone market: users seeking digital minimalism and physical keyboard functionality in an era dominated by glass-slab touchscreens. If successful, it could demonstrate viable demand for alternative smartphone form factors and inspire other manufacturers to explore designs that prioritize productivity and intentional usage over engagement-maximizing interfaces.