Clicks Technology, a startup gearing up to unveil its distinctive version of the BlackBerry smartphone, has showcased what it has planned in a new video released today.
The device, named the Clicks Communicator, was first unveiled at January’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, targeting users who do substantial work on their phones, such as texting and emailing. It’s particularly designed to attract those who long for the BlackBerry’s physical keyboard, which many claim is superior for these tasks.
With a price tag of $499, the Communicator resembles what a contemporary BlackBerry might look like, featuring a display for viewing and responding to messages, along with a tactile, touch-sensitive keyboard underneath.
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However, the phone is more than just a BlackBerry imitation, as it brings forth innovation in various aspects. For example, its unique “Signal Light” feature includes a light-up button on the side of the device that can be customized with different colors and light patterns, indicating when messages are received from specific individuals, groups, or applications.
It also features interchangeable back covers that can be easily removed and swapped, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a physical SIM card slot (alongside an eSIM), expandable microSD storage (up to 2TB), and a tactile switch to toggle airplane mode on and off.
The Clicks Communicator may also attract a growing demographic of users seeking to disconnect from modern smartphones laden with addictive social apps and games. (The company has collaborated with the Niagara Launcher to ensure access to the Android apps it supports). With the Signal Light feature, you can safely disregard your phone unless a crucial notification pops up.
In the recent video, the company presents its pre-production hardware and internal software as a sneak peek of what’s to come when the phone starts shipping in Q4 of this year.
At CES, TechCrunch had the opportunity to experience the Communicator by handling a prototype that matched the size and weight of the device set to ship by the year’s end. It felt comfortable to hold, not overly light or heavy, and was easy to grip. The keys had a satisfying click, reminiscent of a BlackBerry, although the team intended to make some slight adjustments to the key pressure for improved performance for fast typers.
Future videos will delve deeper into specific features of the Clicks Communicator, including the Signal Light, Prompt Key, Message Hub, touch-sensitive keyboard, and additional functionalities.
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