Clicks Shows Off BlackBerry-Inspired Phone in New Video
Tech startup Clicks, which is preparing to launch its first smartphone, today released a new video showcasing its upcoming device, the Clicks Communicator. The video offers a detailed look at the pre-production hardware and internal software ahead of its planned release later this year.
The Clicks Communicator was first announced at January’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Priced at $499, the device is designed to cater to users who do a lot of work on their phones, such as texting and emailing. It’s specifically aimed at those who miss the BlackBerry’s physical keyboard, which some argue is superior for such tasks. The phone resembles a modern-day BlackBerry, featuring a screen for viewing and responding to messages and a tactile, touch-sensitive keyboard below.
Key Features and Innovations
The Clicks Communicator goes beyond being a simple BlackBerry dupe by introducing several innovative features. Among the most notable is the “Signal Light,” a customizable light-up button on the side of the phone. Users can assign different colors and light patterns to indicate messages from specific people, groups, or apps. This feature allows users to safely ignore their phone unless a critical notification comes through, helping them distance themselves from addictive social apps and games.
The Signal Light and Software
Clicks has partnered with the Niagara Launcher to provide access to the Android apps the device runs. The Signal Light can be customized to show alerts from any app, making it a versatile notification tool. The company plans to release future videos that go more in-depth into features like the Signal Light, Prompt Key, Message Hub, and the touch-sensitive keyboard.
Customization and Connectivity
The phone also offers a range of practical features including customizable back covers that can be popped off and swapped. It includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a physical SIM card tray in addition to an eSIM, expandable microSD storage up to 2TB, and a tactile switch for turning on or off airplane mode. These options cater to users seeking more control and flexibility than typical modern smartphones provide.
Hardware and Design
At CES, TechCrunch was able to handle a prototype of the Communicator that matched the size and weight of the device preparing to ship. The phone felt good to hold—neither too light nor too heavy—and was easy to grip. The keys were fairly clicky, giving it a BlackBerry-like feel. However, the Clicks team was planning to slightly adjust the key pressure to make the device work better for fast typers.
Availability and Previews
The Clicks Communicator is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2026. The new hands-on video provides a preview of what’s to come, showcasing the pre-production hardware and internal software. Interested buyers can see the device’s current state and look forward to more detailed feature explorations in future videos from Clicks.