**The Blackberry Revival: Clicks Technology’s New Communicator is Making a Comeback**
Let’s face it, the digital revolution has changed the way we interact with our phones. Gone are the physical keyboards of yesteryear, replaced by sleek, touchscreen displays and virtual keyboards that are, let’s admit it, just not the same. But guess what? Clicks Technology is throwing it back to the future with their new BlackBerry-inspired phone, the Communicator, and a nifty separate physical keyboard that you can attach to any device.
I got the chance to geek out with Clicks’ co-founder and CMO, Jeff Gadway, at CES, and I’m excited to share the scoop on this retro-revival phone. The Communicator is a messaging beast, with a physical keyboard and touchscreen combo, running Android 16 under the hood (yes, you read that right, Android 16!). It’s also partnered with the minimalist Niagara Launcher, which gives you easy access to your favorite apps and a scrollable list for the rest of them.
And here’s the best part – the Communicator is a hit! Gadway shared that the company is selling a device (or keyboard) every 6.5 seconds, which, in my book, is a staggering figure.
I got to play around with the prototype (which, btw, is almost identical to the final product), and I was genuinely impressed with its feel and features. The Communicator is substantial, yet easy to grip, thanks to its contoured back and 6 oz weight. The interchangeable back covers are a stroke of genius – just pop it off and swap it out for a fresh look whenever you want.
The final design was no easy feat, with dozens of 3D printed shapes being tested before settling on the current one. The end result is a phone that feels sturdy and comfortable in the hand, with a curved chin that protects the keys when placed face down.
But what really caught my eye was the Sign Light feature – a glowing side button that lets you know when you’ve got messages from specific individuals or groups. It’s the perfect solution for staying on top of important notifications without getting bombarded with distractions.
The tactile physical keys are also a joy to use, although the prototype’s version might be less “clicky” than the final product (a debate is raging online about whether 110g or 130g of pressure is the sweet spot, btw).
All in all, the Communicator is shaping up to be a fantastic option for anyone missing the physical keyboard revolution. With its sleek design, impressive specs, and innovative features, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.
So, when can you get your hands on this retro-revival superstar? The Communicator is expected to ship in the second half of 2026 – mark your calendars!
**Update:** If you’re dying to try out the Communicator’s separate physical keyboard, it’s available for $79, and it can be attached to any device!
