{"id":229081,"date":"2026-01-05T19:58:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T19:58:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/229081\/"},"modified":"2026-01-05T19:58:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T19:58:10","slug":"clicks-builds-a-blackberry-esque-phone-to-fight-smartphone-distraction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/229081\/","title":{"rendered":"Clicks builds a BlackBerry-esque phone to fight smartphone distraction"},"content":{"rendered":"

What you need to knowThe Communicator is a communication-first phone built around a tactile QWERTY keyboard, smart notification tools, and Android 16.Clicks pitches the Communicator as a companion to your iPhone or Galaxy, yet its solid cameras, 5G, Qi2 charging, and long battery life make it a distraction-light primary phone.The Power Keyboard is a versatile 3-in-1 accessory for any device, functioning as a magnetic phone stand, a 2,150 mAh wireless backup battery, and a universal Bluetooth keyboard.<\/p>\n

Touchscreen-only phones are no longer the only option. At CES 2026, Clicks is changing how we use our devices by launching its first smartphone, the Communicator, along with a versatile Power Keyboard that works with almost any screen.<\/p>\n

The Clicks Communicator is the headline act here, and it\u2019s arguably the most interesting phone we’ve seen in years. It isn\u2019t trying to be your main phone, and that\u2019s the point. Instead, it positions itself as a companion device \u2014 a secondary phone<\/a> dedicated solely to communication.<\/p>\n

Clicks builds phones now. Introducing the Clicks Communicator\u2026 Reserve today at https:\/\/t.co\/atGOv4UblV! pic.twitter.com\/63GTpUKd5gJanuary 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

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It centers around a premium, tactile QWERTY keypad with a clever fingerprint sensor embedded in the spacebar for instant unlocking.<\/p>\n

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The 4.03-inch AMOLED touchscreen above the keypad is made for practical use, not for scrolling through endless content. The unique Message Hub gathers all your conversations on one easy-to-manage home screen, and a customizable Signal LED shows you right away who is trying to contact you.<\/p>\n

Despite its communication-first ethos, the Communicator doesn’t skimp on modern specs. You get a 50MP OIS main camera, a 24MP front camera, a 4,000mAh silicon-carbon battery with Qi2 wireless charging, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack. It supports 5G, NFC for payments, and offers 256GB of storage, expandable via MicroSD up to 2TB.<\/p>\n

Image 1 of 3<\/p>\n

\"ClicksClicks Communicator back camera(Image credit: Clicks)\"ClicksClicks Communicator Signal LED(Image credit: Clicks)\"ClicksClicks Communicator side keys and physical kill switch(Image credit: Clicks)<\/p>\n

The fascinating twist is its dual identity. Clicks positions it as the perfect complement to a flagship iPhone or Galaxy phone, handling messaging and calls (with a second SIM) while you leave media consumption to your primary device.<\/p>\n

However, with full Android 16<\/a> and robust hardware, it’s also a compelling, distraction-light primary phone in its own right. Early bird pricing starts at $399<\/a> (rising to $499 after February 27), with shipping expected later this year.<\/p>\n

Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android<\/p>\n

Clicks Power Keyboard: One keyboard to rule them all<\/p>\n

If carrying a second phone isn’t for you, Clicks has another compelling accessory: the Power Keyboard<\/a>. This device is a Bluetooth keyboard, a phone stand, and a 2,150 mAh backup battery all in one.<\/p>\n

It attaches magnetically to your iPhone (via MagSafe) or Android (via Qi2), providing 5W wireless charging while you type. You can flip your phone to horizontal or vertical orientation, giving you a wide-screen view of documents.<\/p>\n

Image 1 of 2<\/p>\n

\"Clicks(Image credit: Clicks)\"Clicks(Image credit: Clicks)<\/p>\n

Crucially, it doesn’t need to be physically attached to work \u2014 it pairs over Bluetooth and can switch between three saved devices, making it a single keyboard for your phone, tablet, and even your Apple<\/a> TV or Vision Pro headset.<\/p>\n

Owners have detailed control. You can use the Clicks app to reserve battery power just for the keyboard, so it does not drain your phone’s battery. Pre-orders are open at an early bird price of $79, with the regular price at $109. The keyboard will be available in spring 2026.<\/p>\n