They said it couldn’t be done… again. But here we are. The CrackBerry engine has started back up — and this time it’s less of a circus and it’s running on purpose.
Internally, we’re calling it CB26 — the formula for the New CrackBerry. Part nostalgia, part rebellion, and 100% committed to helping you scroll less and live more.
The optimal mix of productivity, health and happiness is the new high we’re chasing.
Because here’s the truth: when we launched this website in 2007, shortly after Webster’s named “crackberry” the 2006 Word of the Year, we were having fun with the idea of tech addiction. BlackBerry smartphones were so good they were dangerous. People couldn’t put them down. “Crackberry” wasn’t just a name… it was a lifestyle.
Fast forward nearly two decades, and the joke’s not funny anymore. The entire world got addicted. But instead of helping us do more with less, most of today’s tech and social platforms are engineered to keep us stuck in a loop of doomscrolling, distraction, and dopamine hits.
From CrackBerry in 2006 to Brain Rot in 2024… talk about full circle irony and a dictionary joke that is NOT FUNNY ANYMORE.
When Steve Jobs announced the iPhone, all of us BlackBerry diehards starting dropping the phrase “Tools Not Toys”. It might have been a self-preservation thing at the time knowing the game had changed and the days of BlackBerry being the #1 smartphone was numbered… but the reality is the toys won… and nearly 20 years later we now have Oxford University declaring “Brain Rot” as the word of the year.
So yeah… CrackBerry is back. But not to celebrate the problem — we’re here to fix it.
This Tuesday we had our official kickoff call with the new team. It felt surreal — a Brady Bunch grid of passionate humans who all believe we can help people take control of their tech again. I even snapped a photo of the Google Meet… it’s the first screenshot in a while that gave me hope for the future of the internet.
Over the next few months, you’ll start to see things move. Slowly at first. We’ve shifted from neutral into first gear. September and October will be about laying down the foundation — publishing news posts, opinion pieces, and product spotlights and figuring out where our lanes of coverage start and stop.
By November and December, we’ll start shifting into second and third. And come 2026… we’re dropping the hammer. CES 2026, get ready.
The old CrackBerry was laser-focused on BlackBerry phones. The new CrackBerry still has that same laser focus… it’s just pointed at a bigger target… tech that respects your time.
Here’s what we’re covering:
Purpose-Built Phones & QWERTY Comebacks – From keyboarded smartphones like Clicks and Unihertz to distraction-free devices like Light Phone and Punkt. If it helps you type with intention or disconnect on demand, we’re on it. PS. All of us on the CB26 team are QWERTY lovers.
Intentional Apps & Tools – Email clients, minimal browsers, habit trackers, journaling tools, privacy-first messaging, and productivity stacks that help you do more in less time.
Digital Soul & Privacy-First Platforms – We’re big on owning your data and your experience. Think “de-Googled” Android alternatives, minimalistic Android launchers and services that don’t sell your soul to the algorithm.
Analog-ish & Off-Screen Gear – Think Remarkable e-ink tablets, Freewrite typewriters, physical planners, and other tools that help you create more and scroll less.
Tech for Parents & Kids – Purpose-built tech to help families navigate digital life more mindfully. From kids’ phones like Pinwheel to screen-time strategies that actually work.
Retro Revival & Gadget Joy – New-age gadgets with vintage vibes. Think modern gear that channels the spirit of old-school tech, without the outdated software. ModRetro Gameboy anyone?
Tactics, Theory & Digital Wellness – From dopamine detoxing to digital hygiene to reclaiming your time… we’ll dive into the ideas and habits that support better tech use.
Basically, if it helps you use your tech more intentionally — or helps you use it less when that’s the better choice — we’ll cover it.
While CrackBerry’s intent is to be the media publication of record for this growing category of intentional and purpose-built tech, we’ll also keep a spotlight on the people building these companies and the vibrant communities supporting them… from indie startups to retro modders.
Because good tech is built by people who care, and it’s clear that A LOT of the innovation and action in this category is coming from Davids (ie. startups) taking on Goliath (BIG TECH). And while we don’t hate Big Tech by default — we just want to hold it accountable where it’s letting humanity run off track — we really want to support the startups out there who are risking it all.
So who’s helping make this happen?
I’m still CrackBerry Kevin — same guy, just a little older and (hopefully) a little wiser. I think most of my CBK trademark features are mainly intact… I’m still rocking long hair, still wearing glasses, and still have a few more lbs to lose! More importantly though, I still have my infectious enthusiasm for new tech and penchant for being a sh!t disturber and (occasionally) doing crazy things.
While I may be in the driver’s seat on getting CB26 off the starting line, I’m accompanied by a crew of mission-driven superstars who are sure to outshine me:
Retro Jake (you may know him by his YouTube channel Returning Retro) is my CrackBerry Co-Pilot, and my right hand in this mission. He gets it — and he gets you. Think of him as the new Adam Zeis, only better (still heart you, Adam!)
Jaime Turner From corporate to creative. Writer, family man, and longtime BlackBerry fan. Jaime is purposefully building a lifestyle by design. And he looks way better rocking a CrackBerry tee than any Crack Team member past or present.
Jeff Gadway — the heart and soul of Clicks Technology — is also contributing, bringing his deep understanding of product and love for purpose-built tech to CB26. He especially loves “digilog” products… those tools that mix some old school analog vibe in with modern sensibilities.
James Falconer — Has been here since CrackBerry’s Day 1 (he literally designed the original CB logo!) and will support the CB26 both behind the scenes and with the occasional article appearance.
Jason Cockerham Jason is bringing his epic beard to CB26 and helping us rev the new CrackBerry engine to max RPM. Jason loves the latest tech and has very personal reasons for his appreciation for intentional tech.
Steve Smith – Long time CrackBerry member and now a dad, Steve’s got a strong stance on intentional tech that needs to be heard.
Over the weeks ahead all of us will do an introduction post so you know who we are and why we’re here… and understand that we’re all really, really real. 🙂
And we’re just getting started. If you’re reading this and think you should be involved, hit up kevin @ crackberry.com.
As we get started, we’re especially looking for enthusiastic individuals who want to be part of this mission because they believe in it and want to be part of a really fun and equally hard-charging crew.
This isn’t just a relaunch… it’s a rallying cry.
If you’re tired of being owned by your tech… if you miss the feel of the old internet — the one that made you smarter, sharper, and more in control — you’re in the right place.
Follow along. Support the movement. Share the updates. Tell your friends CrackBerry is back.
Let’s rock and roll this.
CrackBerry Kevin
Still typing. Still clicking. Still BBelieving.
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