Clicks Communicator: The Modern BlackBerry Revival Making Waves in 2024

Clicks Technology Unveils Final Version of Its BlackBerry-Inspired Communicator

A freshly released hands-on video is giving the public its most detailed look yet at the Clicks Communicator — a modern smartphone designed to recapture the spirit of the iconic BlackBerry while running today's most popular apps.

Clicks Technology, the startup behind this ambitious project, dropped the new footage as a preview of what consumers can expect when the device officially hits the market later this year.

What Is the Clicks Communicator?

First unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this past January, the Clicks Communicator is built for people who live on their phones — professionals who spend their days firing off emails, messages, and documents. More specifically, it targets those who have long mourned the death of the physical keyboard, a hallmark of the BlackBerry era that many power users argue still outperforms touchscreen typing.

Priced at $499, the Communicator pairs a traditional display for reading and responding to content with a tactile, touch-sensitive physical keyboard positioned beneath — a layout that will feel instantly familiar to former BlackBerry loyalists.

More Than Just a BlackBerry Clone

While the design aesthetic draws clear inspiration from BlackBerry, the Clicks Communicator sets itself apart through several thoughtful innovations:

Signal Light

One of the device's standout features is the Signal Light — a customizable illuminated button built into the side of the phone. Users can assign specific colors and light patterns to particular contacts, groups, or applications, allowing them to identify important notifications at a glance without unlocking the device.

Hardware Highlights

• Swappable back covers for personalization
• 3.5mm headphone jack — a feature many modern smartphones have abandoned
• Physical SIM card tray alongside eSIM support
• Expandable microSD storage up to an impressive 2TB
• Dedicated airplane mode toggle switch for quick connectivity control

A Phone for the Digital Wellness Movement

Beyond productivity, the Clicks Communicator speaks directly to a growing segment of users who are actively trying to reduce their dependence on dopamine-driven smartphone experiences. By stripping away the noise of addictive apps and games, the device encourages more intentional phone use.

To power its Android app ecosystem, Clicks has partnered with Niagara Launcher, ensuring users still have access to essential applications while maintaining a cleaner, less distracting interface. Combined with the Signal Light's ability to filter notifications, the Communicator gives users meaningful control over how — and when — their phone demands their attention.

Early Impressions From CES

At CES, journalists who handled a prototype reported that the device felt comfortable and well-balanced in the hand — neither too light nor too heavy, with a solid grip. The physical keys delivered satisfying tactile feedback reminiscent of classic BlackBerry hardware. The development team noted at the time that they were fine-tuning the key pressure to better accommodate fast typists.

What's Next for Clicks Technology

The latest video showcases pre-production hardware and internal software as a comprehensive preview ahead of the phone's anticipated fourth-quarter 2024 launch. Clicks Technology has also confirmed that additional videos are in the pipeline, each focusing on specific features such as the Signal Light, Prompt Key, Message Hub, and the touch-sensitive keyboard.

For professionals craving a return to physical keyboards — and for anyone seeking a smarter, less overwhelming mobile experience — the Clicks Communicator is shaping up to be one of the more compelling smartphone releases of the year.