Hustler Words – As the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas draws near, Clicks Technology, a company renowned for its innovative physical keyboard accessories for smartphones, is set to make a significant splash with the introduction of two groundbreaking devices. Leading the charge is the "Communicator," a smartphone boasting a tactile keyboard, explicitly designed to serve as a dedicated secondary device. Alongside it, the company is also launching a versatile $79 slide-out mobile keyboard, expanding its ecosystem of productivity-focused peripherals.
The Communicator, priced at $499, immediately evokes a sense of nostalgia for the iconic BlackBerry, presenting a modern take on the classic form factor. It’s meticulously crafted for individuals who juggle multiple devices – typically one for personal use and another for professional commitments. Clicks Technology envisions this smartphone appealing to users who engage in extensive on-device work, such as messaging, emailing, document editing, and other tasks where the precision and speed of a physical keyboard offer a distinct advantage over touchscreen typing.
In a deliberate move to foster productivity, the Communicator eschews access to distracting social media platforms and gaming applications. Instead, Clicks has collaborated with Niagara Launcher, an Android launcher developer, to provide a streamlined interface focused on essential communication and productivity tools like Gmail, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack.
Related Post
A distinguishing characteristic of the Communicator is its "Signal Light," a customizable illuminated button positioned on the device’s side. Users can configure various colors and light patterns to signify incoming messages from specific contacts, groups, or applications. For instance, urgent alerts from VIPs could glow purple, while WhatsApp chats might appear green, offering a quick visual cue without needing to unlock the phone.
This versatile button, also known as the "Prompt Key," facilitates voice dictation when a text field is active or allows for quick voice notes. Clicks is also hinting at future integrations with advanced AI applications, such as intelligent note-takers, enhanced voice recording features, or even AI agents, though these functionalities are not yet available.
Mirroring the excellence of Clicks’ existing product line, the Communicator features an ergonomic, tactile keyboard engineered for superior typing speed and comfort. The keyboard itself is touch-sensitive, enabling users to effortlessly scroll through messages, lists, and web pages without needing to touch the main display.
The device further embraces a suite of "old-school" functionalities that many power users appreciate. These include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a physical SIM card tray (complementing eSIM support), expandable microSD storage up to a generous 2TB, and a tactile switch for airplane mode. This switch can also be reconfigured to interact with the Signal Light or the keyboard’s touch input, adding another layer of customization.
A removable back cover allows for personalization, with initial color options including Smoke, Clover (a dark green), and Onyx. Early adopters can secure the device for $399 by placing a $199 deposit before February 27th. Those who pay the full early bird price upfront will also receive two additional back covers. The Communicator is slated for shipment later this year.
Adrian Li, CEO of Clicks, highlighted the company’s success, noting that over 100,000 of their previous keyboards have been shipped to customers across more than 100 countries. "That response validated something we strongly believed: there’s growing demand for purpose-built products that help people communicate with confidence and take action. Clicks Communicator is a natural evolution of that idea," Li stated, underscoring the strategic vision behind their new smartphone.
Beyond the Communicator, Clicks is also introducing the "Power Keyboard," a slide-out accessory designed to enhance typing across a multitude of smart devices. This innovative keyboard can magnetically attach to smartphones via MagSafe or Qi2, and even works seamlessly with existing phone cases. Its multiple slider positions accommodate various phone sizes, supporting both portrait and landscape orientations.
Powered by a 2,150 mAh built-in battery, the Power Keyboard liberates users from the cumbersome on-screen typing often associated with tablets, smart TVs, or even emerging AR/VR headsets, where it can be used independently. Like other Clicks keyboards, it features tactile buttons and offers customizable settings through the dedicated Clicks mobile app for both iOS and Android.
The Power Keyboard will be available for an early-bird price of $79, with its retail price set at $109. Pre-orders commence on January 2nd, and the device is expected to ship in the spring. These new offerings from Clicks Technology signal a renewed focus on tactile input and dedicated productivity in an increasingly touchscreen-dominated world, promising a fresh perspective for tech enthusiasts at CES.
Leave a Comment