Clicks Technology, renowned for its physical keyboards designed for smartphones, is gearing up to showcase an innovative lineup of devices at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week. Among these, the company is introducing a new, affordable slide-out keyboard priced at $79, aimed at enhancing smart device usability. Additionally, Clicks is launching its first smartphone, the Communicator, a specialized device equipped with a physical keyboard that is intended to serve as a second phone for users.
The Communicator, retailing at $499, is specifically targeted at individuals who juggle multiple phones, one for professional use and another for personal tasks. With a focus on efficiency, Clicks expects this device to attract users who rely heavily on messaging, emailing, and document handling, where the benefits of a physical keyboard can be particularly advantageous.
This new smartphone features a limited app environment, excluding popular social media and gaming platforms. Instead, Clicks partnered with Niagara Launcher to integrate productivity applications such as Gmail, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack, ensuring users maintain focus on work-related tasks.
A standout feature of the Communicator is its Signal Light, a customizable button that illuminates in various colors and patterns to signify messages from specific contacts or apps. For example, messages from a selected VIP could glow purple, while WhatsApp notifications could shine green. Additionally, the Prompt Key allows users to dictate messages or record voice notes effortlessly, with potential future enhancements involving AI applications.
The Communicator maintains a retro flair with a tactile keyboard that boasts ergonomic keys for faster typing and includes touch-sensitive capabilities, facilitating effortless scrolling through content without needing to engage the touchscreen. The device also offers a nostalgic 3.5mm headphone jack, physical SIM card tray, expandable microSD storage of up to 2TB, and a tactile switch for activating airplane mode. The phone is customizable, featuring interchangeable back covers in several colors, including Smoke, Clover, and Onyx.
For early bird customers, the price for the Communicator is set at $399 with a $199 deposit requirement before February 27, including two additional back covers with upfront payments. Shipping is anticipated later this year.
The full specifications of the Communicator include:
– Operating System: Android 16 with 5 years of security updates
– Dimensions and Weight: 131.5 mm in height; 170 grams
– Connectivity: Global 5G, 4G LTE, and 3G/2G support, unlocked
– Battery: 4,000 mAh silicon-carbon
– Storage: 256GB onboard, expandable via microSD
– Cameras: 50MP main with OIS, 24MP front-facing
– Additional Features: NFC with Google Pay, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6, USB-C and wireless charging
Clicks CEO Adrian Li highlighted the company’s success, stating that they have shipped over 100,000 keyboards across more than 100 countries, validating the demand for products focused on enhancing communication and productivity.
The company is also releasing the slide-out Power Keyboard, designed for seamless pairing with smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs to eliminate on-screen typing frustrations. Priced at $79 for early birds, with a retail price of $109, this keyboard promises to deliver tactile feedback and can be utilized independently when attached to various smart devices. Pre-orders will commence on January 2, with expected shipping in the spring.
Clicks’ latest products represent a hopeful step towards addressing the needs of users who prioritize functionality and efficiency in their mobile devices, combining modern technology with beloved traditional features.