A Nostalgic Comeback: Clicks Technology Launches New Smartphone and Slide-Out Keyboard

In a world where sleek touchscreens dominate, one company is daring to bring back the physical keyboard—an idea that many thought was long gone. Clicks Technology, renowned for its innovative physical keyboards for smartphones, is making headlines with two exciting new products ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The spotlight is on their new smartphone, the Communicator, and a versatile slide-out keyboard, both designed for those who crave a tactile typing experience.

The Thriving Market for Typing

Remember when BlackBerrys were the must-have devices for anyone serious about text communication? With every swipe and tap dominated by touchscreen devices, one could argue that the charm of physical keyboards fizzled out. But here’s the twist: Clicks believes there’s still a huge demand for devices built to enhance productivity without the usual distractions.

Adrian Li, CEO of Clicks, mentioned, “There’s growing demand for purpose-built products that help people communicate with confidence.” By focusing on this niche, Clicks is positioning itself for success among professionals and those who continuously juggle multiple lifestyles.

The Communicator: A Modern-Day BlackBerry?

Let’s talk about the Communicator, priced at $499. Upon first glance, it may evoke memories of early smartphones, particularly the BlackBerry. And why not? Many still crave the heft and tactile feedback of functioning keys, especially when it comes to typing lengthy messages or emails.

Despite its retro appearance, the Communicator is anything but outdated. It targets individuals who carry two devices—a work phone and a personal one. Clicks understands that for many, managing business communications directly from their phone can be a hassle. With a physical keyboard at your fingertips, you could argue that productivity is on the rise.

What’s more? The phone doesn’t offer any addictive social media apps or games. Instead, it aligns with the professional-centric lifestyle, collaborating with Niagara Launcher for access to essential messaging and productivity tools such as WhatsApp, Gmail, Telegram, and Slack.

Unique Features for Focused Users

One standout feature is the Signal Light—a customizable button that lights up to alert users about messages from specific contacts or apps. This adds a personal touch, allowing you to prioritize what matters most. Imagine your important client’s messages glowing in purple while casual group chats light up in green.

You can also take quick voice notes or dictate messages with the Prompt Key—an enhancement that might further improve productivity. The keyboard itself boasts a tactile design with ergonomic keys for an optimal typing experience, allowing users to scroll through messages with just a flick of their fingers, further merging the old with the new.

Nostalgia Meets Practicality

Let’s not forget the “old-school” features: the Communicator includes a physical SIM card tray, expandable microSD storage, and even a 3.5 mm headphone jack. These practical additions aim to resonate with users who value simplicity and accessibility.

Worried about personalization? Clicking on style is a breeze—simply swap out the back cover for a new color! This phone will come in trendy shades like Smoke, Clover (a rich dark green), or Onyx. And for early adopters, a special offer allows buyers to snag the device for $399 when they place a $199 deposit before February 27.

Slide-Out Keyboard: Convenience or Gimmick?

Along with the Communicator, Clicks is rolling out a slide-out keyboard priced at $79 (later retailing for $109) designed to enhance typing on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and even smart TVs. You know that moment—trying to send a message on a remote control? Clicks aims to eliminate that hassle altogether.

What’s so special about this keyboard? It attaches using MagSafe and Qi2 magnetic connections, fits various phone sizes, and even works in both portrait and landscape mode. Moreover, it operates on a built-in 2,150 mAh battery, meaning you don’t have to worry about constantly swapping out batteries or running out of charge when you need it most.

Reflecting on Tech Trends

As we dive deeper into 2023, it’s intriguing to see a welcome resurgence of physical keyboards in a predominantly touchscreen world. Clicks appears to tap into a longing for simplicity, enabling users to focus better on messaging and productivity sans the distractions of social media. It begs the question: will this trend encourage a shift back toward devices built for functional use rather than consumption?

Some tech enthusiasts might see nostalgic products as backwards-looking, while others may appreciate the hybrid functionality that Clicks offers.

What does this mean for everyday people? For those who balance work and personal commitments, devices like the Communicator could offer a streamlined solution. We may even find that embracing old-school tech could result in less anxiety and more productivity in our hyper-connected world.

The Takeaway

The revival of the physical keyboard, as presented by Clicks Technology, doesn’t just signal a nostalgic revival. It reflects a growing demand for products that prioritize communication and productivity over mindless scrolling.

The Communicator and its accompanying slide-out keyboard offer more than just functionality; they serve as a reminder of simpler, more efficient interactions. These products cater to a specific experience that aligns with the needs of users who seek to balance work and life effectively.

In a time when distractions are at an all-time high, maybe turning back to tactile technology isn’t such a bad idea after all. So, would you trade your touch screen for a keyboard? It’s a choice worth pondering as we approach a new era of device design.