Clicks reveals production-ready Android phone with physical keyboard
The company Clicks has released a hands-on video of the Communicator, an Android smartphone featuring a BlackBerry-style keypad. The device is priced at $500 and is designed to run modern applications while providing a tactile typing experience.
Amalgamated from CNET (opens in new tab), TechCrunch (opens in new tab), Engadget (opens in new tab)
The company Clicks has released a hands-on video showcasing its Communicator, an Android smartphone featuring a physical keyboard similar to those found on legacy BlackBerry devices. TechCrunch reports that the footage provides a look at the final production version of the device.
According to CNET, the $500 phone offers a preview of messaging and typing functionality as it integrates with the mobile operating system. Engadget also reported that because the hardware runs an Android platform, it is capable of supporting modern applications. The Communicator's design incorporates a physical keypad to provide a tactile input method while maintaining compatibility with current software ecosystems.
The release of the video highlights how the hardware combines traditional form factors with contemporary mobile technology. By utilizing an Android-based system, the manufacturer ensures that the device remains functional within modern app stores and communication networks. The Communicator is positioned as an alternative for users seeking specific physical features in a modern smartphone format.
Why this matters
The device targets a niche market of users who prefer physical keys for productivity while requiring access to modern apps. It represents a specialized hardware segment that blends legacy design aesthetics with contemporary software standards.
What's confirmed / what isn't
Multiple independent outlets confirm that the device is a production-ready Android phone with a physical keyboard and a $500 price point. Specific technical specifications such as internal port configurations or specific microphone counts were not included in professional news reports.
Background
BlackBerry was a line of mobile devices popular in the 2000s and early 2010s, specifically known for its full QWERTY keyboards. The transition to touchscreens led many manufacturers to abandon physical key designs until recent interest in niche hardware has revived the form factor.