The Return of the Communicator: Clicks Unveils a Blackberry-Inspired Phone and Revolutionary Power Keyboard at CES 2026

In a bold move that mixes nostalgia with innovation, Clicks Technology, known for its tactile keyboard accessories, has announced two new products that could change how we think about mobile productivity in 2026. Unveiled before the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the Clicks Communicator smartphone and the Clicks Power Keyboard bring back physical keys and thoughtful design during a time when many are feeling fatigued by touchscreens.(Ground News)

What's particularly interesting about these new releases is that Clicks is not just updating its earlier keyboard cases. It is now building full hardware products with a clear goal: communicate more and consume less.

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📱Clicks Communicator: A Phone Built for Communication, Not Consumption

At the center of Clicks’ announcement is the Communicator, a smartphone designed specifically for communication. It intentionally breaks away from the current smartphone trend of large screens meant for videos and scrolling. Instead, the Communicator focuses on messaging, productivity, and clarity.(markets.businessinsider.com)

Think of it as a modern take on the BlackBerry for 2026. It features a compact design, a full physical QWERTY keyboard, a simplified interface, and software tailored for today’s needs..(The Verge)

📌 Why It Matters

In a world where phones are designed to keep users glued to their screens, Clicks positions the Communicator as a remedy to distraction. The company sees it as a device that complements flagship phones, not replaces them. It's perfect for professionals who juggle messaging, emails, and tasks centered around communication..(GlobeNewswire)

Clicks recognizes a growing trend where users carry one device for mainstream functions and another for serious work or privacy. The Communicator is made to serve that second-device need.

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Design and Experience: Physical Keys, Minimal Distraction

One of the standout features of the Communicator is its physical keyboard, which Clicks claims offers a premium typing experience with ergonomic keys and tactile feedback. This keyboard does more than just let you type; it is also touch-sensitive, allowing for smooth scrolling through lists and messages without needing to swipe the screen.(GlobeNewswire)

Another notable feature is the Signal light, a customizable LED indicator located on the phone's side Prompt Key. Instead of cluttered notifications, the Signal light lets users assign colors or patterns to important contacts or apps, making key communications easy to spot.

This is about more than just style; it’s intentional design. The focus is on context, input, and control. Context helps users identify what matters, input is improved through the physical keyboard, and control is achieved through a streamlined software experience that reduces distractions.

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Software That Guides Focused Use

The Communicator runs on Android 16 with a custom launcher created with Niagara Launcher. This minimalist interface organizes messaging apps like Gmail, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack into a clean, easy-to-read home screen. This design cuts through the clutter seen in standard smartphone interfaces.(GlobeNewswire)

Rather than giving users access to every app available, this design only offers what's essential for communication and action. This minimalist approach appeals to users looking for better digital well-being and less screen addiction.

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Hardware Highlights

While the Communicator is designed for typing and messaging, it remains a fully functional phone for daily use:

• 📶 Full 5G/4G/3G support on unlocked networks
• 🔋 4,000 mAh battery with wireless charging support
• 📸50 MP main camera with OIS and 24 MP front camera
• 📱Expandable storage via microSD (up to 2 TB)
• 🎧Classic headphone jack and support for both physical SIM and eSIM
• 🔒Android Strongbox API support for secure storage
• 🎨Interchangeable back covers in various colors(GlobeNewswire)

What’s fascinating is how this device combines classic features like a headphone jack and expandable storage with modern connectivity, areas often ignored by flagship devices.

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Pricing and Availability

Clicks is pricing the Communicator at $499, with early-bird reservation options that reduce the cost for preorders. Early reservations come with bonus perks like extra back covers and priority shipping.(GlobeNewswire)

The phone is expected to start shipping later in 2026, with reservations opening as early as January 2.

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Clicks Power Keyboard: A Universal Typing Solution

Clicks didn’t stop at just introducing a niche phone. Along with the Communicator, the company revealed its Power Keyboard, a compact, slide-out physical keyboard that can work with many types of devices.

This is not just another accessory; the Power Keyboard also acts as a wireless power bank and connects via Bluetooth, making it compatible with:

• 📱Smartphones (iPhone, Android)
• 📺Smart TVs
• 📲Tablets
• 🥽 AR/VR headsets and other smart screens(markets.businessinsider.com)

By attaching to devices using MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic connections, the Power Keyboard allows users to type without being tied to a specific phone model. This is a big improvement over case-based keyboards that only fit certain devices.

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Convenience in a Compact Package

The Power Keyboard has a built-in 2,150 mAh battery that powers the keyboard and provides wireless charging for connected phones. This combination makes it a versatile tool for tech users.

The keyboard features a familiar QWERTY layout, optimized key travel, and lets users switch between multiple Bluetooth devices easily. This is perfect for anyone who works across different screens.

One of the most exciting aspects is that this keyboard goes beyond phones. For smart TVs and tablets, it replaces cumbersome on-screen or remote keyboards, speeding up tasks like entering passwords or editing documents.

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What This Means for the Future of Mobile Productivity

Clicks’ announcements reveal more than new products; they show a change in how people think about their devices:

👉 A renewed appreciation for physical input: In a world dominated by touchscreens, tactile keyboards provide the speed, precision, and comfort many users miss.

👉 Minimalism over distraction: Clicks challenges the idea that smartphones must be filled with time-consuming apps by creating a phone designed to limit such distractions.

👉 Multi-device support is now practical: With the Power Keyboard, users can type comfortably on almost any screen, expanding the idea of a keyboard beyond just laptops and desktops.

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Final Thoughts

The Clicks Communicator and Power Keyboard may not meet the traditional definition of mainstream flagship devices, but they represent a bold idea: communication and productivity deserve tools designed specifically for them. Whether you are a professional seeking focus, a BlackBerry fan missing physical keys, or someone who wants a more intentional interaction with technology, Clicks’ new products offer something refreshingly different.

As CES 2026 approaches, the tech world will watch to see if this mix of retro inspiration and modern functionality appeals to users and if other companies will rethink how we engage with our devices.

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Sources:

Clicks Communicator press release; GlobeNewswire GlobeNewswire)
Market reactions and accessory breakdown; Business Insider(markets.businessinsider.com)
Specs and early reviews; The Verge & other outlets(The Verge)