Hands on with a prototype of Clicks’ Communicator, a new BlackBerry-like smartphone

Summary

The BlackBerry is back — sort of — thanks to the latest product from the mobile keyboard maker, Clicks Technology, which last week announced its debut phone, the $499 Communicator, which sports a physical keyboard. The company is also offering a separate $79 slide-out physical keyboard that fits to any device. At CES, TechCrunch chatted with Clicks chief marketing officer and co-founder, Jeff Gadway, and went hands-on with the latest handmade prototype of the forthcoming smartphone. The device, which offers a BlackBerry-like keyboard and messaging-focused touchscreen, runs Android 16 under the hood. That means the Communicator can run any Android app, but it partnered with the minimalist launcher, Niagara Launcher, to display your favorite apps on the homescreen. Other apps are within easy reach via a scrollable list. Image Credits:TechCrunch Reception for the new devices has been better than expected, Gadway told TechCrunch. Although he declined to share sales numbers, he did say that over the past week the company was making a sale every 6.5 seconds between both devices. While the prototype we tried is not a working phone, it’s the same size and weight as the device that’s preparing to ship later this year, giving an initial feel for what it would be like to use the Communicator. The interchangeable back covers can pop off so you can change the phone’s design whenever inspiration strikes. While not present on the prototype, the cover will have a small notch at the top and then a little finger pick at the bottom. Underneath the back is where your nano-SIM card will go. Onboard storage lands at 256 gigabytes, with expandable microSD storage of up to 2 terabytes of data. The device will also sport a 4000mAh silicon-carbon battery and is currently weighing in around 170 grams (or 6 oz). In our hands-on test, the phone feels good to hold. The device is not too heavy but not too light, and easy to grip. The final form was settled on after dozens of 3D printed shapes, Ga...