Clicks, a US startup about to launch its first phone, told Mobile Time [pt_BR] that it is working to expand its presence in Latin America.
The message was delivered to the Brazilian publication by Clicks co-founder and CMO Jeff Gadway, who also said that “[we’ll have] more news to share in early 2027.”
The Clicks Communicator, the brand’s upcoming phone, can be used as a “companion” to your main phone or as your only phone. It has an interface built around text messaging, created in partnership with the folks at Niagara Launcher, and the form factor associated with phones from the late RIM, maker of the BlackBerry: a square screen on top and, below it, a small physical QWERTY keyboard.
Other fringe brands have also been betting on bringing the tiny keyboard back, such as Unihertz with the Titan 2 Elite and Minimal, which just released the Phone 2.
To be honest with you, I’ve never used one of these phones, either from the new batch or back in RIM’s heyday. That leaves me wondering whether there’s anything beyond pure nostalgia in this attempt to resurrect the format.
Back then, the advantage of a full keyboard was obvious compared with the alternative available: numeric keypads with T9 predictive text. Today, with smart virtual keyboards that predict your next words, or where you type by swiping a finger across the screen? I have my doubts.
This new batch also appeals to “minimalists” and people who want to use their phones less. The promise of the square screen, making some of today’s digital vices, especially vertical videos, awkward to indulge in, has some logic to it, but is it enough?
All three devices mentioned run Android, which means the door to addictive apps is always open. It’s well known that minor annoyances aren’t an effective barrier for someone who is hooked.
Also note that these phones are expensive. The Clicks Communicator is up for pre-order in the US for USD 649.
A better remedy might be to make your phone, whichever one it is, less fun and more utilitarian. The other day I came across this video that details some ideas for making your routine more fun than your phone. Those seem like more promising paths, and cheaper ones too.