The ghosts of BlackBerry and PalmPilot are stirring at CES 2026. Clicks, known for its snap-on physical keyboards, is diving headfirst into the smartphone market with the 'Clicks Communicator,' a device explicitly designed for 'communication, not consumption.' But does this blast from the past have a place in the modern enterprise?
A Nod to Nostalgia, Built for Today?
The Clicks Communicator boasts a tactile keyboard, a 4-inch OLED display, and a surprisingly robust feature set. According to Engadget, the device runs on Android 16, offers hardware-level encryption, a 50MP camera, NFC, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack – a rarity these days. With expandable microSD storage up to 2TB, it seems Clicks is targeting users who value functionality over fleeting trends. It includes modern features like a fingerprint sensor and a customizable 'Signal LED' for notifications.
Dual-Phone Strategy: Viable or Vaporware?
Clicks is positioning the Communicator as a secondary device, an idea that raises some immediate questions. As The Verge points out, maintaining two phones means two service plans, a logistical hurdle for many. While the rise of 'dumb' phones reflects a desire for digital minimalism, convincing users to juggle multiple devices for work seems a tough sell. The company says it wants users to focus on 'communication' on the new device, and leave 'content capture' to a primary device. The Communicator can be reserved now for $399 and will increase to $499 on February 27.
The Keyboard Conundrum
Beyond the phone itself, Clicks is also launching the 'Power Keyboard,' a MagSafe/Qi2 attachable keyboard compatible with both iOS and Android. This keyboard also doubles as a battery pack, adding 2,150 mAh of power. The Power Keyboard will retail for $110, though early-bird pricing is available for $80. This is a more pragmatic offering, potentially appealing to enterprise users who still prefer the tactile feel of a physical keyboard for long-form writing or coding on the go. It is an enterprise-grade peripheral.
Clicks is betting that there's a market for a device that prioritizes focused communication and haptic feedback. While the 'Communicator' faces an uphill battle in a world dominated by sleek, all-screen devices, the 'Power Keyboard' might find a niche among professionals seeking a more efficient mobile typing experience. The real test will be whether Clicks can deliver a user experience that justifies the added cost and complexity for enterprise users. I think it remains to be seen if IT departments will allow this device on their network, and what the TCO and SLA would look like. The biggest challenge will be getting buy-in from the C-suite.