https://xcancel.com/clickskeyboard/status/2097446195303960579

https://www.instagram.com/p/DdFNqzdlkcF/?stkn=bHQ5eHR0MHQzd2kz

Text from Jeff's post on reddit:

Here's a look at the fingerprint sensor in action, along with some backstory that goes behind the design.

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/93sXQsXkGfc

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dc306h5x6GJ/?igsi=aTRyd2VyM3BrbHln

Something we debated and studied was where to put the fingerprint sensor.

Do we put it on the Prompt Key (on the right hand side)?

Should it go on the power button (like most Android phones)? And where should the power button even go in the first place?

Ultimately, we decided to do things differently. And for good reason.

We wanted the Prompt Key and Signal Light to stand alone on the right hand side and become a focal point of the design given how central they are to the communication-centric experience.

We also didn't want interacting with the prompt key (for speech to text, or clearing Signal Light notifications) to trigger any accidental fingerprint activations.

Plus, the size of Communicator allowed us to move the power/lock button to the top because it is easy to reach with your index finger (kind of like the BlackBerry Bold).

I digress...

Placing the fingerprint sensor on the space bar came down to speed, efficiency and ergonomics.

From its resting point on the chin, your thumb only has to move a few millimetres to rest on the space bar and activate the fingerprint sensor. And you don't have to change your hand orientation on the phone at all.

No wasted movement.

It's a concept that's resonated with me since we moved away from the track wheel on the BlackBerry 7200/8700/7100 series and towards the track ball.

I remember sitting down with one of the engineers at the time and asking 'why would we do this? people love the track wheel...me included!."

They explained that on the track wheel Berries, you had two distinct hand positions. A navigating position (when your thumb rested on the track wheel), and a typing position (when your thumbs are on the keys). While small, that micro adjustment costs time, and energy that gets multiplied across hundreds of repetitions each day.

In daily use, I'm amazed at just how fast it is to pick up Communicator, wake, unlock and be on the home screen looking at the message that just came in, all in one fluid motion.

When we say 'designed to respect your time', these are the kind of details we're obsessing over.

*worth noting: this is still pre-production hardware, so the fingerprint sensor you see in the video isn't final. This one is a bit askew, and not yet as flush as we expect it to be.

Original post (reddit): https://www.reddit.com/r/ClicksPhone/comments/1ujehuz/clicks_communicator_first_look/

Before you press play, I want to share a bit more about what you’re about to see.

These first demos feature pre-production hardware, and internal software. It’s real, working hardware being used by our team for testing and validation, but definitely not finished product.

That means you’ll likely spot a few rough edges. In fact, since we started filming this video there have already been several new internal SW and firmware deployments that add features and polish to the experience (like the hole punch camera cut out you may see obscuring text in the status bar at a few points in the video…that’s already been fixed 😉).

Over the next couple months we’ll continue sharing more details and new demos of features like Message Hub, Signal Light, Prompt Key, touch sensitive keyboard, camera, etc.

Speaking personally, it’s been so rewarding to start carrying Communicator every day and to be using it out in the real world. Seeing it evolve from an idea, sketches and prototypes into something I grab as I head out the door is pretty special (and kind of surreal!).

The entire team is heads down building, and we're still on track to begin shipping in Q4.

Thanks for being on this journey with us.

https://www.instagram.com/stories/clickskeys/3929166611966178746/

Still waiting for the hardware reveal this month 😄

Jeff Gadway also posted a text post on reddit about the update. https://www.reddit.com/r/ClicksPhone/comments/1tjo9ea/communicator_may_update/

It's mostly marketing hype/fluff. Still interesting.

They said last month that by the end of this month we should have some kind of Hands-On with a working demo - looking forward to it!

Edit: Jeff Gadway said full video on the 21st

Thank you for reserving Clicks Communicator. We owe you an update, and we're happy to give you one.

In January, we committed to showing working prototypes in Q2 and shipping later this year. Both remain on schedule.

Building a new smartphone platform involves a lot of work that happens out of view. Over the last several months, the team across 3 timezones has been heads-down on the kind of foundational engineering that has to happen before the more visible (and exciting) milestones that follow. With that work largely behind us, we’re excited to share and show more in the months ahead.

Here's what's coming next:

• May: We'll begin sharing glimpses into the Communicator experience: the software, the interface, and the decisions that went into making it feel distinctly like a Communicator.
• June: Seeing is believing. We’ll have working units to show, as committed for Q2.
• Q3: Certifications and testing. You'll also be invited to configure your order including your Communicator color and keyboard layout. This is also when you’ll be invited to choose your bonus Covers, including limited edition colors.
• Q4: Production and shipping to reservation holders.

Along the way, we'll share behind-the-scenes content, like the industrial design decisions and details that make Communicator feel intentional, including some of the accessories we’re working on to complement Communicator itself.

I haven't seen any spec updates that mention it, but best I can tell, it is supported on the MT8883 the Communicator will be using.

Anyone read anything or asked support about USB-C video?

Reddit post by Jeff Gadway: https://www.reddit.com/r/ClicksPhone/comments/1rg082s/clicks_communicator_coming_in_azerty_qwertz/

https://www.poweredbymediatek.com/device?search=Clicks

If true this is great. It will have more than enough power for 99% of tasks and will be able to do it all smoothly.

I know us de-googled people are in the minority but if enough of us ask for it maybe they will work with the AOSP projects and get them drivers and all that other stuff I don't understand.

Have been thinking it over for a few weeks and finally decided I wanted to go ahead and get in on the first batch.

Not sure if the receipt number is PII, but better safe than sorry.

It's not nostalgia - I've never had a keyboard phone.

I asked Niagara about that and they replied:

Regarding your question about the Clicks Communicator: it's planned that all devices will come with the Niagara Pro version.

I have the non-pro version installed on my key2 and it is awesome with a keyboard.

You unlock with the spacebar, type the first few letters of the app you wanna start, and press enter