tech
Revival of Blackberry nostalgia and keyboard fuels smartphone startups
Smartphone startups are bringing back the Blackberry idea through physical keyboards and the classic square-shaped smartphone.
TL;DR
- Startups are reviving physical keyboards on smartphones, challenging the dominance of touchscreens.
- Interest is driven by nostalgia, a desire for more intentional phone use, and accessibility needs.
- Companies like Clicks Technology and Unihertz are carving out a niche with keyboard-equipped devices.
- These phones emphasize messaging and core functions to reduce distractions and "doomscrolling."
- They also bring back features like 3.5 mm headphone jacks and expandable memory.
- Physical keyboards can aid users with low vision, motor control challenges, and those prone to typing errors.
- Despite market challenges like rising component costs, demand for these niche devices is strong.
- Crowdfunding campaigns and pre-order targets for keyboard phones have been exceeded.