Rakuten has announced the November 4 launch of the Kobo Remote, a native page-turning accessory for its Kobo e-readers. The device is designed to enhance reading by allowing users to turn pages without touching the screen, connecting directly via Bluetooth.
The company is marketing the Kobo Remote as an accessory for immersive reading and multitasking. Rakuten Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn stated, “The Kobo Remote is the perfect accessory for peak immersive reading; it’s an invitation to lounge deeper, multitask smarter, and simply enjoy reading without limits, no matter whether your environment is beach or blankets.” Although page-turning remotes are not a new concept and have gained popularity within the e-reader community for creating hands-free reading setups, Kobo is the first e-reader manufacturer to develop and sell a native version for its own devices.
The Kobo Remote will be available in two colors, black and white, to align with the color schemes of most Kobo e-readers. The device itself measures 3.92 inches in length and 1.18 inches in width. It features a curved shape intended for an ergonomic hold. For power and connectivity, the remote operates using a single AAA battery and communicates with the e-reader through a Bluetooth connection, integrating directly with the Kobo operating system.
This native integration represents a key difference from other page-turning accessories currently on the market. Most generic remotes function as a two-part system, consisting of the remote control itself and a separate piece that must be clipped onto the edge of the e-reader. This clip-on component is responsible for physically tapping the screen to trigger a page turn. The Kobo Remote, being a single, unified device, eliminates the need for this external screen-tapping mechanism.
The single-unit design directly addresses a functional problem encountered when using generic remotes with Kobo devices. The screens on Kobo e-readers are not flush with their borders, creating a raised edge or “lip.” This lip can physically obstruct a clip-on page-turner, preventing it from making the necessary contact with the screen unless it is positioned with specific precision. As the Kobo Remote communicates directly with the software, it bypasses this physical challenge entirely.
The remote is priced at $29.99. This positions it at a higher price point than many similar third-party remotes available through online retailers like Amazon, which are often priced around $19.99. Compatibility for the Kobo Remote extends across several models in the product line. Supported devices include:
- Kobo Clara 2E
- Kobo Clara BW
- Kobo Clara Colour
- Kobo Libra 2
- Kobo Libra Colour
- Kobo Sage
- Kobo Elipsa
- Kobo Elipsa 2E
