A hands-free upgrade for Kobo lovers
Kobo has unveiled a new Bluetooth-enabled accessory that promises to change how many readers interact with their e-readers: a remote page turner designed specifically for Kobo devices. While rumors of a major hardware refresh for 2025 linger, this small gadget offers a practical, immediately useful upgrade for anyone who loves curling up with a book but dislikes fumbling for physical page-turn buttons in the dark or under a blanket.
What you get with the Kobo Remote
The Kobo Remote is tied directly to Kobo’s own ecosystem. It’s designed to deliver minimal movement with maximal convenience, enabling users to flip pages with a simple press from across a couch, bed, or desk. The company notes that the device should preserve the cozy reading experience while reducing physical strain and motion needed to keep a book progressing. In short, it’s built for one-handed, bed-bound, or lazy-night reading sessions where turning a page gets too fiddly.
Compatibility and comfort
The accessory is officially compatible with Kobo’s Bluetooth-enabled e-readers. That focus on the brand’s own devices helps ensure a stable connection and responsive page turns. For readers who already own a Kobo Libra Colour or similar model, the remote promises to integrate smoothly, with only a minimal amount of movement required to switch pages. The idea is to keep you immersed in your story without breaking your reading cadence to reach for hardware controls.
How it compares with third-party remotes
Remote page turners from other brands exist, but many lack seamless compatibility across devices or suffer from latency issues. Kobo’s official accessory appears to be purpose-built for the Kobo hardware, which could translate to a more reliable experience and fewer glitches compared with generic options. For readers who have tried alternative remotes with devices like the Elipsa 2E or other brands, Kobo’s solution could feel like a straightforward, cohesive upgrade rather than a mixed bag of compatibility quirks.
Price, availability, and anticipated use
Kobo has announced the remote will be available in most major markets starting November 4, with a price tag of $29.99 / AU$44.95. UK pricing is yet to be confirmed. At roughly the price of a couple of coffees, it represents an accessible entry point for readers curious about hands-free page turning. For those who often read in bed or while lying down, the Kobo Remote could become a staple accessory, similar to how many use lightweight reading stands or magnetic covers to support longer sessions.
What it means for 2025 and beyond
As readers eagerly await any potential new e-reader launches in 2025, the Kobo Remote signals a continued emphasis on improving the reading experience through small, well-integrated hardware add-ons. It invites a broader conversation about accessibility and comfort in long-form reading: how lighter device management and less physical interaction can sustain attention and enjoyment over many hours of reading.
Conclusion: a promising, practical upgrade
For avid readers who spend evenings wrapped in blankets with a Kobo Kindle-like glow, a hands-free page turner could be a simple yet transformative upgrade. It remains to be seen how universally the remote will perform across all Kobo models in real-world use, but the initial promise is clear: less movement, more immersion. If you’ve ever wished for a more seamless, uninterrupted reading session, the Kobo Remote might be the device you didn’t know you needed until now.
