Reading helps me relax, and enhancements that improve this experience are always appreciated. Does anyone truly need a remote for an e-reader that they’re holding or using at arm’s length? E-readers protect us from paper cuts and the effort of turning pages, and Kobo is simplifying this further by launching a wireless page-turning remote. The Kobo Remote may be seen as an indulgence, yet it focuses on convenience, which is what I seek when winding down with a book at night.
While wireless remotes for e-readers have existed, none have directly connected to Kindles or Kobos, despite recent models supporting Bluetooth. Typically, you must modify the e-reader software to connect to specific third-party remotes or opt for a device that physically taps the screen to turn pages.
Clip-on page turners seemed cumbersome to me. Apparently, many agree, as the $30 Kobo Remote sold out quickly after its November release and was unavailable for several months. I finally acquired one in late January, and although I believe Kobo could add more features, my wife and I have found it very helpful.
The Kobo Remote measures under 4 inches, resembling a pack of Juicy Fruit. It’s smaller than expected, but still easy to hold and operate, and unlikely to get lost in the bed if dropped. The optional wrist lanyard has prevented misplacement when I’ve fallen asleep reading.
It uses a non-rechargeable battery, but Kobo claims the AAA provided should last months. The remote connects solely to Kobo devices with Bluetooth support for audiobooks, with a pairing process as simple as connecting headphones. Once paired, it automatically reconnects with a Kobo when awake, needing just a second or two. Switching to a different e-reader requires activating pairing mode using a button on the remote’s edge.
Featuring two buttons, the larger for the next page and the smaller for the previous, they’re distinguishable by touch, though customization isn’t possible. Adding functions like brightness or font size changes would be useful, and my wife, an audio book enthusiast, was disappointed that the remote doesn’t allow volume control or playback pauses—only skipping forward or back by 30 seconds.
Is the Kobo Remote necessary for every Kobo user? Likely not, but we’ve found it useful in several situations. My wife reads with her Kobo on a bedside stand, enjoying the ability to read while staying wrapped in blankets, while I can now read on my side with the Kobo on the nightstand, flipping pages without awkward stretches.
The remote aids treadmill reading and, for Kobos without buttons, eases page-turning while wearing gloves in cold weather or prevents screen smudging while snacking. Prioritizing comfort, ease, and convenience, this accessory adds a welcome upgrade to the reading experience.
Photography by Andrew Liszewski / The Verge.