Is a remote truly essential for a gadget already in hand or within arm’s reach? E-readers liberated us from papercut hazards and the chore of manual page-flipping, but Kobo simplifies things further with the introduction of a cord-free page-advancing controller. The Kobo Remote may seem like a luxury and somewhat simple, yet its core purpose is to elevate ease of use, and when I seek to relax with a captivating book at day’s end, that’s precisely what I desire.
To me, attachable page-turners consistently appeared overly awkward and intricate. I likely share this sentiment, as the $30 Kobo Remote rapidly became unavailable following its debut last November, staying out of stock for many months. Only in late January did I succeed in purchasing one, and although I believe Kobo could have incorporated additional features, my spouse and I have both eagerly adopted the device.
Measuring just under 4 inches in length and roughly the dimensions of a chewing gum pack, the Kobo Remote proved considerably more compact than anticipated. While it feels even tinier in my sizable hands, it’s simultaneously ample enough for a comfortable grip and operation, ensuring it won’t vanish into the bedding if it slips. An optional wrist strap comes with the remote, which has, on multiple occasions, kept it from disappearing when I’ve drifted off while engrossed in a book.
A rechargeable battery is absent; however, Kobo asserts that the provided AAA cell will endure for several months. This controller exclusively pairs with Kobo devices offering Bluetooth capability for audiobooks, yet its setup is as straightforward as linking earphones. After initial pairing, the remote establishes an automatic connection when your Kobo activates, needing only a couple of seconds to be operational. Should you wish to link it to an alternative e-reader, a control on the remote’s front edge initiates the pairing sequence manually.
The controller features a pair of tactile, clickable buttons. The more sizable button advances to the subsequent page, while the smaller one reverses. These are simple to distinguish by feel — besides their varying dimensions, one button is inwardly curved and the other outwardly — yet their functions are not customizable. It would be advantageous if either button could be pressed and held to modify screen luminance or alter font dimensions. Moreover, my spouse, an avid listener of audiobooks, was dismayed upon discovering she couldn’t employ the remote’s controls to regulate volume or halt playback; they merely jump forward or backward in 30-second increments.
Is the Kobo Remote an _indispensable_ attachment for every Kobo owner? Likely not, yet we’ve already identified multiple situations where it has provided a beneficial enhancement. My spouse, whose Kobo is affixed to a nightstand, can now immerse herself in books while remaining fully enveloped beneath the bedclothes. I favor reading reclined on my side and can now support my Kobo on my bedside table, advancing pages without cumbersome stretching.
Furthermore, the controller has simplified reading during treadmill sessions. For Kobo e-readers without physical buttons, it enables page progression even when wearing gloves on a cold morning journey, or guards the display from oily smudges during a snack. This is a peripheral centered entirely on comfort, simplicity, and practicality, and presently, I’m eager to embrace as much of those qualities as possible.
Imagery by Andrew Liszewski / The Verge