Kobo launches a $30 Bluetooth remote for its e-readers without page-turning buttons

Unlike Amazon, which has stopped selling Kindles with physical page-turn buttons, some of Rakuten's Kobo e-readers, such as the Kobo Libra Colour, still feature physical page-turn buttons. However, for models that do not have one, such as the Kobo Clara Colour (available on Amazon for $159.99), there's a solution — a $30 device called the Kobo Remote.

The Kobo Remote is a pill-shaped device that is exclusively made for Kobo e-readers. According to the product page, it connects via Bluetooth and pairs instantly with a single button press. The remote has two round buttons — a large one that looks like a touchpad and a smaller one below it. The function of each button wasn't specified, but Kobo says users will be able to turn pages with a simple click. Kobo also says that the remote is designed to reduce hand strain.

While the Kobo Remote is designed for turning the page on Kobo e-readers, the product page says it can be used to play/pause and adjust the volume of audiobooks, too. However, the remote can't be used for more advanced controls, such as skipping chapters.

The Kobo Remote weighs 36 grams and measures 3.92 x 0.87 x 1.18 inches. It has Bluetooth 5.0 with a range of up to 65 feet, and is powered by a single AAA battery that should provide up to a month of use before needing to be replaced. Available in Black and White, the Kobo Remote will be available for purchase starting on November 4 for $29.99. It will ship with a battery and a lanyard included in the box.