Rakuten CEO Michael Tamblyn is teasing new hardware to be unveiled at Book Con in New York, from April 18th to 19th. The last time he announced something new coming out was the Kobo Remote, a Bluetooth page-turner for most of the newer Kobo e-readers, such as the Libra Color, Sage, Kobo BW, and Kobo Clara Color.
Traditionally, Rakuten Kobo outsources all of its e-readers manufacturing to the Taiwanese company Netronix. There haven’t been any new FCC applications since early 2025, when some Kobo models were quietly refreshed with a larger battery and better internal components. None of the other companies Kobo deals with has made any applications, so it is highly unlikely that it is a new e-reader. My best guess is that it is either a new Stylus or the Kobo Remote 2, or a similar new accessory.
Here is what Michael aid “New York, we are BACK! Can’t wait for the Kobo crew to meet up with Kobo fans, ebook fans, and reading fans. So much cool stuff: a spring surprise that we are unveiling there, goodies we are giving away, a chance to touch and try Kobo ereaders, all in our cozy Booth 537 in Hall 3! See you there!”