GL.iNet Comet Q (GL-RMQ1) is a USB-C KVM device designed to remotely control smartphones, tablets, and laptops via a single USB Type-C cable and web browser.
The hardware is based on a dual-core Arm processor paired with 512MB of RAM and a 512MB NAND flash, integrates a 1.8-inch touchscreen LCD for control and information display (e.g., IP address), a short USB-C cable to connect to the target, and a USB-C port for optionally charging the target while it is being controlled.
Comet Q specifications:
- SoC – Unnamed dual-core Arm Cortex-A53 processor
- System Memory – 512MB LPDDR4
- Storage – 512 MB NAND flash
- Display – 1.8-inch touchscreen color LCD
- Video
- Resolution and frame rate – 2K QHD @ 60 FPS
- Latency – About 80 ms
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- 5 GHz: 286 Mbps
- 2.4 GHz: 286 Mbps
- Internal Wi-Fi antenna
- Wi-Fi 6 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- Interface
- USB Type-C port with power passthrough
- USB Type-C cable with support for DisplayPort Alt Mode
- Power Input – 5V/3A via USB-C PD
- Dimensions – 70 mm Φ x 22 mm
- Weight – TBD
The system runs a Linux operating system built with Buildroot. There’s no need for drivers, as users can simply control a target (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) with USB-C DP support through a web browser on the host over WiFi. Alternatively, you can also install the GLKVM app on an Android or iOS device, as well as Windows and macOS computers for easier remote access over the Internet. Tailscale & ZeroTier are also supported for secure control over VPN through the web browser without opening firewall ports. You can check out our review of the GLKVM app with the GL.iNet Comet device to get a feel for the user interface and features.
Supported target devices include:
- iPhones: iPhone 15 and newer (excluding iPhone 16e, 17e and iPhone Air)
- iPads: All iPad Pro (2018 and newer), iPad Air (4th generation and newer), iPad mini (6th generation and newer), and iPad (10th generation and newer)
- Android phones (much longer list, some Samsung models provided as examples): Samsung Galaxy S8 and newer, Galaxy Note 8 and newer, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series, and Galaxy Tab S series
- Laptops & mini PCs: Most models with a USB-C port that supports video output, including MacBooks, Mac mini, and most modern Windows laptops
If you can’t quite think of use cases for controlling a smartphone over KVM, GL.iNet has some ideas:
- Developers can remotely manage test devices, run builds, and debug without being at their desk
- IT teams can maintain and troubleshoot a fleet of mobile devices from a single interface
- Content creators can control a dedicated streaming or recording device from anywhere in the room
- Power users can manage a secondary device without ever picking it up
- Children living away from home can remotely help their parents with everyday tech frustrations
Some use cases could certainly be handled through scrcpy software in combination with VNC or Raspberry Pi Connect remote access software, but it’s not quite as easy as asking someone to connect the “remote access clock” to the USB-C port of their phone or tablet. Besides simplicity, a hardware solution enables debugging of boot issues or is OS agnostic, something not possible with remote access software.
GL.iNet has launched the Comet Q on Kickstarter with a $10,000 funding goal that’s already been easily surpassed. Rewards start at $79 for an Early Bird pledge for the GL-RMQ1 USB-C KVM device, and we’re told the MSRP will be $129.99 after the crowdfunding campaign is over. Note you’ll need to add $15 for worldwide shipping. Rewards are scheduled to start shipping by August 2026.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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