GL.iNet has introduced Comet Q, a portable KVM device built to control iPhone and other USB-C devices from a distance. It stands out because it operates at the hardware level, which means it can remain active even when a device is locked, sleeping, or disconnected from the network.
For iPhone users, the device is notable because GL.iNet presents it as the first KVM solution made specifically for mobile devices. Remote control has usually been associated with laptops and desktops, while phones and tablets have long lacked dedicated hardware for similar use cases.
Remote access through a browser
Comet Q, also known as GL-RMQ1, does not require any app to be installed on the target device. GL.iNet says users can access it through a browser by visiting glkvm.com, and no account is needed.
Support for iPhone starts with iPhone 15 and newer, except for the iPhone 16e and newer budget models. The device also works with iPad and many Android phones and tablets, as long as the USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode.
One cable for video, data, and power
The device’s main physical advantage is its single USB-C cable, which carries video, data, and power at the same time. That setup removes the need for the HDMI cables, extra dongles, and USB hubs that are common in traditional KVM configurations.
It also includes a built-in USB-C passthrough port, which keeps the connected device charged during a remote session. Video output reaches up to 2K at 60 fps, and two-way audio is supported as well.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Connection | Single USB-C cable for video, data, and power |
| Video Output | Up to 2K at 60 fps |
| Audio | Two-way audio support |
| Setup Aid | 1.8-inch round touchscreen |
| Charging | USB-C passthrough keeps the device powered |
The device also includes a 1.8-inch round touchscreen, which helps with initial setup without needing to open a laptop first. That small display is designed to make the hardware easier to configure on the spot.
Works across operating systems
Comet Q is designed for cross-platform control, allowing an iPhone to be managed from a Windows browser, a MacBook to be controlled from an Android tablet, or an iPad to be operated from Linux. GL.iNet also offers the GLKVM app for Windows, macOS, the App Store, and Google Play.
The app is intended to improve touch control precision when the session is handled from another mobile device. That makes the setup more practical for users who want a more direct control experience outside a desktop environment.
Security stays at the hardware level
The security stack includes WireGuard, Tailscale, and ZeroTier support, along with two-factor authentication. GL.iNet says the remote session ends immediately once the dongle is unplugged, leaving no background service or persistent access behind.
The device can also be paired with Wi-Fi credentials before shipping, so the recipient can start using it without much technical setup. That detail is aimed at making deployment simpler for the person who receives the unit.
Price and crowdfunding momentum
Comet Q is priced at $129.90, but it is currently listed on Kickstarter for $89, a discount of 31 percent from the announced retail price. The campaign has already drawn more than $1 million from 6,628 backers, far above its $10,000 goal.
At the time the information was noted, the Kickstarter campaign still had a little more than two weeks remaining. As with any crowdfunding project, risks remain, including delays, product changes, or even shipping failures.
