DuRoBo
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DuRoBo is a Netherlands-based technology company that develops ePaper devices designed to provide distraction-free tools for reading, idea capture, and focused productivity in an increasingly connected world.[1]
The company's flagship product is the Krono, a portable smart ePaper device that combines a high-resolution ePaper display, an open Android operating system, tactile controls, and on-device AI capabilities.[2] Launched in 2025, it has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional dedicated e-readers for users seeking more focused digital experiences.[3]
History
DuRoBo launched the Krono through a successful Kickstarter campaign in July 2025, where it earned the "Project We Love" recognition from the platform.[3] The device was subsequently promoted for early backers and framed as an "ePaper focus hub."[4]
Krono made its public trade-show debut at IFA Berlin in September 2025, where it appeared in "best of show" coverage that highlighted its minimalist design.[5][6]
In January 2026, DuRoBo showcased the Krono at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) In Las Vegas, where it was included in roundups of notable new gadgets and featured in hands-on coverage focusing on its ePaper display, AI capabilities, and phone-like form factor.[7][8] Coverage around CES noted that the device would be available in the United States beginning in late January 2026.[9][10]
Products
Krono
The Krono is a 6.13-inch ePaper device with dimensions of approximately 154 × 80 × 9 mm and a weight of around 170–173 g, designed for portability and single-handed use.[2] It features a 300 ppi ePaper display with anti-glare etching and dual-tone front lighting with adjustable color temperature.[2] The device runs a customized version of Android with access to the Google Play Store, allowing installation of third-party apps for reading, audio, and task management.[2][11]
Central to the user experience is a mechanical "Smart Dial" on the side of the device, which provides tactile navigation for scrolling, adjusting brightness and volume, triggering screen refreshes, and activating voice recording.[11] Voice memos via "Spark" can be processed with an AI assistant for transcription and summarisation, and the device also includes a rear "Axis" light bar used for status indications and notifications.[2][12] Core functions include document and e-book reading across multiple file formats, audio playback via a built-in speaker and Bluetooth, basic note-taking, and other productivity-oriented features, positioning it as a portable "focus hub" intended to reduce digital distractions while maintaining selective connectivity.[2][13]
Reception
Early coverage and hands-on reviews highlighted the Krono’s portability, battery life, and paper-like display, as well as its tactile Smart Dial and emphasis on distraction-free use.[11][13][14] Reviewers have described it as a potential alternative to traditional e-readers and smartphones for users seeking focused reading and idea capture with access to Android apps.[11][15]"CES 2026: DuRoBo's Krono e-reader is coming to the US". Mashable. Retrieved 26 March 2026.</ref>
ZDNET reported that the Krono effectively replaced the reviewer’s e-reader for travel and daily reading, citing its battery life, compact form factor, and AI-assisted idea capture.[13] CNET and Mashable described it as a notable or "interesting" entry in the e-reader category due to its smartphone-like size, open Android ecosystem, and AI capabilities.[11][16]
Some critical reviewers noted opportunities for further refinement of the user interface and the optimization of AI-driven interactions to enhance the overall experience.[17] [14] Beyond professional reviews, users on ePaper and e-reader forums and communities have discussed the device’s strengths and weaknesses.[18] Noting that DuRoBo actively listens to feedback and has released software updates addressing early issues, including improved reading controls, wireless file transfer, and a customizable interface. Commenters state that continued software refinement will be important for Krono in the e-reader and e-paper device market.[14][13]
References
- ↑ "Our Story". DuRoBo. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "DuRoBo Krono: Your 6.13 Android Smart ePaper Focus Hub". DuRoBo. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Krono: Your Smart ePaper Focus Hub by DuRoBo". DuRoBo. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Official Launch: Krono Kickstarter Campaign Is Now Live". DuRoBo. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "I'm at IFA 2025—these are the 10 coolest products at the show". MakeUseOf. 5 September 2025. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Best in Show: Our 38 favourite gadgets from IFA 2025". Trusted Reviews. 5 September 2025. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "The five new gadgets I tried and loved at CES 2026 (that you can buy right now)". The Guardian. 13 January 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "30 of the best gadgets we've used at CES 2026". Trusted Reviews. 8 January 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "This handheld e-reader has effectively replaced my Kindle". ZDNET. 10 February 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "DuRoBo Krono Brings an AI-Powered Pocket ePaper Focus Hub to the US". Yanko Design. 10 January 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 "DuRoBo Krono Is a New Smartphone-Size E-Reader With AI". CNET. 7 January 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "DuRoBo Krono Review". Archup. 15 March 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 "This handheld e-reader has effectively replaced my Kindle". ZDNET. 10 February 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "CES's most interesting e-reader still needs a bit of work before it hits the market". Android Central. 17 January 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedyankodesign - ↑ "CES 2026: DuRoBo's Krono e-reader is coming to the US". Mashable. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "DuRoBo Krono e-reader: small on size, short on features". AppleInsider. 25 February 2026. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ "Been keeping an eye on this for a while. Excited to see how it turns out". Reddit. 27 August 2025. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
External links
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