Some gadgets scream for attention, others quietly transform the way you work and think. Krono belongs to the second camp. It’s not trying to be your phone, tablet, or laptop—it’s a distraction-free ePaper hub that combines reading, note-taking, audio, and AI-driven insights in one sleek, minimalist device. Think of it as the antidote to the noisy, notification-filled world we live in. And yes, it looks stunning too.
Full Specifications
• Display: 6.13-inch E Ink Carta 1200, 824 × 1648 resolution, 300 PPI, dual-tone front light
• Processor: Octa-core processor
• RAM: 6 GB
• Storage: 128 GB
• Operating System: Android 13 (open system)
• Battery: 3950 mAh Li-ion, USB-C charging
• Weight: 173 g
• Dimensions: 161 × 74 × 8.6 mm
• Material: Magnesium alloy frame with PC back
• Colors: Snow White, Phantom Black
• Audio: Built-in speaker, dual microphones, Bluetooth 5.0
• Controls: Capacitive multi-touchscreen + Axis Dial with breathing light
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz, Bluetooth
• Sensors: Accelerometer, light sensor
• Supported formats: EPUB, MOBI, PDF, DOC, TXT, JPG, PNG, MP3, AAC, WAV
• Key features: AI voice assistant, Spark Notes AI summarization, voice recording and transcription, distraction-free interface, app compatibility via Android 13
• Charging port: USB-C
Deep Dive into Features
At the heart of Krono lies a 6.13-inch Carta 1200 E Ink display—sharp, glare-free, and incredibly easy on the eyes. With 300 PPI resolution, texts look crisp, whether you’re reading a novel, marking up a PDF, or glancing at notes. The dual-tone front light adapts seamlessly between day and night, keeping your focus intact.
The octa-core processor paired with 6 GB RAM ensures this isn’t your average sluggish e-reader. Swipes, zooms, and page turns are buttery smooth. With 128 GB storage, you can carry an entire library, audio collection, and note archive in your pocket.
But the real magic is AI. The built-in assistant listens, records, and summarizes. Hold the side dial to capture your thoughts; Krono instantly transcribes and distills them into “Spark Notes”—clear, concise takeaways. This feature feels like carrying your own secretary in your pocket, minus the corporate vibe.
Design & Feel — A Calm Object with Hidden Depths
Krono is as much about how it feels as what it does. At just 8.6 mm thin and weighing 173 g, it slips easily into a pocket. The magnesium alloy frame adds sturdiness without bulk, while the PC back keeps it lightweight. The Axis Dial on the side is a tactile gem—rotate, press, and interact, while subtle breathing lights glow like a meditative signal. It’s a tiny design flourish that makes Krono feel alive, yet calm.
Even the UI mirrors this ethos: clean lines, minimal distractions, and a monochrome aesthetic that puts your content front and center. Unlike phones, there’s no constant barrage of pings—just you, your text, and your thoughts.
Real-World Use
In practice, Krono feels like a bridge between analog and digital. Reading long articles, jotting spontaneous notes, and listening to podcasts all felt seamless. I could sit in a café, record an idea with one press, and later see it summarized into a neat paragraph. The device encourages focus: no doom-scrolling, no endless app juggling, just mindful productivity.
Vs. the Competition — How It Stacks Up
• Onyx Boox Palma 2: Similar screen size and Android flexibility, but lacks Krono’s Axis Dial, breathing light, and built-in AI summarization.
• Kindle Paperwhite: Cheaper and great for pure reading, but limited to Amazon’s ecosystem and without the multitasking or AI power of Krono.
Krono sits comfortably between a premium e-reader and a creative assistant. If you just want books, Kindle suffices. If you crave creativity and focus, Krono edges ahead.
What Others Say
“This compact device promises to serve readers, note-takers, and creative thinkers … blends the eye-friendly appeal of E Ink displays with modern AI capabilities.” — Yanko Design
“Durobo has adopted quite an interesting design … the dial on the left serves as a sort of record button … AI assistant called Libby.” — Notebookcheck
Cons
• No SIM or cellular connectivity—Wi-Fi only
• Crowdfunding launch pricing not yet finalized, may be higher than basic e-readers
• AI summaries are helpful but can miss nuance
• Battery, while solid, is smaller than larger e-ink tablets
FAQ
• Is Krono a smartphone replacement?
No, it lacks SIM support. Think of it as a focused ePaper hub, not a phone.
• Can I install my own apps?
Yes, thanks to Android 13, you can sideload or download compatible apps.
• How does Spark Notes work?
Record a voice memo, and the AI transcribes and summarizes it into clear notes.
• Does it support audiobooks?
Yes, through built-in speaker, Bluetooth, or third-party apps.
Price and Availability
Krono is preparing for a crowdfunding campaign with early bird perks expected in late 2025. Official pricing hasn’t been revealed yet, but given the premium hardware and AI features, expect it above standard e-readers. Early backers may receive discounts and protective accessories.
Final Verdict
4.5 out of 5
Krono is a bold take on what an ePaper device can be. It goes far beyond just reading, merging AI, design, and minimalism into a single creative tool. For knowledge workers, writers, and anyone tired of the smartphone’s distractions, Krono feels like a breath of fresh air. I’d give it a 4.5 out of 5: nearly perfect, with the only caveats being its lack of cellular and the uncertainty of crowdfunding pricing.
