HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

DuRoBo Krono e-reader review: A promising but unfinished device

Latest from Android Central •
×

DuRoBo's first e-reader, the Krono, stands out with a unique scroll wheel and Android 15, but the experience is incomplete. Priced at $279, it runs a light frame and adds haptics to a category that often lacks them. The device uses a sharp Carta 1200 HD display, ensuring tasks feel responsive compared to older models.

However, the scroll wheel is a mixed bag. It delivers satisfying haptics and works well for vertical scrolling, but it's completely non-customizable and fails in apps like the Kindle or Google Play Books. The launcher is intentionally minimalistic, and while you can swap it, the built-in AI features feel basic and slow, adding little value.

This device is best viewed as a minimalist alternative to more complicated e-readers like the Onyx Boox Palma. For the Krono to hit its potential, DuRoBo must address the scroll wheel's limitations and offer more customization. The recent 1.0 firmware update suggests improvements are coming, which could make it a compelling choice for readers seeking simplicity.