After years of being dominated by the Kindle, ereaders have finally started to explode. No, not like that. The Durobo Krono is just the latest reader hoping to tempt you away from Amazon’s increasingly walled garden of fiction.
It might just do it, too. See, the Krono isn’t just an ereader, though the 6.13in E-Ink display makes it ideal for that purpose. It’s also got audio and AI ambitions, as well as a twiddly bit at the back that you’re unlikely to keep your hands away from.
Krono shift
Durobo used a 300ppi Carta 1200 display for its newest reader’s screen, bringing it very close, if not on par with, Amazon and Kobo. Behind the screen, there’s an octa-core processor (they don’t specify which), 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The overpowered hardware helps the reading tablet (we guess?) to function as both an audio player and a host for onboard AI. A 3,850mAh battery powers the lot.
The audio functions are just part of what the Krono can do. It’ll play back audio — books or tunes — via an onboard speaker or through Bluetooth headphones in case you don’t want the whole world to know you’re a fan of Chuck Tingle. But there’s another reason for speakers and a microphone.
That would be AI, specifically voice notes via the onboard Libby AI. It’ll also recognise and collate typed messages for you. Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be a stylus option. Pity, that. But there is something called a ‘smart dial’ on the rear that Durobo says “allows you to press and rotate to refresh the screen, adjust front lights, start recording, and browse the web effortlessly.” It’ll also give you something to fiddle with while waiting for George to finally release Winds of Winter.
Unlike many international launches, you can pop a Krono on your shelf in short order — which might make up for the launch delay. You can’t buy one directly from the company, for some reason, but head over to Amazon and they’ll ship one to you for around R5,550. That’s all-inclusive of dealing with Customs, shipping, tax, the lot.
