Dutch company DuRoBo has introduced a new e-reader called Krono, which it is showcasing at CES 2026, positioning the device as a more versatile alternative to traditional e-readers. According to the company, Krono adopts a smartphone-like form factor and integrates a built-in AI assistant, aiming to expand the role of e-paper devices beyond conventional reading.
DuRoBo describes the Krono as an “ePaper focus hub” designed for reading, ideation, and music listening. The device features a tactile “smart dial” located along its left edge, allowing users to scroll through pages, navigate menus, or adjust settings with physical input rather than relying solely on touch controls. A key differentiator is its integrated AI assistant, Libby AI, which is intended to answer questions and assist with deeper thinking tasks, suggesting a focus on note-taking, reflection, and contextual information alongside reading.
Krono runs on Android 15, giving it access to the Google Play Store and significantly expanding its software ecosystem compared to more closed e-reader platforms. This enables support for a wide range of third-party applications, potentially including reading apps, productivity tools, and music services, reinforcing DuRoBo’s goal of positioning the device as a multifunctional companion rather than a single-purpose reader.
The device enters a market largely dominated by Amazon’s Kindle lineup, which continues to account for the majority of global e-reader sales, followed by Rakuten’s Kobo brand. Against this backdrop, DuRoBo appears to be targeting differentiation through form factor and functionality. By adopting a design closer to that of a smartphone and emphasizing portability, Krono is positioned as a secondary screen that can fit easily into a bag or pocket. The inclusion of AI features and a full Android operating system further separates it from more traditional, reading-only e-readers.
Krono was successfully funded via Kickstarter last year and is now available for purchase at a price of €240, or roughly $280. DuRoBo has stated that shipments will begin later this month. Its availability places it among a growing number of CES 2026 announcements that have transitioned quickly from showcase to retail, signaling an increasingly rapid turnaround from concept to consumer-ready product.
