IFA 2025: Krono ePaper Reader blends podcasts, Reading and Transcription

IFA 2025, taking place in Berlin from September 5–9, is Europe’s largest annual consumer technology event, where global brands unveil their latest innovations, including the Krono ePaper Reader.

Tablets may have become the default for casual reading and note-taking, but they also bring with them the same distractions as smartphones. The lure of emails, social feeds and app alerts is never far away, making it difficult to settle into long-form reading or focused work.

By contrast, an ePaper reader is designed for clarity and calm. With a matte, paper-like display, long-lasting battery life, and a pared-back interface, it strips away the digital noise.

The technology has always appealed to book lovers and frequent travellers who value light luggage and less time tethered to a charger. Into this calmer corner of technology steps DuRoBo, a Seoul-based company, with the launch of its first product, the Krono ePaper Reader.

Unveiled at IFA Berlin, the Krono is designed as a “focus hub” rather than just another e-ink device. At its core is a 6.13-inch E Ink Carta 1200 HD display with 300 pixels per inch, providing the same sharpness as high-end eReaders in a smaller, pocketable form factor.

Inside, the hardware is more generous than most rivals, featuring 6GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage, which is sufficient to hold an extensive library of books, notes, and offline audio. Power comes from a custom operating system built on open Android, meaning users can sideload or install apps, rather than being locked into a single ecosystem.

The Krono also embraces audio in a way that most ePaper devices don’t. It features built-in speakers and Bluetooth support for wireless headphones, allowing for the playback of podcasts and audiobooks without the need for an additional device. It can capture voice notes, which are then automatically transcribed by AI into searchable text.

This recording function is controlled through the Smart Dial, a rotating side wheel that also handles page turning, volume, and mode switching.

DuRoBo claims that this physical control is designed to reduce screen tapping and menu diving, enabling users to stay focused on the task at hand.

…a smart ePaper Focus Hub that blends the functions of an e-reader, AI-powered note keeper, and audio player into one sleek, minimalist device. Designed for distraction-free productivity, Krono is an elegant, pocket-sized companion that helps users read, think, and create at anytime, anywhere.

DuRoBo

Battery life is described as “long”, but no exact figures have been confirmed at launch. The device is also promoted as lightweight and discreet, though DuRoBo has not yet published a final weight specification.

While larger eReaders often rely on stylus input and sketching to broaden their appeal, the Krono positions itself differently: as a compact, minimalist tool for distraction-free reading, listening, and note-taking, backed by stronger hardware than the typical e-ink device.

For travellers, the advantages of a dedicated ePaper device are hard to ignore. Tablets can handle both entertainment and work, but they are heavy to carry, drain power quickly, and are often hijacked by the lure of social media or streaming apps. The Krono ePaper Reader takes a different approach, offering a more serene experience centred around text and audio.

Features	Krono ePaper Reader
Dimensions	TBC
Weight	TBC
RAM	6GB
Display	6.13″ E Ink Carta 1200 300 PPI
Storage	128GB
Battery Life	TBC
Audio	Speaker and headphones
Connectivity	Bluetooth USB-C
Operating System	Open Android
Special Features	Smart Dial navigation AI transcription Distraction free design
In the Box	TBC
Website	durobo.com

The DuRoBo Krono ePaper Reader is priced at €279 (around $300/£240) and is available for pre-sale now on Kickstarter, where early bird pricing is at €259.