When is a Phone… Not a Phone? - Krono Epaper Focus Hub
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Add another layer to your internet privacy toolkit. Get an exclusive deal on Private Internet Access VPN today at piavpn.com What if a you had a phone but it did less? That's the question the Krono Epaper Focus Hub asks. In return you get a fun e-ink screen, but will that be enough for most people? Buy a Krono Epaper Focus Hub here: geni.us Want us to unbox something? Make a suggestion at lmg.gg Thanks to our channel partner Secretlab! - Grab a TITAN Evo ergonomic gaming chair: lmg.gg - Grab a MAGNUS Pro sit/stand gaming table: lmg.gg ► SHOP OUR PRODUCTS: lttstore.com ► GET A VPN: piavpn.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► DIVE DEEPER ON THE LTT LABS WEBSITE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Affiliate links powered in part by affilimate.com Studio lighting by Aputure: aputure.com Linus Sebastian is an investor in Framework Computer, Inc and HexOS by Eshtek. CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:01 What is this 3:08 Software overview 5:33 Don't touch that dial 6:33 Of course there's AI 8:17 Sponsor 8:50 E-reading experience 9:58 Web browsing 11:21 Reading reminder 12:21 Speaker test 13:00 Is this for you? 13:20 Watch another video
The Krono Epaper Focus Hub Chrono from Durobo is presented as a phone-sized Android device that intentionally drops phone functionality while retaining most other abilities. The creator highlights the 6.13-inch Carta 1200 e-paper display with 300 PPI, a front microphone, a single speaker, a USB-C port, and a unique smart dial that aims to replace some touch interactions. The software overview reveals Android 15 with a custom skin and apps focused on reading, notes, and AI chat, including a Libby-like AI assistant initially labeled Libby and later referred to as Durobo AI. The hardware is described as thick and durable, available in white or black with a light bar on the back for predetermined LED reminders, designed to nudge you toward focusing on reading rather than doom scrolling. As the reviewer experiments with the dial, they explore dynamic brightness, backlight warmth, and speed modes intended to reduce ghosting and improve responsiveness on the e-paper screen. The reading experience is a central focus, with features like dark mode, text size adjustments, vertical and horizontal text directions, and a built-in voice-to-text option for reading aloud, all tested with a loaded book and note-taking tools. Overall impressions evolve from curiosity about the form factor to a cautiously positive view of the hardware’s tactile appeal, the novelty of the dial, and the potential for a distraction-free ecosystem, while acknowledging the compromises of an e-paper display and limited application space. In the closing discussion, the host reflects on whether such a device can genuinely replace a conventional phone, invites viewer opinions, and points to related devices like the Boox Palma Pro 2 as points of comparison.
Topics · technology hardware · consumer electronics · e-paper · android devices · digital reading · hardware design · distraction reduction
Questions answered
- What is the Krono Chrono and how does it differ from a regular phone?
- The Krono Chrono is a phone-sized Android device that runs Android with a focus on e-paper display and distraction reduction, but it does not support traditional phone calling.
- What are the key features of the Chrono’s display and input methods?
- It uses a 6.13-inch Carta 1200 e-paper display with 300 PPI, a smart dial for navigation and controls, a backlight with adjustable warmth, and a touch interaction set including a volume rocker and a single microphone.
- Does the Chrono support reading and note taking, and how is AI integrated?
- Yes, the Chrono includes an e-reading app with dark mode, text size and direction options, and note taking with a transcription feature. It also includes a chatbot assistant branded as Durobo AI.