Sony’s wearable AC gets a cooler upgrade and better neck fit
▼ Summary
– Sony announced the Reon Pocket Pro Plus, an upgraded wearable air conditioner launching in Europe for €229/£199, with no US release planned.
– The device uses a chilled metal plate pressed against the skin via upgraded flexible neck arms, rather than blowing air like a fan.
– The cooling plate’s surface temperature is reduced by two degrees Celsius compared to last year’s model, with a 20 percent improvement in cooling performance from an evolved algorithm.
– A redesigned exhaust vent allows adjustable length and angle to direct warm air away from the body, even under high-collared shirts.
– The Pro Plus works with a new Reon Pocket Tag 2 sensor, 18 percent smaller and designed to hang away from the body for more accurate temperature and humidity readings.
Sony has officially launched a new iteration of its wearable personal air conditioner, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus, building on the foundation set by last year’s Pro model. First introduced in 2019 ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, the device now arrives with notable performance upgrades and design refinements aimed at improving comfort and discretion under a variety of clothing. The product hits shelves across Europe and other regions today, priced at €229 or £199 (roughly $270). As with earlier versions, Sony has not announced any plans for a U.S. release.
Unlike traditional neck fans that simply blow air, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus relies on a cooling metal plate that presses against the skin, similar in concept to the Shark ChillPill’s accessory. The device wraps around the user’s upper back using upgraded flexible arms that provide a more secure fit. Sony has lowered the plate’s surface temperature by an additional two degrees Celsius compared to the previous model, and paired it with what the company calls an “evolved cooling algorithm.” According to Sony, this combination delivers a 20 percent improvement in overall cooling performance.
The Pro Plus also features a redesigned exhaust vent that can be extended and angled, helping to direct warm air away from the body even when wearing a high-collared shirt. This is a practical improvement for those who want to stay cool without making the device obvious. Additionally, Sony has introduced the Reon Pocket Tag 2 sensor, which is 18 percent smaller than its predecessor. Its new design allows it to be clipped onto a strap or carabiner for more accurate ambient temperature and humidity readings, further enhancing the overall cooling experience.
(Source: The Verge)
