Sony launches upgraded Reon Pocket Pro Plus wearable air conditioner in Europe
Utilising the Peltier effect, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus claims a 20 per cent increase in cooling power and up to 10 hours of battery life, though US availability remains unconfirmed.
Sony has officially launched the Reon Pocket Pro Plus, an upgraded version of its wearable air conditioner designed to cool the base of the neck. The device utilises the Peltier effect, employing an electrically cooled metal plate that delivers lower temperatures to the circulatory system, functioning similarly to a small ice pack with a USB-C port. This technology sits beneath clothing at the base of the neck to regulate body temperature effectively.
The new model features a 20 per cent increase in cooling performance compared to its predecessor, delivering a two-degree Celsius rise in cooling capability. This improvement is achieved through an enhanced cooling algorithm that more accurately monitors temperature changes on the device and in the surrounding environment. Sony has provided heat-map images to demonstrate the stronger and more sustained dissipating effect, although the company notes that independent testing of the latest model has not yet been conducted.
To ensure the device remains secure during use, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus incorporates new fins that hold the unit to the neck and shoulders. According to the manufacturer, these new fins are 40 per cent more stable than the design found in the previous model. The hardware layout remains largely similar to the Reon Pocket Pro, tracing the back of the neck and adapting to different neck shapes via a more adaptable fin around the vent.
Battery capacity has been expanded to support up to 10 hours of operation on the second-highest cooling setting. The unit includes an automatic shutdown mechanism to prevent overheating and features a quiet fan to circulate air across the cooling area. While the device can operate independently without a smartphone, it also includes a companion app for manual controls and customisation.
A second-generation Pocket Tag accessory accompanies the device, offering a smaller form factor than its predecessor. This tag monitors ambient temperature and humidity to help the Reon fine-tune its cooling output. The Reon Pocket Pro Plus is available for purchase in the UK and Europe via Sony's own store and online retailers, including Amazon, with prices set at £199 and €220 respectively.
Development of the wearable cooling device began in 2017, leading to a crowdfunding launch in 2019 before expanding to Asia and the West in recent years. While the hardware design has remained consistent over nearly a decade, Sony has refined the battery capacity and comfort features for this latest release. However, Sony has not yet clarified availability in the United States, leaving the timeline for a potential North American launch uncertain.
