Sony Unveils Upgraded Reon Pocket Pro Plus Wearable Air Conditioner in Europe
Priced at approximately $270 AUD, the new device utilises the Peltier effect to cool the circulatory system and includes a redesigned exhaust vent to mitigate heat feedback on the wearer.
Sony has officially launched the Reon Pocket Pro Plus, an upgraded iteration of its wearable personal air conditioner, targeting European and select international markets. The device, which was first revealed in 2019 ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, continues to operate using the Peltier effect to chill a metal plate that sits beneath clothing at the base of the neck. This method cools the circulatory system rather than blasting air directly at the user, distinguishing it from competitors like the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool.
The primary enhancements to the new model focus on addressing previous user complaints regarding the management of warm exhaust air. Sony has implemented a redesigned exhaust vent with adjustable length and angle, allowing the device to direct hot air away from the wearer even when dressed in high-collared shirts. To ensure the unit remains secure during use, new internal fins have been incorporated to hold the device to the neck and shoulders, described by the manufacturer as being 40 per cent more stable than the previous design.
Performance metrics have also seen a notable improvement through an evolved cooling algorithm. Sony claims this software update delivers a 20 per cent improvement in cooling performance compared to the prior Pro model. Physically, the chilled metal plate now features a surface temperature reduced by an additional two degrees Celsius. The unit is priced at €229 or £199, which translates to approximately $270 AUD.
Compatibility with the ecosystem has been refined with the introduction of the Reon Pocket Tag 2 sensor. This accessory is 18 per cent smaller than its predecessor and can be hung away from the body via a strap or carabiner to ensure more accurate temperature and humidity measurements. The Reon Pocket Pro Plus relies on a USB-C connection to power the electrically cooled metal plate, functioning similarly to a small ice pack connected to a power source.
Despite the technological refinements and the expansion of its launch footprint to Europe, Sony has confirmed there are no current plans to release the device in the United States. This limitation restricts the product's immediate reach to consumers in European markets and other international regions where the company has chosen to deploy the technology. The absence of a US launch plan remains a significant factor for potential buyers in North America looking for personal cooling solutions.
