Sony's new wearable air conditioner runs even cooler

Source: Engadget

Overview

Sony’s wearable cooling device, originally launched via crowdfunding in 2019, has been on the market in Asia and, more recently, the West. The latest iteration, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus, is now available in the UK and Europe through Sony’s store and online retailers such as Amazon.

How It Works

The Reon uses the Peltier effect to provide cooling. A metal plate at the base of the neck is electrically cooled, acting like a tiny ice pack with a USB‑C port. A quiet fan circulates air across the cooled area, and an automatic shutdown protects against overheating.

Design Improvements

• Cooling performance: 2 °C (3.6 °F) increase, roughly a 20 % boost over the previous model.
• Stability: New fins make the device 40 % more stable on the neck and shoulders.
• Algorithm: An updated cooling algorithm more accurately monitors both device and ambient temperature changes.
• Form factor: The hardware design remains similar to the Reon Pocket Pro, but the fin around the vent is more adaptable to different neck shapes.

Battery Life & Runtime

• Up to 10 hours of operation on the second‑highest cooling setting.
• Expanded battery capacity compared to earlier versions.

Accessories & App

• Pocket Tag (2nd‑gen): Smaller than its predecessor, it monitors ambient temperature and humidity to help the Reon fine‑tune its cooling.
• Companion app: Allows manual controls and customization, though the device can be used without a smartphone.

Pricing & Availability

• UK: £199 link
• Europe: €220

Sony has not yet announced U.S. availability. The device is expected to arrive before the first heatwaves of 2026.