As the UK swelters in a blistering heatwave with temperatures reaching 32C, Sony has launched its new wearable air conditioner, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus. The device, which sits at the base of your neck under clothing, uses a cooling plate to lower body temperature directly, rather than blowing air like a fan.
Building on last year’s Reon Pocket Pro, the new model promises to run 2C cooler, thanks to a redesigned exhaust system that expels heat more efficiently. It also features a widened neckband and more flexible hinge for a more secure fit, especially with high-collar clothes. During testing in Tokyo and the UK heatwave, the device stayed glued to the skin better than its predecessor, though it occasionally shifted.
The Reon Pocket Pro Plus uses thermoelectric cooling to chill the upper spine, where blood flows close to the surface, creating a sensation like pressing an ice cube against the skin. It vents extracted heat upwards through an exhaust outlet, preventing heat buildup under clothes. Users can control the device via buttons or the Reon app, with five cooling stages available. An optional external sensor monitors temperature, humidity, and sunlight for automatic adjustment in smart cool mode.
While the device is effective, the neckband design still has room for improvement, occasionally feeling like a chokehold. However, for those suffering through the heatwave, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus offers genuine relief, making hot days far more bearable.
