The Sony REON Pocket Pro wearable air conditioner has been restocked after selling out during the previous heatwave. The device, which is worn at the base of the neck under clothing, uses cooling plates to lower body temperature rather than just circulating air like a standard fan.
Standard Shopping's contributing tech writer Alastair Jennings reviewed the latest model and said: "The effect of the cooling on your body temperature is staggering and completely different to a standard portable fan." He noted that the device uses thermal pads that sit on the back, with a fan only used to expel hot air.
Design and functionality
The REON Pocket Pro is chargeable and controlled via a companion app called Reon Pocket, which enables full adjustment of settings. It makes direct metal plate-to-skin contact, venting hot air away above the collar. Jennings found that some clothing adjustment was needed to keep the vent clear, and the internal fan was barely audible unless listened for.
Jennings described the device as looking "like something out of a Sci-Fi movie" and noted that while it adds some bulk under clothes, it is not heavy. He said: "I liked that it was wearable without adding too much weight or bulk under my clothes (although it is clear you have some type of tech attached to your back)."
Availability and price
The Sony REON Pocket Pro ships from 7 August at £199 from Sony.co.uk. Its predecessor, the REON Pocket 5, is available with next-day delivery for £149.99 from Sony.co.uk.
