When you think about wearable smart devices that aren't watches, your mind probably doesn't go to air conditioners. But that might change with the latest version of Sony's Reon Pocket line, the Pocket Pro Plus. This new model brings stronger cooling performance and a more stable fit than earlier models like the Reon Pocket 5. The Reon Pocket Pro Plus is a significant step forward in personal thermal regulation, combining advanced thermoelectric technology with a sleek, under-collar design that can be worn discreetly under clothing.
What Is the Reon Pocket and How Does It Work?
If you've never seen one before, the Reon Pocket goes beneath your shirt collar and uses advanced thermoelectric technology to regulate your body temperature. It's called the Peltier effect, which works using an electrically cooled metal plate that sits against the skin near the base of the neck. Because of its connection to the body's circulatory system, cooling that area helps you feel the effects more easily compared to a neck fan. The Peltier effect is a solid-state cooling method that involves passing an electric current through a junction of two different conductors, creating a temperature difference. One side gets cold, the other hot. In the Reon Pocket, the cold side is applied to the user's skin, while the hot side is dissipated away from the body. This approach is far more efficient than traditional compressor-based cooling and allows for a thin, lightweight form factor.
Sony first introduced the Reon Pocket concept in 2019 with a crowdfunding campaign, and it quickly gained attention for its novel approach to personal cooling. Subsequent models improved battery life, added warming capabilities, and refined the fit. The Reon Pocket 5, released in 2024, offered solid performance but had limitations in cooling intensity and stability during movement. The Pro Plus aims to address those shortcomings with several key upgrades.
Cooling Power and Thermal Performance
The biggest upgrade with the Pro Plus is its cooling power. The new model delivers temperatures up to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the previous version. This is achieved through a redesigned thermoelectric module and improved heat dissipation. Other features include its two thermo-modules that alternate intensity for more continuous cooling. Updated sensors now automatically adjust temperature based on your surrounding conditions and activity, as well. In addition to the "Smart Cool" mode, there's also a "Smart Warm" mode for when the weather changes. The alternating modules prevent the cold plate from reaching a temperature plateau, ensuring that the cooling sensation remains effective even during prolonged use. The smart sensors monitor ambient temperature, humidity, and user movement, then dynamically adjust the cooling or heating output. This hands-free operation makes the device ideal for users who need temperature regulation without frequent manual adjustments.
For those who prefer manual control, the device features physical buttons along the sides for quick adjustments. Companion app connectivity allows for finer-grained settings, including custom temperature profiles and scheduling. The app also provides real-time battery status and usage history. The combination of automatic and manual control makes the Reon Pocket Pro Plus versatile for different environments, from hot outdoor commutes to air-conditioned offices that might be too cold.
New Built-in Fan and Design Improvements
Because of the Peltier effect, the Reon Pocket has always worked by changing the temperature of the contact surface itself... not with fans, like Dyson's version. But with the Pro Plus, there's a new built-in fan that circulates air behind the neck to better disperse temps. Basically, it's all the advanced tech of a Reon Pocket with an extra boost from a mini fan. The fan helps move the warm air away from the hot side of the thermoelectric module, improving overall efficiency and preventing heat buildup inside the collar area. This is a clever hybrid approach that Sony says increases sustained cooling performance by about 15% compared to the Reon Pocket 5 in similar conditions.
The updated Reon Pocket Pro Plus also includes redesigned neck fins for better stability over previous models. These fins are made from a flexible silicone material that conforms to the curve of the neck, ensuring the device stays in place even during physical activity like walking, jogging, or bending down. The fins also help position the cold plate correctly against the skin without applying excessive pressure. The device weighs only 95 grams (about 3.4 ounces), making it lightweight enough to wear for extended periods under a shirt collar or even under a jacket. The water-resistant design (IPX4 rated) protects against sweat and light rain, further enhancing its usability for outdoor workers, cyclists, and sports enthusiasts.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is another big difference. The new Pro Plus can run for up to 15 hours in "Smart Cool" mode, or up to 10 hours on one of its higher cooling settings. These are impressive numbers considering the unit includes both a thermoelectric module and a fan. The battery capacity is 5000 mAh, which is larger than the 4000 mAh in the Reon Pocket 5. USB-C charging takes about 2.5 hours for a full charge, and the device supports pass-through charging, so it can be used while plugged into a power bank if needed. You can make temperature adjustments using the device's physical buttons along the sides or though the companion Reon Pocket app.
The longer battery life makes the Pro Plus suitable for full-day use, whether for a long work shift, a day at an amusement park, or a summer festival. The device also includes a low-power standby mode that extends battery life when not actively cooling or heating. When the battery is low, the app sends a notification, and the device switches to a weaker cooling mode to preserve some functionality while alerting the user to recharge.
Availability and Market Context
The Reon Pocket Pro Plus is currently only set for launch in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, with a U.S. release date yet to be announced. Pricing has been set at £249 (approximately $315 USD), which is a premium over the previous model's £199 launch price. The device will be available through Sony's official online store and select retail partners. A range of accessory kits, including different neck fin sizes and replacement adhesive pads for the cold plate, will also be sold separately.
Wearable air conditioning is a growing niche, with companies like Embr Labs, Torras, and others offering various approaches. Dyson's zone personal air purifier with cooling (which uses a fan) is a more comprehensive but bulkier solution. Sony's advantage lies in the compactness and efficiency of the Peltier-based system, combined with the new fan for added air circulation. As climate change leads to more frequent heatwaves, demand for personal cooling devices is expected to rise. The Reon Pocket Pro Plus positions itself as a stylish, high-tech solution for people who need to stay cool on the go without carrying bulky equipment.
From a technical perspective, the Pro Plus uses a more advanced thermoelectric material (bismuth telluride alloy) that offers a higher figure of merit (ZT) compared to earlier modules. This translates to better heat pumping capacity per watt of electricity. The fan is a tiny axial fan, about 30mm in diameter, running at speeds up to 5000 RPM, and it's barely audible according to Sony. The overall noise level is rated at under 25 dB, which is quieter than a whisper.
The Reon Pocket Pro Plus also comes with a dedicated carrying case that doubles as a wireless charger, using the device's integrated coil. The case itself has a 2000 mAh battery, providing an additional charge on the go. This becomes a two-tier charging system: the case charges the Reon Pocket, and the case can be charged via USB-C. This is particularly useful for travelers who may not have easy access to power outlets.
Sony has positioned the Reon Pocket Pro Plus as a lifestyle accessory rather than just a gadget. The design is minimalist, available in three colors: black, white, and a limited edition silver. The materials used are soft-touch plastic and silicone, making it comfortable against the skin. The device also connects to the Sony Health app for fitness tracking integration, though the primary function remains temperature regulation. Future firmware updates may add additional features like integration with smart home systems or weather forecasting to preemptively adjust settings.
In summary, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus represents a significant evolution in wearable thermal regulation. With its enhanced cooling capability, new built-in fan, smart sensors, extended battery life, and redesigned stability features, it addresses the main criticism of previous models while introducing new innovations. For now, it remains a niche product, but as the technology matures and prices potentially drop, wearable air conditioners could become as common as smartwatches for people living in warm climates or with temperature-sensitive conditions. The only downside is the limited availability, but given Sony's global reach, a U.S. launch seems likely within the next year.
Source: SlashGear News