I think Sony has an obsession with keeping cool. Like, literally. It made a wearable air conditioner that fits into a dedicated tee to quell the heat of summer. Now, this device has evolved. Folks, meet the Sony REON Pocket Pro Plus, a wearable Thermo Device kit that now attaches directly to your neck using a redesigned “Adaptive Hold Design” neckband—like a parasitic alien creature hugging the back of your neck.
The new REON Pocket Pro Plus is Sony’s latest and most powerful wearable cooling gadget yet. The company says cooling performance has been improved by up to two times compared to previous generations, while the airflow mechanism has also been redesigned for stronger and more efficient cooling. Translation: your neck now gets premium climate control treatment.
The wearable thermo module uses dual independent thermo modules that can alternate operation to maintain cooling over longer periods while also improving comfort. Sony says the device can automatically adjust cooling intensity through its SMART COOL mode, using onboard sensors to monitor movement, temperature, humidity, and surrounding conditions. Basically, it tries to stop you from becoming human soup during summer.
The redesigned neckband is perhaps the biggest change this time around. Unlike previous versions that relied heavily on specialized clothing, the Pro Plus is designed for more stable direct wearability. The flexible band structure is intended to better conform to different neck shapes while keeping the cooling surface positioned properly against the body.
Sony also improved battery life. Depending on the mode, the REON Pocket Pro Plus can reportedly operate for up to 34 hours. The device supports both cooling and warming modes, too, meaning it is not just a summer gadget. Your neck can stay cozy during winter as well.
Other features include quieter operation, splash resistance, USB-C charging, and app connectivity for deeper customization and control. Because naturally, even your wearable neck air conditioner has an app now.
The Sony REON Pocket Pro Plus is available now at the Sony Store online with an SRP of 199 pounds (about US$269). It is not available stateside yet, but you can sign up to be notified when it does.
Images: Sony [UK].
