(Credit: Sony)
Sony is known for TVs, PlayStation consoles, cameras, and more, but it also makes odd gadgets like its new Reon Pocket Pro Plus, a wearable air conditioner that sits under your clothes, pumping out hot air to keep your skin cool.
The idea is to keep your body from sweating in high heat, and it’s the company’s third version, following the Reon Pocket's 2019 debut. This new Reon Pocket Pro Plus runs 20% cooler than previous models, which Sony says will result in a 2-degree Celsius reduction in body temperature.
It’s also designed to be more secure on your body and easier to hide under your clothing than previous iterations. The neckband unit sits over your shoulders, running down the top of your spine to drag up the hot air.
Sony says it sits more securely than previous models thanks to upgraded, flexible arms, making it easier to walk or engage in what it calls "light" activity. You may struggle to keep this upright on a long run or during competitive sport, but it will work well for day-to-day commuting or a brisk walk.
There’s an improved exhaust vent, so you can extend the angle of the air pushed out of the unit to take it away from your body, even when you’re wearing an outfit like a high-collared shirt.
Other changes aim to give it a more discreet design, though it won’t be able to be hidden in all outfits. It comes in a Light Grey color that appears to be designed to blend in with lighter clothing, such as a white shirt.
Buying one of these also includes a Reon Pocket Tag 2, a small sensor that attaches to a bag or belt to display humidity and temperature around you.
The Reon Pocket Pro Plus is now on sale in the UK for £199 and in Europe for €229. If it comes to the US, expect it to cost somewhere around $270.