Sony upgrades its wearable air conditioner for better cooling and comfort

At a glance:

• Sony launches Reon Pocket Pro Plus, an upgraded wearable air conditioner with improved cooling performance and enhanced design
• The device features a chilled metal plate with surface temperature reduced by 2°C compared to last year's model, claiming 20% better cooling
• Priced at €229/£199 (around $270), launching in Europe and other markets today, with no US plans announced

The evolution of personal cooling

Sony has announced the latest iteration of its wearable personal air conditioner, the Reon Pocket Pro Plus, marking another step in the company's quest to provide portable cooling solutions. This new version represents an upgrade to last year's Pro model, continuing Sony's innovation in personal climate control technology that first emerged in 2019 ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The device maintains the core concept of wearable cooling but introduces several refinements that address user feedback and technological advancements in the intervening period.

Unlike conventional portable fans that simply circulate air, Sony's approach to personal cooling relies on direct contact with the skin. The Reon Pocket Pro Plus utilizes a pair of flexible arms that wrap around the neck to position a chilled metal plate against the upper back. This design philosophy prioritizes discreetness and effectiveness, allowing users to experience cooling benefits without the bulk or noise associated with traditional cooling devices. The company's commitment to this form factor suggests confidence in the underlying technology and its potential to become a mainstream personal accessory in markets where extreme temperatures are a regular concern.

Performance improvements and technological enhancements

The Reon Pocket Pro Plus introduces several significant upgrades that enhance both cooling effectiveness and user experience. Most notably, Sony has reduced the surface temperature of the cooling plate by an additional two degrees Celsius compared to the previous model. This temperature reduction works in conjunction with what Sony describes as an "evolved cooling algorithm," which the company claims delivers a 20 percent improvement in overall cooling performance. These improvements are particularly valuable in hot climates or during intense physical activities where maintaining body temperature becomes critical.

Beyond the cooling plate itself, Sony has redesigned the exhaust vent system to provide greater flexibility in directing warm air away from the body. Users can now extend the vent's length and adjust its angle, ensuring that heat dissipation remains effective even when wearing high-collared shirts or other garments that might previously have obstructed airflow. This attention to detail demonstrates Sony's understanding of real-world usage scenarios and its commitment to creating a product that functions seamlessly within various clothing options and environmental conditions.

Enhanced sensor technology and user experience

Complementing the main device, Sony has introduced the Reon Pocket Tag 2, an updated sensor that works in conjunction with the Reon Pocket Pro Plus. The new sensor is 18 percent smaller than its predecessor and features a redesigned form factor that allows it to be hung from a strap or carabiner, positioning it away from the body for more accurate temperature and humidity measurements. This separation from the user's body helps ensure that the environmental data collected reflects the actual surrounding conditions rather than being influenced by body heat or perspiration.

The sensor integration represents Sony's holistic approach to personal climate control, combining active cooling with environmental monitoring. By gathering real-time data about temperature and humidity, the system can potentially optimize cooling performance based on actual conditions rather than relying solely on preset algorithms. This data-driven approach could lead to more efficient battery usage and more effective cooling, addressing two common concerns with wearable electronic devices. The company hasn't specified whether the sensor connects via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or another wireless protocol, but its compact design suggests minimal impact on portability.

Market positioning and availability

The Reon Pocket Pro Plus is launching today in Europe and other international markets with a price point of €229/£199, which converts to approximately $270. This pricing positions the device in the premium segment of personal cooling solutions, reflecting both the technological sophistication and the brand value associated with Sony. The company has not announced plans to bring the device to the US market, continuing a pattern established with previous iterations of the Reon series.

This regional strategy may reflect several factors, including market research suggesting different cooling needs or consumer preferences in North America versus Asian and European markets. The absence of US availability could also relate to regulatory considerations, distribution logistics, or competitive dynamics in the American market. For potential customers in regions where the device will be available, Sony's established distribution channels should facilitate widespread access, though the premium price point may limit adoption to early adopters and those with specific cooling needs or sufficient disposable income.

Competitive landscape in personal cooling

Sony's wearable air conditioner enters a market with several established players offering different approaches to personal cooling. The article references two notable competitors: Dyson's HushJet Mini Cool and Shark's ChillPill with its cooling plate accessory. While the Reon Pocket Pro Plus shares some conceptual similarities with these devices, Sony's implementation distinguishes itself through its form factor, cooling mechanism, and integration with sensor technology.

The wearable air conditioner category represents an interesting intersection of consumer electronics and climate control technology. As global temperatures continue to rise and heatwaves become more frequent, the demand for portable cooling solutions is likely to grow. Companies like Sony, Dyson, and Shark are positioning themselves to capture this emerging market, each bringing different technological approaches and design philosophies. The competition may accelerate innovation in the space, potentially leading to more efficient cooling technologies, better battery life, and more comfortable user experiences as the market matures.