Sony Reon Pocket Pro Plus Review: The Ultimate Wearable Neck Cooler and Heater
The Sony Reon Pocket Pro is a wearable thermal device designed to regulate body temperature by applying cooling or heating directly to the wearer’s neck. According to reports from Beyond Pixels and Bild, the device functions as a personal climate control system, using integrated thermo-modules to adjust the user’s perceived temperature throughout the day.
Thermal Performance and Operation
The device utilizes an internal stainless steel plate that makes direct contact with the skin. Bild reports that this plate can cool to approximately 17 degrees Celsius, providing a cooling effect comparable to a damp cloth but without the moisture or physical runoff. In addition to its cooling capacity, the hardware includes a heating function intended for use in colder conditions.
The system is managed via a smartphone application, which users employ to adjust settings or engage an automatic mode. While the app is noted for its ease of use, Bild testing identified that the physical buttons located on the chassis can be difficult to locate and operate by touch alone.
Design and Wearability
The Reon Pocket Pro is designed to be worn under clothing, secured by an "Adaptive Hold" neckband. When worn beneath a shirt with a closed collar, the device is largely concealed, with a nozzle designed to vent warm air upward. However, Bild notes that the device’s contours may remain visible under thin fabrics or when worn with clothing featuring deep back cutouts.
The total weight of the system is 194 grams, increasing to 259 grams when the neckband is included. The device carries an IPX4 rating, providing resistance against sweat and light rain. While the ergonomic shape allows for consistent contact with the upper back, users may encounter physical discomfort when leaning back against high-backed office chairs or sofas, as the housing can press into the neck area.
Precision Sensing and Battery Life
To improve the accuracy of its automatic temperature adjustments, the package includes a secondary sensor called the Reon Pocket Tag 2. This sensor is designed to be clipped to the exterior of a bag or clothing, allowing it to measure ambient temperature and humidity without interference from the wearer’s body heat.
The device’s power efficiency varies based on the selected intensity, with the battery capable of lasting up to 34 hours on a single charge.