Neck-Mounted Air Conditioning Technology Reemerges
Reimagining Comfort: The Sony Reon Pocket Pro Goes Undercover With Cooling Power
By Klaus Wedekind
Armed with advanced thermo-tech and a sleek design, the Sony Reon Pocket Pro promises to keep you cool in style
Summer heatwaves can be brutal, but the Sony Reon Pocket Pro aims to ease the strain. This ingenious gadget cools your neck without causing any stiffness, making it a refreshing addition to your summer wardrobe. It's not just a summer savior, though – the Pro version is also a handy companion in winter, offering discreet warmth beneath your layer of jackets.
A Cool Breeze, Always Near
When mercury shoots beyond 30 degrees Celsius, as it did recently, it's a real test for your body. An old-school remedy involves cooling your neck, usually with damp towels. The new Sony Reon Pocket Pro does the same, but in a dry, hour-long fashion, thanks to thermoelectric modules. For those chilly winter days, it can also regulate temperature smartly.
Wearable Options
This nifty device, water- and sweat-resistant and bearing some resemblance to a small drone with no propellers, weighs a mere 250 grams. It's secured around your neck with a flexible strap, and on its curved inside, there's a metal plate containing the two thermoelectric modules. Above this plate, heat is dissipated by a fan. As the Reon Pocket Pro is designed for wear beneath clothes, there are nozzles for T-shirts, shirts, and collar options. Air is taken in from the bottom, enhancing the cooling effect. Control switches are found on the sides, but it's more comfortable to operate with the included app.
Smart Versus Manual
The user can either fine-tune the temperature manually or let the smart automatic system take the reins. This clever system measures body and air temperature, as well as air humidity, to provide an optimized cool-down. There's also a wear detection feature that activates and deactivates the device depending on whether it's being worn or not. A tag, included in the package for roughly 230 euros, can be attached to clothing or a bag, ensuring accurate temperature control in various conditions, including physical activity and direct sunlight.
A Perfect Fit
For the Sony Reon Pocket Pro to function efficiently, a snug fit is essential. The holding strap can be adjusted to fit perfectly by removing its extensions. In testing, it took some trial and error to find the optimal settings, but once achieved, the metal plate lay comfortably against the skin, ensuring optimal cooling. Those with pronounced spine processes might find it trickier to achieve a perfect fit. In such cases, wearing the device slightly off-center might help.
Cool and Comfortable
Upon proper positioning, the effect of the Sony Reon Pocket Pro can be felt quickly, with a cool breeze noticeable within just a few seconds. Manual temperature adjustments are promptly responded to. Despite being close to the ears, the device generates little more than a soft rustle, making it suitable for napping or quiet office settings.
Smart and Calibrated
The automatic feature lived up to expectations. It can be used for cooling, heating, or both simultaneously. Although it may seem counterintuitive, this dual functionality is beneficial, especially when transitioning from a hot summer day to a cool, air-conditioned office. The automatic feature also prevents overcooling, thus avoiding neck stiffness.
In terms of battery life, the Sony Reon Pocket Pro surpassed expectations, with a runtime of over 8 hours on a day when outdoor temperatures exceeded 30 degrees. Under more intense use, such as maximum cooling power in direct sunlight, a runtime of about 5.5 hours can be expected, according to Sony.
A fully depleted battery takes approximately 200 minutes to charge, which might feel lengthy in an emergency. However, this runtime can be extended by connecting an external power bank.
Final Thoughts
*It's evident that this isn't Sony's first foray into portable thermo devices. The Reon Pocket Pro feels well-designed, effective, and practical for everyday use. At 230 euros, it's a significant investment, but for those spending substantial time outdoors or in non-air-conditioned spaces during the summer, the Sony Reon Pocket Pro is a worthwhile investment. Additionally, it's not just a summer gadget – it's useful in cold weather as well.
Some Pro Features:- Enhanced Cooling Technology: Benefits from advanced thermo-modules and a powerful fan, resulting in more efficient cooling.- Longer Battery Life: Lasts up to 34 hours on low cooling settings, significantly outperforming previous models.- Smart Adaptive Cooling: The automatic cooling system responds to user activity and environmental conditions, providing continuous comfort.- Comfortable Design: Designed for wearing under clothes, the Reon Pocket Pro ensures a snug and comfy fit.*
Potential Drawbacks:- Size: Slightly larger and thicker than previous models, which might be noticeable under thinner clothing.- Visibility*: Although designed for minimal visibility, the device may still be perceptible under very thin shirts due to its size.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly in the context of wearables and gadgets, given the rapid advancement of technology. For instance, the Sony Reon Pocket Pro, a compact cooling device, could potentially be adapted for protective clothing or accessories in high-radiation work environments.
In light of the Sony Reon Pocket Pro's advanced thermoelectric modules and technology, it's not a stretch to imagine future iterations tailored to different industrial sectors, including those exposed to harmful radiation, ensuring the comfort and safety of workers.
