Sony’s Reon Pocket 5: Testing the Wearable AC for Heat Waves

As summer temperatures climb to record-breaking levels across the globe, tech companies are racing to find personal solutions for thermal comfort. Sony, a brand typically associated with cameras and gaming consoles, has been quietly refining its niche wearable: the Reon Pocket. I recently got a first-hand look at the latest iteration, the Reon Pocket 5, to see if it can actually keep you cool when the thermometer spikes.

The Reon Pocket 5 is a small, rectangular device designed to sit at the base of your neck. Unlike a fan that simply blows ambient air around your skin, this device uses thermoelectric cooling technology. This is the same scientific principle found in portable refrigerators, where an electric current creates a temperature difference between two sides of a plate. One side draws heat away from your body, while the other side dissipates that heat outward, away from the device.

Design-wise, the device is sleek and understated. Sony has prioritized ergonomics, ensuring the unit sits flush against the skin without feeling like a bulky medical apparatus. It pairs with a dedicated smartphone app via Bluetooth, allowing users to toggle between cooling and warming modes. Yes, it can also heat your neck during the winter months, making it a year-round accessory for those sensitive to temperature shifts.

During my trial, the most impressive feature was the 'Smart Cool' mode. By utilizing built-in sensors that track both skin temperature and movement, the device automatically adjusts its intensity. If you are walking briskly in the sun, the device ramps up the cooling power. When you step into a cool, air-conditioned office, it dials back, preventing that unpleasant shock of sudden ice-cold skin. This automation is a significant step up from previous models that required constant manual adjustments.

The battery life has also seen improvements, though it remains the most significant constraint for heavy users. In the highest cooling setting, the device lasts roughly four hours, while the standard 'level 2' setting can stretch to about seven or eight hours. For a full day at the office or a long commute, you will likely need to carry a power bank or find a way to charge it midday. Sony provides a USB-C charging cable, and the process is relatively quick, reaching a full charge in about 80 minutes.

Is it a replacement for traditional air conditioning? Certainly not. It is a supplemental tool designed to improve personal comfort. It works best when worn with an appropriately designed shirt that allows the heat generated by the exterior of the unit to escape easily. If you wear a heavy jacket over it, you will trap that heat, which defeats the purpose entirely.

While the device is innovative, it is currently limited to select markets, primarily in Asia. Sony has been cautious about a wider global rollout, perhaps due to the specialized nature of the hardware and the need for specific clothing accessories to hold the device in place. As heat waves become more frequent and intense, the demand for such personal cooling tech is likely to grow. For now, the Reon Pocket 5 represents a fascinating glimpse into the future of wearable climate control, offering a high-tech way to stay comfortable even when the sun is unrelenting.

Consult a healthcare professional before using wearable thermoelectric devices if you have concerns regarding your skin or circulatory health.