Sony’s Cooling Neck Device Is Coming to the US, and I Got a First Look

Key Points:

• Sony Electronics is launching its Reon Pocket Pro Plus wearable heating and cooling device in the US starting July, after its initial release in Japan in 2019, targeting personal cooling amid record-breaking heat waves.
• The lightweight device, worn around the neck under clothing, uses a Peltier element to provide adjustable cooling or warming from 41 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with smart sensors that automatically adapt temperature based on environmental readings from a separate sensor tag.
• It operates silently and offers up to 15 hours of battery life on the cool setting in smart mode, charging fully in about 3 hours and 20 minutes, making it more discreet and longer-lasting than many handheld fans.
• The Reon Pocket Pro Plus is designed for comfort and discretion but works best when the user is relatively still; it requires occasional adjustment during movement and has a plastic neckband that could benefit from a softer covering.
• Priced at $260, the device is significantly more expensive than comparable handheld fans, which may limit accessibility despite its advanced features, and it comes with free shipping, a 30-day return policy, and a one-year warranty.