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Sony Is Working With Fashion Brands To Put Wearable Air Conditioners On Clothing
By Alexa Heah, 23 Apr 2021
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Image via Sony
A couple of years ago, Sony released its first-ever wearable air conditioner. Now, it’s back with the Reon Pocket 2, and the device is cooler than ever. The company is also partnering fashion labels to bring the technology to clothes.
The new edition can absorb twice as much heat with its brand-new internal circuitry, offers better sweat resistance, and comes with a wider array of accessories and apparel options.
According to Gizmodo, the tech giant said the new circuit design helps drive more power to Reon Pocket 2’s thermo module, allowing it to process more heat. It also has upgraded to SUS316L stainless steel for the temperature-cooling surface, no longer using silicon like in the original. Plus, the updated version comes with a “silicone coating sheet,” so users who find the stainless steel too intense can switch it out.
The Reon Pocket 2 comes with four temperature levels for users to select from, instead of the previous model’s three. However, its external design seems to remain the same, with both models measuring 54 mm x 20 mm x 116 mm. The two versions are also not completely dust-free and waterproof, but Sony says the new device can now be used for light activities such as walking.
You can also extend the battery life of your Reon Pocket 2 by plugging it into your computer, or a portable charger of at least 3,350mAh. Despite charging it, the Level 4 cooling is rather powerful, so you’ll only get about three hours of use on that setting even if the device is charging. Users will get 20 hours at level one, 15 hours at level two, and 13 hours at level three, as per Gizmodo. It’s recommended to save level four for the blistering hot days.
Aside from the device itself, Sony is also adding a neckband accessory to allow you to wear the Reon Pocket 2 with your clothes. Previously, users had to buy special undershirts with a pocket sewn in the back just for their device. You can get your hands on the neckband separately for approximately US$13.
For those who’d like to try out the brand’s own apparel, Sony is partnering with various brands to create clothing that is compatible with the device. It’s been touted that the firm will work with golf brands such as Le Coq Sportif, Descente Golf, and Munsingwear, as well as businesswear labels like Edifice and streetwear brands like Estination.
The gadgets will more specifically be applied to shirts that won’t change the air conditioner’s thermoelectric effect.
The Reon Pocket 2 is currently on sale, retailing at an estimated US$137. However, if you’re looking to get one, you’ll have to find your way around Sony’s Japanese online site or Amazon Japan.
本日から5/9まで、“着るクーラー”と称されるソニーのウェアラブルデバイス「REON POCKET 2(レオンポケット2)」と、デバイスを装着できるポケット搭載「REON POCKET対応ウェア」のセット商品の予約販売を開始します!デサントゴルフやデサント等のブランドで展開しています。https://t.co/vketpYTyX0 pic.twitter.com/BzDbKem8dA
— 【公式】DESCENTE(デサント) (@DESCENTE_japan) April 22, 2021
ソニーとデサントの奇跡のメーカータッグで誕生した、“着るクーラー”と称されるソニーのウェアラブルデバイス「REON POCKET(レオンポケット)」を装着できる対応ポケット搭載「REON POCKET対応ウェア」の開発秘話をお届けします。https://t.co/DcTlavhq41
— 【公式】DESCENTE(デサント) (@DESCENTE_japan) April 22, 2021
[via Gizmodo, cover image via Sony]
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