Sony has unveiled the Reon Pocket, a cooling device that you can wear like a portable air conditioner. It is currently live on Sony's crowdfunding website, where prices start at $117 (approximately ₹9000). SlashGear notes that in addition to keeping you cool during hot days, a device that slots into the back pocket of a specially made T-shirt can also keep you warm during the winter.
The company also announced that users would have to keep this portable AC in a pouch in an exclusive T-shirt.
By observing the technology, this AC does not purify and cool the air as conventional AC. Instead, it uses what is called a "Peltier effect" to perform a function. As part of the effect, when an electric current passes through a junction, the material absorbs or expels heat. You control it using its companion app; however, Gizmodo notes that there are plans to introduce an automatic way in the future.
Sony says the gadget can cool you by 13 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit), or heating you to 8 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit). Also, Sony noted that the battery could last up to two hours on a single charge via USB Type-C.
Sony is not the first company to try to create a wearable personal thermostat. There was Embr Wave, which worked outback at CES 2018, and also saw a lot of warm clothing items made for use while skiing or snowboarding. However, the benefits of the Reon Pocket is its size, which Sony's promotional video suggests will allow it to fit snugly under a regular business shirt.
Of course, with an expected ship date of about a year away, all general warnings about crowded projects apply. Reon Pocket is currently only available in Japan. In the meantime, you'll always be able to choose the cheapest neckband fan. Sure, it's not as high-tech, and it looks a bit submerged, but for $10, you can't complain.
0 Comments