Sony has launched a new version of its Reon wearable cooling device, the Reon Pocket Pro. The gadget is somewhat off-brand for a company like Sony, but it’s nonetheless cool – quite literally. The small cooling pod sits at the back of the neck, atop the user’s back, and provides an air conditioning effect to the whole body. The working principle, based on a Peltier Cell, is quite simple but Sony has refined it in over ten years since its first launch, adding smarter features and upgrading its design.

The latest version of the Reon, which will be sold in Europe as well, includes a new neckband with an “Adaptive Hold System” for improved fit, and has a smart cool mode, to boost the cooling effect by about 20%. “The device utilises high-precision sensors to monitor skin temperature in real-time, ensuring safe and comfortable cooling compliant with international standards”, says Sony, adding that the Reon Pocket Pro also comes with adjustable vents that let users customize the direction of the cool air flow.

Along with the Reon Pocket Pro, Sony has also released the Reon Pocket Tag 2 – a companion device that users can carry to measure ambient temperature and humidity. The data collected by the clip is fed into the Reon system to help the cooling device’s “cooling algorithm” adapt to the environmental conditions. Last but not least, there’s a companion app that helps users control all the Reon’s functionalities, but the device can also be used without pairing it to any smartphone.

While not yet so popular in Europe, wearable cooling devices are not uncommon in East and South East Asia – especially in metropolitan areas when scorching summer temperatures pair up with inflexible corporate dress codes. Let’s hope that at our latitudes flexibility in summer work clothing choices will still prevail over the technological solution.

Reon Pocket Pro is already available both in Asia and Europe and costs €299 or £199.