Finally, a device that allows us to declare a small but unconditional victory over the oppressive heat of summer: a personal and portable air conditioning that hides in your shirt and promises to lower your internal temperature, even if it is not exactly to superhero levels. when you challenge the muggy outdoors.
After sparking its Reon Pocket portable cooling system for months, Sony launched the small device earlier this month in Japan. Originally aimed at attendees of the Tokyo 2020 summer games before the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the Olympics, the Reon, however, has now reached nature, where it cools down under the clothing of the users.
With a size similar to a bar of soap and resembling a high-tech cross between a wireless mouse and a baby monitor, say hello to what could be your secret weapon in the fight against those scorching summer days:
How does it work? Using the Peltier heat transfer effect (named after the 19th-century French physicist who first discovered it), the Reon essentially uses electricity to transfer heat away from his body and exchange it for the cooler air that the exchange creates. It will do the job anywhere it comes in contact with your skin (even if you just hold it in your hand), but Sony sells the Reon with a custom-made T-shirt that has a device pocket on the back, right between your shoulder blades.
The Verge’s Sam Byford reports on Reon’s effectiveness after trying the device out since its July 6 launch in Japan, saying it is, well, better than nothing at relieving Tokyo’s heat and humidity.
“Overall, I found that the Reon Pocket made things a bit better, even in its lowest cooling setting,” he wrote, after taking the Reon for a walk on an 86-degree day. “I was definitely still sweating by the time I got home, but the cooling sensation makes a difference while you’re really out in the heat … You’re still going to feel like you’re in a hot, sweaty environment, but you’ll take what you can get.”
The Reon is charged via USB and can reportedly cool down continuously for 2-3 hours before needing a plug-in. It comes with its own smartphone app (so you can control your Reon via Bluetooth on the go), and it costs around $ 120, though for now, it’s unknown if Sony plans to market the device outside of Japan. There are already examples that Reon will go on sale on eBay (with a marked price, of course), so it’s at least a good compromise that the app comes with an English option for all American shoppers looking to claim at least a little comfort from the suffocating nature.
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