Wearing a cooling neckband for temperature regulation in the past.
The Sony Neck Blast Pro Chills Me Out: No More Sweaty Neck Syndrome
By Klaus W
Unleash the Chill: Testing the Sony Reon Pocket 5 Pro
The Sony Reon Pocket 5 Pro is a wearable air conditioner/heater, designed to keep your neck cool and cozy without causing any stiffness. During real-world testing, it performs remarkably well and delivers a pleasant cooling sensation. Plus, it's not just for summer—it's stealthy enough to be used under thick winter clothing as well.
When the mercury shoots past 30 degrees, as it did last weekend, it's a real strain on the body. A classic homemade solution is to cool the neck with wet towels. The Sony Reon Pocket 5 Pro does essentially the same thing, but with dry chills provided by thermo-modules, and it runs for hours on end. Upon request, it also intelligently regulates the temperature—even in winter.
Neck Accessory of the Gods
The device is shower-proof and sweat-resistant, weighing just 250 grams. It's worn using an adjustable neck bracket, with a metal plate on the interior side, curved to fit comfortably against the skin. Two thermo-modules are hidden behind this plate.
Heat escapes via a fan on the top, but since the device is intended to be worn underneath clothes, there are extendable nozzles for T-shirts and longer ones that project over shirt collars. Air is sucked in from the bottom, adding an extra cooling effect. Switches for controlling the device are located on the sides, but the app makes for a much more comfortable user experience.
Manual vs. Smart Mode
You have two main options—either manually adjust the temperature in a series of steps or let the smart, automatic system do all the work. This system takes into account body temperature, air temperature, and humidity levels to keep you comfortable in various conditions. There's also a wear detection feature that starts and stops the device automatically when you put it on or take it off.
In the box at around 230 euros, there's also a tiny tag that can be attached to clothing or a handbag. This tag measures temperature and humidity more accurately, letting the device do its job under a multitude of different conditions. It also has a motion sensor for detecting physical activity and a light sensor to tell if it's in direct sunlight or inside a bag.
Fits Like a Glove
For the neck air conditioner to work efficiently, a good fit is crucial. The neckband can be bent and shortened by removing the extensions at the ends, making it easier to find the perfect fit for your neck. It might take some time to dial in the optimal settings, but once you find them, the device will lay almost flat against your skin.
This might be a bit trickier for people with more prominent neck muscles. In that case, it can help to wear the device slightly off-center.
When the Sony Reon Pocket 5 Pro is properly adjusted, you'll feel its effect almost immediately—within seconds, you'll feel a refreshingly cool sensation on your neck. It also responds quickly to manual temperature adjustments.
Brainy Smart Automatic System
The smart automatic system really shines here. It can be used for cooling or heating, or both at the same time. This might sound a bit odd, but anyone who has ever walked into an over-air-conditioned office on a hot summer day can appreciate the benefit. The automatic system also ensures you don't get too hot and prevents neck strain.
The ventilation volume is office-friendly and suitable for catching some Zs. Despite being relatively close to your ears, it's usually only noticeable as a gentle hum. Even at maximum power, it's not loud enough to be annoying.
The smartest automatic system can't know what temperature you find comfortable, so you can set five different target settings, ranging from weak to strong. In addition to temperature and humidity, this setting also determines how long the Reon Pocket 5 Pro's battery will last.
Battery Life that Lasts
In testing, battery life was surprisingly impressive. Even in temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius, the device lasted over eight hours in automatic mode. If you're active in the sun and keep the cooling at maximum, around 5.5 hours is possible, according to Sony. If you're lying down or sitting still, the battery life can reach as long as 34 hours on the lowest setting.
For heating, the battery lifespan is between 5.5 to 10 hours, depending on the setting, according to Sony.
A fully drained battery takes 200 minutes to recharge. While this is quite long in an emergency, you can extend runtime by connecting an external power bank.
Final Verdict
It's clear that this isn't Sony's first foray into portable thermal technology. It feels well-designed, is effective, and is practical for everyday use. At 230 euros, it's not exactly cheap, but for those who spend a lot of time outdoors or in un-air-conditioned spaces during summer, the Sony Reon Pocket 5 Pro may well be worth the investment. Plus, it's not just useful in the summer—it's also helpful in cold weather.
Insights:- The device comes with an attachable tag that helps it measure temperature and humidity more accurately in various conditions.- The Sony Reon Pocket Pro uses dual thermo modules and high-airflow fan to deliver twice the cooling area compared to its predecessor.- It's equipped with multiple sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, light, and body movement, allowing it to adjust its cooling or heating output accordingly.
The Commission has been asked to consider the development of a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, proposing the integration of wearable devices and gadgets as a part of the safety measures in high-risk technology sectors.
With the smart automatic system's ability to regulate temperature efficiently, the Sony Reon Pocket 5 Pro serves not only as a solution for the Sweaty Neck Syndrome but could potentially be adapted in the future to protect workers against harmful ionizing radiation by incorporating suitable technology.
