Heatwaves Without End: How Sony’s Reon Wearable Air Conditioner Became a Lifeline for Some

The UK is not built for heatwaves, nor are many other countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Japan, with its anime and manga culture, has become accustomed to sweltering summers, but its western counterparts have yet to catch up. The disparity between air-conditioned homes in Japan (estimated at around 40%) and those without highlights just how unprepared we are for this kind of weather.

This summer, I found myself counting down the minutes until I could leave my scorching hot flat and commute to an air-conditioned office. However, even that was no guarantee – on particularly sweltering days, our building’s air conditioning would often fail, leaving us all to bake in our own sweat. This was a grim reminder of just how few options we have when it comes to staying cool.

Sony’s Reon Pocket Pro Plus wearable air conditioner is a device that looks like something from science fiction – a long metal plate attached to your neck via a strap meant to cool your blood flow down. But as I soon discovered, it’s more than just a novelty; it’s a game-changer.

The Reon Pro Plus uses the Peltier effect to cool its wearer, and while it may not be the most elegant solution, it’s effective. In my tests, I found it could drop the temperature by up to 20% in just one generation of devices – a remarkable improvement. What’s even more impressive is how well it integrates into your daily life.

One of the biggest advantages of the Reon Pro Plus is its hands-free design. You no longer need to fumble with handheld fans or misting devices, which often prove ineffective in crowded spaces. The Reon is simple: put it on, adjust as needed, and forget about it until you need a break from the heat.

Of course, there are drawbacks – mainly that it’s still a somewhat conspicuous device, especially under thicker clothing. However, for those willing to sacrifice some style for comfort (and who wouldn’t during a heatwave?), it’s a small price to pay.

There will be questions about the Reon Pro Plus’s long-term viability and environmental impact. Can we rely on devices like this to cool us down indefinitely? And what are the implications of relying so heavily on wearable tech for our basic comfort needs?

For now, though, let’s focus on the present: a summer that shows no signs of abating, and a technology that’s helping some people cope with its worst effects. Whether or not you’ll be tempted to join the Reon-wearing ranks remains to be seen – but as someone who spent far too many sweltering hours stuck in a packed train carriage this summer, I can attest that it’s worth considering.

The Reon Pro Plus has already proven itself to be more than just a novelty. It’s a lifeline for those of us living in areas with limited access to air conditioning – and a stark reminder of just how much we take for granted the little things in life.