Sony has revealed a follow-up product to the Reon Pocket, an app-controlled “wearable air conditioner” that the company launched last year after crowdfunding it on its own website. The Reon Pocket 2 looks similar to the original model, but Sony claims that the newly built internals can achieve up to twice the level of heat absorption, resulting in more efficient cooling efficiency. Sony also claims that the sweat-proofing in the Reon Pocket 2 has been improved, making it more suitable for light workout situations.
The previous model was primarily marketed as something to wear with a special undershirt to make summer commuting more bearable, but Sony is emphasizing more flexible use cases — especially golf — this time around. The company has collaborated with sportswear brands such as Le Coq Sportif, Munsingwear, and Descente to create a line of golf clothing with pockets for the unit.
Sony has also created a neckstrap accessory to enable the Reon Pocket to be worn with regular clothing. Previously, you had to purchase a slew of pocketed undershirts from Sony.
The Reon Pocket 2 is out today in Japan for 14,850 yen (about $138). No word on a release elsewhere.