At CEATEC 2025, Sony showcased its latest personal thermo device, the REON POCKET PRO *, a high-end evolution of the REON lineup that began in Japan in 2020. Even though we could not touch the unit, the Sony representatives provided detailed explanations of what makes this new model substantially more capable than previous generations. Based on what I saw and what the Sony representatives explained, the REON POCKET PRO represents Sony’s most polished attempt at personal climate control, providing cooling during summer and warming during winter in a compact, neck-worn form factor.
This dual-season capability is central to the product: the device actively cools the skin when the weather is hot and warms the skin when temperatures drop. Sony’s spokesperson even pointed to the “cold side” and “warm side” during our conversation, confirming that the module reverses its function depending on seasonal needs.
Since its inception, REON POCKET has not been merely a side project — it began in 2019 within the Sony Acceleration Platform, the company’s internal incubator for new business ideas. The concept originated with Kenji Itoh, a former Sony camera engineer who later became the CEO of Sony Thermo Technology Inc. when it spun off as an independent company in October 2023. Itoh’s personal experience with the contrast between outdoor heat and intense indoor air-conditioning inspired the idea of “portable temperature comfort.” With the REON POCKET PRO, Sony now aims to bring the technology to 22 countries worldwide and expand it beyond consumer wearables into enterprise and industrial applications.
*Editor’s Note: This link might not work in Chrome navigator; it works with Edge and Firefox.
A Major Hardware Jump: Dual Thermo-Modules + Bigger Everything
According to Sony, the biggest upgrade in the PRO model is the move to two independent thermo-modules, replacing the single-module system of the earlier models. These modules alternate intensities to maintain continuous cooling or warming, enabling the PRO to sustain a significantly more stable output. The company claims this approach doubles the effective cooling and warming area, significantly improves heat absorption, and enables the device to maintain higher performance over longer periods.
Compared to the previous model, the REON POCKET 5 * , the PRO offers approximately:
- 2× the cooling/warming surface area
- 2× the heat absorption capacity
- 2× the maximum operating time
To support this, Sony designed a new high-efficiency heat-sink fan that delivers twice the airflow compared to the REON POCKET 5. According to the company, the PRO operates at 50% lower noise, making it suitable for business and commuting environments.
Battery life has also been upgraded substantially. The PRO now offers up to 34 hours of operation at Cooling Level 1 — another improvement that essentially doubles the endurance of the REON POCKET 5. Higher cooling levels still reduce battery life, but the baseline runtime is now much more practical for long days.
* Editor’s note: The link may not work in Chrome navigator
A More Refined and Functional Design
The REON POCKET PRO immediately appeared more polished and professional than the REON POCKET 5. Sony refined the overall structure with a curved heat-transfer plate that follows the natural contour of the upper spine, improving anatomical contact to help distribute the thermal effect more evenly.
The neckband has been re-engineered to be wider and more flexible, and is reinforced with silicone extensions that enhance stability during movement. The exterior features a more business-oriented matte finish designed to remain discreet under clothing, making it suitable for daily commuting or office environments.
These changes are not merely cosmetic. According to the Sony representative, the redesign was driven by the PRO’s new internal architecture — the dual thermo-module system, the higher-capacity heat sink, and the increased airflow fan — all of which required a new chassis geometry.
The result is a device that looks sleeker on the outside but is significantly more capable on the inside. Importantly, Sony clarified that the PRO is not a medical device and should not be used as a substitute for heatstroke prevention.
Smarter Seasonal Functionality
The REON POCKET PRO retains the same reversible operation as earlier models, offering cooling in summer and warming in winter, but delivers it with greater stability. While previous generations could sometimes throttle under extended loads, the PRO’s dual-module design and improved airflow help the device maintain performance more consistently.
Sony also upgraded the SMART COOL mode. By using sensors for temperature, humidity, and movement, the PRO automatically adjusts its intensity more efficiently. According to SONY, the new algorithm performs better than the one used in the REON POCKET 5, optimizing battery life and thermal output more intelligently.
Physical buttons are still present for direct control, making it easy to adjust modes without pulling out your phone.
Where It Fits in the REON Lineup
The REON POCKET PRO sits at the top of Sony’s lineup and is positioned as the high-performance model above the REON POCKET 5. The two devices coexist: the REON POCKET 5 is still available for users who want a lighter, simpler, and more affordable option, while the PRO is meant for users who prioritize power, endurance, and comfort.
Sony launched the PRO earlier this year in Japan and has expanded distribution to Europe, the Middle East, and select Asia-Pacific markets. It is not officially sold in the United States.
Practical Use Cases — and Limitations
Like earlier REON models, the PRO targets situations where full-room air conditioning is unavailable or impractical: crowded public transport, overheated offices, or outdoor commutes. Its localized thermal effect remains focused on the neck area and does not replace full-body cooling or heating.
The device is splash-resistant but not waterproof. And while Sony improved battery life and performance, the highest cooling levels still drain the battery faster.
However, for users who already rely on or appreciate the REON POCKET 5, the PRO appears to deliver exactly what was requested: stronger performance, longer runtime, quieter operation, and a more refined design.
Conclusion: A Significant Step Forward for Sony’s REON Line
With the REON POCKET PRO, Sony designed a much more capable successor to the REON POCKET 5. The move to a dual-module system, the improved dissipation, the longer battery life, and the redesigned chassis work together to deliver a device that feels ready for real-world all-day use. If these specifications translate into real performance, the REON POCKET PRO could become Sony’s most convincing wearable climate device yet.
Where to Buy the Sony REON POCKET PRO
The REON POCKET PRO is sold directly by Sony in the following regions:
United Kingdom (Sony UK Store)
Japan (Sony Japan Store / Sony Store Online)
Select European Countries
The press releases confirm availability in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Belgium.
REON POCKET PRO — Feature Table
Feature
REON POCKET PRO
Thermal System
Dual independent thermo-modules
Performance Improvement
~2× cooling/warming area, ~2× heat absorption vs REON POCKET 5
Heat Dissipation
New high-efficiency fan, ~2× airflow
Noise Level
~50% quieter than REON POCKET 5
Battery Life
Up to ~34 hours (Cooling Level 1)
Seasonal Modes
Cooling (summer) / Warming (winter)
Smart Features
SMART COOL with automatic adjustments
Design Enhancements
Curved contact plate, flexible neckband, silicone grips
Water Resistance
Splash-resistant
Controls
On-device buttons + smartphone app
Availability
Japan, Europe, Middle East, select APAC regions
Filed in . Read more about CEATEC, CEATEC 2025, Sony, Wearable and Wearable Tech.
