The cool gadget

Wearable fans or coolers can give much-needed respite from the rising heat.

May 12, 2024 03:30 IST

As Reon Pocket 5's name might indicate, this isn't the first device of the series.

Mercury has risen considerably, heatwaves are already sweeping several parts of the subcontinent, and still, there are at least two long summer months yet to live through. While the air conditioners and coolers protect you when inside, what about when you do need to step out in the sweltering heat, to commute and run errands? Is there a way to beat the heat?

The answer lies in wearable fans. You heard right, now we have coolers one can wear at the back of one’s neck or on clothing to get respite from the heat.

Late last month, Sony announced the launch of Reon Pocket 5, a “smart wearable thermo device kit”. A climate control device of sorts, it offers comfort on the go. Worn on the back of the neck, shirt, or T-shirt, it not only offers five cooling levels for the hot days but also four warming levels for the chillier days. A compact device that sits neatly on the back of the neck, the Reon Pocket 5 can be controlled directly, on the device, and also with the Reon Pocket App, which is available on both Android and Apple devices. It has a good 17-hour battery life, making it conducive to being carried for a host of tasks.

As Reon Pocket 5’s name might indicate, this isn’t the first device of the series. In fact, it debuted way back in 2019 in Japan and saw resounding success there and in other markets in Asia such as Hong Kong. Notably, the Reon Pocket 5 is the first device to debut outside the Asia market, with the United Kingdom among the first nations to get the first batch.

The pre-orders for the device are now live on the company’s website.

While Sony’s device has launched recently, there are other wearable cooling devices already there in the market. Here are some of them you can give a try:

Torras Coolify 2S

Your own personal fan, the Torras Coolify 2S is among the best wearable coolers available in the market. Priced somewhere around Rs 40,000, you can access several options such as keeping it on the fan-only mode or can also activate the built-in thermal cooling chips for a better cooling experience, based on your need. Just like Sony’s device, the Torras Coolify 2S can also be controlled via a smartphone app and is rechargeable.

However, the price of this device is steep, so much so that one can buy an AC, which cools the entire room, for that very device. However, if the cost isn’t an issue for you, you can definitely opt for this device this summer season.

PenKou Hands Free Bladeless Fan

Offering somewhat affordable respite from the heat, the PenKou Hands Free Bladeless Fan is a battery-operated wearable fan, which is USB rechargeable. It being bladeless is crucial here as it ensures that your hair doesn’t get entangled in the device and it’s conducive for kids and the elderly as well.

Its body is made of plastic, which ensures that it’s light and also withstands damage. It comes with multiple speed settings with minimal noise. Priced at around Rs 1,000, the design is such that it sits comfortably on the neck and looks like a headphone, thus, not attracting much attention.