Ignoring US web content about, these folks never tried REON POCKET, aka fake news. Anyone who tried to get REON POCKET ) working in the USA is in for a very rude surprise. Sony has limited REON to Japan only. In iOS your Apple ID is associated with Japan, with a Japan address and phone! Similar challenges with Android. Further Sony requires a Japan IP address.
I decided to throw down the gauntlet with Sony, and see if I could make it work (I did). Skype gives a Japan phone number for $5, and google search can find a real Japan address (ex: Tokyo FedEx). Also used Tunnel Bear to VPN to Tokyo, which tricked app stores and Sony upgrade servers into thinking I was in Japan. App store REON POCKET (using VPN) worked. I had trouble with Android, but that could have been because it was a tablet. Since Apple will not let you change your iPhone REGION code without a serious penalty. I used an old iPod Touch that I use for app development. So it requires you to use a very tight fitting shirt (Asian sizing is different).