We're often at a loss as to why the
citizens of earth deem it necessary to partake in these "outdoors" of which they speak, but if such an action
must be done, might we recommend a WiFi umbrella to help combat the elements? The premise is pretty simple, the umbrella
handle has an LED that glows based on the likelihood of precipitation, so instead of taking the 30 seconds necessary to
look up the weather on the Internet, or sticking your head out of a window, you can just glance at your umbrella on the
way out. Sounds a lot like
Ambient's
Weather Forecasting Umbrella, but beyond looking just plain snazzier, this version pulls all its information off of
your Internet via WiFi. It really sounds like quite the functional use of usually superfluous technology, even if it is
just a clever ploy to draw us outside for our demise. No word on price or availability.
[Via
Inhabitat]
posted May 3rd 2006 6:38PM
This will be available this summer. Interesting unit.
"outdoors"????
I WILL BUY THIS EVEN IF I NEVER USE UMBERELLAS :D
just watch the electronic part of it wont be waterproof
lol
I like the idea, but I'm a bit worried the glowing handles will become the 'white ipod earbuds' of the future - i.e 'virtual Mug me sign'
Does it also glow when Orcs are near?
That's so absurd, it's almost cool.
That’s perfect for blind people!
oh wait... that’s not right!
Cool (en)gadget. This will be a bigger hit for people who live in cramped apartment buildings and such. Let’s see how the marketing gurus sell this baby.
Possibility of success: Probable.
Alexander Wunderlich,
Nukes and Candy for Dinner!
whoa.. this would be perfect to have in Seattle or New York.
So I need to recharge my umbrella now?
Gah!!!
This thing is just a computer-rendered concept. Doesn't even exist.
Why does engadget post such crap?
Would be better to have an umbrella *stand* that did the same thing instead. That way you don't end up leaving your very expensive umbrella in a cab. And yeah, the last thing i need is one more thing to recharge.
Why not just put a barometer in the handle? Then you wouldn't need WiFi access. It'd probably use less power, too.
I, for one, welcome our new umbrella overlords.
All this umbrella says is "id walk to the window, but..."
Ah, so on your way out of the house you'll know whether to take your umbrella or not depending on whether it's glowing. Clever.
Its called look at the sky... If you feel water... Open your umbrella...
17:
That is too difficult for most to do. We all rely on our gadgets to tell us what to do.
Just think...its pouring down rain and your umbrella is not open. A man walks up to you and asks, "why dont you use your umbrella? Your getting soaked!" You respond "Sir, I can't! My handle isn't blue yet!"
If you get hit with lightening while holding that umbrella, you will be uploaded into the internet and have to spend the rest of your days roaming the dirty backalleys of the www to find a way out...
Dupe:
http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/11/ambients-weather-forecasting-umbrella/
hmmm... sounds interesting!!! When you connect internet on ur PC, u will (probably) have to log on to some particular site, from where the unit at the base will collect all the weather info (via WIFI port) for probably a week or 2 weeks, depending on whatever is available on that site (and the software/hardware of the umbrella's controller). So on the day it's gonna rain/snow, the base will signal the handle, which in turn would start glowing, reminding you on your way out to carry the umbrella along!! You'll have to connect the base to some power supply, but definitely would not need any kind of recharging for ur umbrella!! Just make sure that the umbrella is placed in it's unit at the time u r leaving ur home/office, so that it has already done it's homework!!
(P.S. This is my own opinion based on the pics and the article. Kindly recheck the working and other details before making any conclusions)
Yeah Joe except they mentioned that link in the article and they're clearly two different products from two different companies.
This is perfect for the crazy New England weather we have and instead of getting mad at the weatherman like many Bostonians do, we can just throw the umbrella when it makes a mistake. Umbrellas were wierd enough before and they now tell us the weather!
Great. Now I'll have to worry about charging my umbrella too.
This is a brilliant idea that links technology with real world practical applications.
Wow. A new low on laziness factor.
I want a pair of socks that glow before I walk out the door, telling me to put my shoes on.
I love it when people de-evolutionize.
2006 is sooo anti Darwin.
This concept would be very useful over here in the UK
In a matter of fact, all years, all life, science and logic is anti Darwin.
And here is the proof
Cool umbrella!
We are an import-export trading company ,we are dealing with umbrellas .
XIAMEN FOREVER TAN IMP. & EXP., LTD.
RM 1519,JUTAI COMMERCIAL CENTER, 1228 XIAHE ROAD, XIAMEN, CHINA
Tel: (+86) 592 5166717
Fax: (+86) 592 5166005
Email: playisheng@yahoo.com.cn
jjllxxmm@hotmail.com
Contact:PETER CHEN