Control your iPod with an umbrella

Apple may think that future of iPod control lies in a virtual, on-screen scroll wheel, but we know better. As it turns out, the best way to change tracks, adjust the volume, etc. is by attaching your DAP to an...umbrella? Well, it may not actually be the perfect input method (or even in the top 10), but the homemade iBrella (in white, of course) certainly takes Apple's suggestion to "think different" to a whole new level. The makers of this strange device crammed a two-axis accelerometer, Hall-effect sensors, and a gyroscope into the handle of a standard umbrella, and using a PIC microcontroller programmed with the so-called iPod Mini Protocol, were able to translate the sensors' motions into commands that the 'Pod can understand. So, opening and closing the iBrella will play / pause the current track, while rotating the handle could either tweak the volume or change songs, depending on what mode it's in (mode changes are achieved by stabbing the umbrella skyward). There are obviously a thousand reasons why this device is completely impractical -- especially if you happen to be using it in the rain -- but we prefer to concentrate on the innovative design rather than the lack of real-world applications; after all, it's the seemingly useless projects that often inspire folks to go out and build stuff that really will make a difference.

[Via Make]

[Robert Preseau @ Jul 31st 2006 10:08PM]

...and in other news, George Lucas is planning to digitally remaster Mary Poppins.

[Ricardo Umbro @ Jul 31st 2006 10:50PM]

Damn it, ipod ipod ipod ipod, enough with i-ffing-pod promotion already, didn't have enough already. If you promote, they will sell, and you will be a crap IPOD side, if you are not already, don't you have a damn ipod blogs already, stick to VERY important stuff here, and stop posting every damn crap you can find. Phew!

[Zorque @ Jul 31st 2006 11:21PM]

They... um... report on quite a few other MP3 players on Engadget. At least 4 stories on non-iPod PMP's are in the RSS feed.

[Arochone @ Aug 1st 2006 12:18AM]

If you're reading engadget, you're supposed to be a geek.
If you're a geek, you're supposed to like Linux.
If you like Linux, you should want to try it out on an iPod.

They're really not that hard to get...I got a 3rd gen. 15GB one for $15, and a 4GB nano for $80....just gotta know what you're doing. Both now run Linux. I walk around school playing Doom on the nano...great fun. hah.

I'll be the first to admit, iPods are far from the best MP3 player in features (for MP3 playing...pictures and videos and games and crap don't belong on an MP3 player). That award most definitely goes to the RCA Lyra, with the FM radio, custom equilizer, and MUCH easier file trasfer, not to mention lower price and better looks....but iPods are durable little fuckers, and the ease of hacking the crap outta 'em makes them something every geek should own, IMO.

[Riley Sheehan @ Aug 1st 2006 12:36AM]

somebody's still living in their mom's basement

[christomapher @ Aug 1st 2006 2:26AM]

"I'll be the first to admit, iPods are far from the best MP3 player in features (for MP3 playing...pictures and videos and games and crap don't belong on an MP3 player)."

First to admit?

So you think the iPod should only be an MP3 player? Pictures, videos and games don't belong on it? Last time I checked, it was called an iPod... POD-- as in storing all types of media and files.

I don't understand what there is to desire with those horrible-looking Lyras. How can you possibly say they look better? Even the most attractive-looking one is a bad copy of an iPod. I don't carry a two-to-three hundred dollar piece of gadgetry to listen to FM radio, for what... pop music? Ha. I'm glad the iPod doesn't have an FM radio.

I'm glad you like your Lyra but its far from the top. :)

[David @ Aug 1st 2006 5:50AM]

Does anyone think this whole ipod thing is getting out of hand. I mean, you have ipod mixing systems in which the only virtue is that it fits the ipod. Most suck, but I guess it's a quick way to latch on to unspecting apple-philes for profit.

[DM @ Aug 1st 2006 5:52AM]

@Arochone "15GB one for $15"

you're kidding me right?? where on earth did you get that from? was it in working condition or "as-is"?

[DM @ Aug 1st 2006 5:55AM]

@Arochone "15GB one for $15"
you're kidding me right?? where on
earth did you get that from? was it in working condition or "as-is"?

[DT @ Aug 1st 2006 6:29AM]

Nice that the guy in the pic is using it on a bright, sunny day.

[Euan @ Aug 1st 2006 6:48AM]

Brilliantly useless in most places where rain is usually accompanied by some degree of wind meaning the umbrella gets buffeted about. It's a nice idea though, I always like seeing ideas on alternative input even if this one is rather limited.

[Ricardo Umbro @ Aug 1st 2006 9:28AM]

@ "15GB one for $15"

If they really got that, or around this price, tell me, I am buying and will become a fffing iPod owner, and hate myself, but will still get it.

[Spank @ Aug 1st 2006 9:56AM]

Not every iPod accessory deserves coverage. I'd be surprised if sales of this thing reached triple digits.

[Pete @ Aug 1st 2006 9:59AM]

I am not one for all these stupid gimmicks, also i never use my iPod out in the street, call me a fool but iPods are alwyas being nicked so i do not like to take the chance

[Spank @ Aug 1st 2006 10:01AM]

.... if something like this actually went on sale, that is.

[Applemoto @ Aug 1st 2006 11:28AM]

Now thats not good when lightning strikes, zzzap you hold a big metal rod, and the current goes from the ibrella to the iPod to the earphones to your brain and zzzap your brains fried, dont want that dont we?

[Chris @ Aug 1st 2006 12:33PM]

Yea, and it makes you look like some drunk guy wandering the streets. Alright!

[Ricardo Umbro @ Aug 1st 2006 12:40PM]

Hahahaha $50 ipods.... good way to stir it up.

here i found one, you can get a great TPOD
that's Tea Pot! :) http://cgi.ebay.com/TPOD-1GB-MP4-MP3-Video-Player-Apple-iPod-Nano-earbuds_W0QQitemZ260014031450QQihZ016QQcategoryZ125478QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

US $69.95

[Johnson @ Aug 1st 2006 1:13PM]

Wonderful!!!!! Now I just need to wait for the ipod-compatible toilet system. It will have a bluetooth receiver for the ipod and then a transmitter you put in the bowl so when you sit down to take a dump, your "dropping the kids off at the pool" mix will automatically queue up. Ah, finally life is seamless and complete.

[Will @ Aug 1st 2006 2:00PM]

Innovative yes, but compared to other innovations of today’s time, this made me laugh. I could not refrain from thinking about a blog post I saw about a month ago displaying unappealing pictures of a young man who had been struck by lightning while wearing an ipod. So I guess in response someone decides to come out with a lightning rod with an ipod on it? That scares me.

I understand the goal of this post was to present something innovative, but in my experience innovation is usually created with strategy and usefulness. Who wants to use an electrical device in the rain? … And I do understand umbrellas can be used to block sunshine, but how many people actually do this on a regular basis and will be willing to spend probably a large amount of money on doing so? To me innovation would be creating an iBelt, or iWatch, something that really would make a difference.

So in agreement, this is innovative, but I worry about the success of this production.

[ademonc @ Aug 1st 2006 2:34PM]

some one was bored but the funny thing is this thing actualy looks legit like if something apple made.

[Warhorse @ Aug 1st 2006 7:26PM]

Easy now, albinos and hydro-phobiacs everywhere will be able to sing through the streets with this weather minded music accessory. Neither rain nor shine can oppress that 5 percent of the population ever again. IPOD says ICAN to outdoor life set to song.

Sorry, I couldn't resist...