Could you use the new smart umbrella?
By Willowlady
@Willowlady (10658)
United States
February 8, 2007 8:00pm CST
There is a new umbrella that lets you know at a glance whether you will need it. There is an LED in the handle that pulses according to the chance of precipitation by means of a data radio in the handle that receives information from AccuWeather.com.
If the chance of rain is 60 per cent, the handle pulses once every second, if the chance is 100 percent then it pulses 100 times a minute.
By Ambient Devices
7 people like this
21 responses
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
22 Feb 07
I think that is an awesome invention. However, one must always keep the umbrella with them, right? We have no rain were we live. Maybe only once or twice every year or two or three. So, it would not be useful to me out here. But in an area that it rains frequently, it would be a fantastic thing to own.
3 people like this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
22 Feb 07
Thanks for a snapshot into your life. Thanks for responding.!!
2 people like this
@lucalucky (1839)
• Italy
15 Feb 07
WOW this is funny! Absolutely new to me. It can pulse 100 times per minute when is raining. Funny invention, obisouly it is not pulsing when the chance of rain is very low! Where did you find a so funny news? I'd like to know more. Someone is selling these umbrellas?
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
15 Feb 07
Look further up this discussion and I posted the site about it. I found the article in one of my computing magazines. I think it was Smart Computing, can't find it now with the kids that move my stuff. Hope you can find this item you are interested in. Thanks for responding.
2 people like this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
11 Feb 07
Glad you think it possibly handy. Many think it silly. Anyway, my dial up would not load the page ... www.thesmartumbrella.com/
I do not have one. I normally don't use an umbrella anyway.
Thanks for responding.
2 people like this
@rhinoboy (2129)
•
24 Feb 07
I think that they are a good idea for thos ethat use umbrellas frequently anyway. Personally, I usually take the chance of a soaking unless I plan on being outdoors a lot, in which case, I would check the forecast and take a coat.
Do you think that this is really as 'handy' as it sounds, or is it just another complication to make people spend a little more money on another un-necesary luxury?
2 people like this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
24 Feb 07
I am pretty much like you, I have been known to dance in the rain. This is another of those improved items that are meant to add to our lives. For real umbrella people it would be a grand present.
Thanks for responding.
1 person likes this
@sweetlady10 (3611)
• United States
11 Feb 07
Hehehe kind of funy invention.
Anyway I don't like to use umbrella. Only I take the umbrella with me if it is raining at that moment when I am coming out of my home. So, I can go with the general umbrella, no need for smart one.
3 people like this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
11 Feb 07
go to www.thesmartumbrella.com/ and there you might find the information that you need. It would not load the page on my dial up. Am not sure how much it costs. Thanks for responding.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
9 Feb 07
How silly an invention! There are people who would purchase such a gadget. People are into technology of any type. Why not a smart umbrella. It should be stated that it is only smart when you carry it with you. You can't use an umbrella to ward off rain if it is the car or at home.
1 person likes this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
9 Feb 07
So true. Though not meant to ward it off, just to alert you to the prediction by accuweather where ever they are! thanks for responding.
@brokentia (10389)
• United States
9 Feb 07
What ever happened to watching the news? ha ha
No, I don't think I need a smart umbrella. I have enough things pulling my attention in different directions. It seems to me that if that dang umbrella pulsed 100 times a minute, it would just serve as something else to aggravate me. LOL And trust me, seven kids, two dogs, and a partner...I have enough to make Mother Teresa loose her cool!
2 people like this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
9 Feb 07
I must remember to send positive energy your way to balance you and help you to find peace within yourself. :)
Thanks for responding.
@GnosticGoddess (5626)
• United States
9 Feb 07
That is a smart umbrella. I rarely even remeber to pack the one I do have. I feel no need to keep it in my purse all the time. It weighs it down too much. I don't think that umbrella would do much good. Plus I think all the pulses would drive me batty :) Maybe if they come up with one that will tell you right before the rain starts falling I'd get one :) One that's equipt with a radar or something - that would be cool.
That is a neat concept.
1 person likes this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
9 Feb 07
Thanks for responding. Maybe our umbrellas could come as part of our new cars? LOL, thanks for responding.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
11 Feb 07
No, I would lose it, besides, I have eyes, when it is raining, they are 100% accurate.
I don't worry about things like rain, it is useless, it will or it won't and at the most inopportune moment.
2 people like this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
24 Feb 07
I have the actual site in one of the first responders. Check that out. I searched everywhere I troll around and it does not seem to be currently available. Try googling ambient device and smart umbrella and perhaps in time you will find it and be able to buy it and see how well it works for you! Thanks much for responding.
1 person likes this
@beachcomber (141)
• United States
9 Feb 07
I have to see this. What will they think of next. I don't think it's could I use it. It's would I use it.
@cassidy22 (2974)
• United States
9 Feb 07
Why would I need one? Can't I tell when it's raining and when it isn't raining? Besides, I don't use umbrellas. I wear coats and hats instead. Umbrellas are a pain..