Outdoors

Smart umbrella doubles as a weather forecaster

Smart umbrella doubles as a weather forecaster
The oombrella is designed to predict a downpour and remind you to take it when heading out
The oombrella is designed to predict a downpour and remind you to take it when heading out
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The oombrella app is tied to the wezoo weather community
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The oombrella app is tied to the wezoo weather community
The oombrella and accompanying app makes sure you know where it is and when you'll need it
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The oombrella and accompanying app makes sure you know where it is and when you'll need it
The oombrella app lets you track multiple points of information
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The oombrella app lets you track multiple points of information
The capsule that gives the oombrella its smarts
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The capsule that gives the oombrella its smarts
The oombrella comes in this shiny version, and white or black
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The oombrella comes in this shiny version, and white or black
The handle of the oombrella is where the sensors are embedded
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The handle of the oombrella is where the sensors are embedded
The oombrella has a Kevlar frame to keep it from collapsing in high wind
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The oombrella has a Kevlar frame to keep it from collapsing in high wind
The oombrella is designed to predict a downpour and remind you to take it when heading out
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The oombrella is designed to predict a downpour and remind you to take it when heading out
The threaded top of the oombrella lets you attach a GoPro or other device
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The threaded top of the oombrella lets you attach a GoPro or other device
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Conventional umbrellas have at least three common issues: you often get caught without one when you most need it, it can easily be left where you last used it, and it can collapse in high wind. The oombrella tackles all three by telling you when it's going to rain, alerting you when you've left it behind, and sports a Kevlar frame to keep its form when the wind picks up.

What gives the oombrella its smarts is a capsule embedded in the handle that contains a series of sensors to collect information on humidity, temperature, pressure, and light. That data is used to predict if rain is imminent and, if so, sends a notification to a free smartphone app (iOS or Android) via Bluetooth. The alert is designed to go out 15 minutes before the drops start falling, providing you with enough time to grab the oombrella.

The capsule that gives the oombrella its smarts
The capsule that gives the oombrella its smarts

The handle also has a built-in buzzer and light that activate to let you know when you've got an incoming call. That could come in handy when you're outside in a storm and your phone is buried under a few layers of clothing.

If you want to share your weather-related data, oombrella connects to the weather sharing app, wezzoo, created by the same people who have created the oombrella.

A screw thread on the top of the oombrella lets you attach a GoPro to let you shoot your travels with a bit of elevation, use it as a pseudo selfie stick or attach anything else you may so desire.

Oombrella is currently in the middle of a Kickstarter campaign to raise €57,500 (US$65,000) to help bring it to market. Early backers can pre-order the oombrella in one of three colors – white, black and shiny – and in either large or compact size for €59 ($67). For €29 (about $33) you can pre-order the sensing capsule and use it with your favorite umbrella instead. If everything goes as planned, the company expects to ship the oombrella by October of this year, come rain or shine.

Source: Oombrella

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2 comments
2 comments
Bob Flint
The translucent rainbow effect is interesting and also allows one to see where one is going. The threaded top is patentable? but clever none the less, as for the apps less likely to trust the weather prognostication, however the don't leave me behind could be very useful. No mention of power or rechargeable capabilities, and if you could get it to be self powering, either electromechanically or small induction charge/umbrella stand accessory?
IzzeMegTurlington
Great concept, I immediately wanted one. However, is this just a gimmick item that will pass quickly once the newness has worn off? I'm wondering sell price vs. how much to make it. Consider Shark Tank?