Bluetooth umbrella taunts us by not being real

File this one under ‘extremely useful in the UK’; yes it’s a real category round these parts. How about an umbrella with a Bluetooth receiver so that you can answer calls, hands free, when braving the elements on a typical British summer’s day (I’d say insert ‘what a terrible summer we’re having’ comment here, but I think that’s pretty much covered already). Sound like your sort of thing? Then get over to Yanko Design and start pleading with them to make it happen.

Besides looking pretty stylish and hi-tech, the device also includes a radio so that you can do your best Gene Kelly impression as you trudge down the high street. Of course both sining at or talking to your umbrella will tend to give the impression that you are not of sound mind, but hey, it beats getting wet and not being able to answer the phone.

Sadly with extras like a touchscreen control set up, it’s pretty clear from the off that this design mock-up is a tad over the top for today’s market. Maybe when touchscreens are standard in all mobile phones, this gadget might have a chance of making it to market.

Related articles:

1. MagicPad taunts iPhone users with Copy ‘n’ Paste
   Finally! You can relax now, Apple iPhone owners.  Your long...
2. I-O Bluetooth keyboard to sooth those keypad weary digits
   Though we all love our QWERTYs, a more elegant...
3. Bringing Big Brother surveillance home with Blip for Blackberrys
   Do you own a GPS enabled Blackberry? Do you want...
4. iPhone Web Apps No. 8: Real Magic TV
   It must be great being a top magician. You get...
5. People still prefer ‘real’ news to citizen journalism
   Despite many people both here in the UK and the...