Umbrella boosts cell phone signal, charges batteries, protects from rain
posted by Nick T.
/ Jun 14, 2012, 8:00 AM
The Vodafone Booster Brolly is not your ordinary umbrella. It is a triumph of geek-inspired engineering! The accessory's primary function may be to protect its bearer from rain and the sun's scorching rays, but at the same time, a pair of antennas and a small repeater built inside the carbon fiber handle increase cell phone signal, as long as you are a Vodafone user.
Dr Kenneth Tong, who is a lecturer in antennas and microwave technology at University College London, is the one responsible for this invention. Some of his other projects aim to optimize reception according to a cell phone's orientation, thus achieving the best quality call possible.
The Vodafone Booster Brolly will be shown off on June 22, during the Isle of Wight festival in the U.K. Pricing and availability remain unknown at this time, but we hope to find out more in the near future.
The Vodafone Booster Brolly
9 Comments
2. RangersK
Posts: 68; Member since: May 15, 2012
Also boosts a chance of being struck by lightning?
posted on Jun 14, 2012, 8:23 AM 2
5. Berzerk000
Posts: 4275; Member since: Jun 26, 2011
... Faster charging?
posted on Jun 14, 2012, 9:50 AM 5
7. kanagadeepan
Posts: 1219; Member since: Jan 24, 2012
deadly faster charging....
posted on Jun 14, 2012, 10:01 AM 3
9. DigitalBoy05
Posts: 274; Member since: Jun 04, 2011
maybe theyll put a rubber handle on it? lol
posted on Jun 14, 2012, 4:24 PM 0
4. destr0y3r
Posts: 33; Member since: Jun 12, 2012
Lol only Android needs them because of the weak signal
posted on Jun 14, 2012, 9:21 AM 1
6. Berzerk000
Posts: 4275; Member since: Jun 26, 2011
Really? Why would you say that? First of all, it's not Android's fault if the signal is weak, it's the manufacturer of the Android device for either putting a faulty antenna in that should be at fault. Secondly, With all the iPhone users complaining abut dropped calls, and the infamous antenna-gate, you shouldn't be talking. I'm just assuming you're an iPhone user, pardon me if you use WP or Symbian or any other OS. But my first statement still stands.
posted on Jun 14, 2012, 9:54 AM 4
8. hitman70
Posts: 2; Member since: Jun 14, 2012
Great for a walking golfer. I can keep a good charge while using my gps for golf and also see a better picture on the phone. A lot of walkers use umbrellas on their push carts during the summer to beat the heat. Now they don't have to worry about draining their battery on their phones.
