An Englishman – Samuel Fox invented the modern umbrella, but now a US company is giving it a 21st Century update with this flashing, weather-forecasting model.
The Forecasting Umbrella has a Wi-Fi chip in the handle which receives updates online forecaster Accuweather if you’re in a hotspot. The handle then pulses in relation to the chance of rain; if there’s a 100 per cent chance it pulses 100 times per minute, for a 60 per cent it’ll flash once every second, and so on.
It won’t be around to save you from April showers – Ambient Devices say it’ll launch this summer - derrrr
You could, of course, just look out of the window but then you wouldn't be a gadget freak now, would you?
If you want a taste of crazy weather forecasting now, Ambient is also selling a glowing weather beacon that pulses when rain is due, and its Orb which goes further with pollen forecasts and traffic congestion.
They’re available on import from Amazon’s international site for $150 (£85) and $180 (£95) respectively.
Any Takers?