The Vodafone Booster Brolly uses a high gain antenna and low-powered repeater in order to produce small field of improved cellular signal. The umbrella is powered with hand-stitched flexible solar panels that produce enough power to power itself, as well as charge your phone over USB.
The handle of the umbrella contains circuitry for boosting and USB charging, as well as the on-off switch and a clasp that allows you to hold your phone and the umbrella with one hand. You might think this’d make the umbrella too heavy and unwieldy, but the entire contraption weighs just 800g.
The latest version of the Booster Brolly
So will we see an umbrella like this one hitting store shelves? Maybe later. Right now Dr Tong still wants to improve the design – using a single canopy with fully integrated solar panels, change the bass holder for an aluminium alternative to make it lighter, improving the switch and even building an app to control the umbrella. The umbrella’s first outing will be at the Isle of Wight festival on June 22nd.
So what do you think – would you use a Vodafone Booster Brolly? Let us know in the comments below!