"And There's a 30% Chance It's Already Raining!"

Jul 31, 2007 @ 1:22pm

gemma umbrella.jpg
Scientists pat themselves on the back today for their latest toy:

An umbrella that predicts when it's going to rain.

But sadly for the Inspector Gadgets out there lusting after this gizmo, they've forgotten an important point:

The reason you need to know if it's going to rain is so you can pack your umbrella, or not. If you're already lugging your umbrella everywhere, because it tells you when it needs to be opened... well, then you've got the classic Mean Girls situation that's referenced above.

A better suggestion:

Make us a pair of shoes that tell us when it's going to rain. And when it does, have the shoes grow a protective coating for the leather.

And also:

Make a cuter umbrella.

posted by michope

Jul 31, 2007 3:05PM

i agree with the cute factor - but it detects weather 12 hours in advance:

"You can put this umbrella by the door, in an umbrella stand, and on your way out it'll be telling you if this is the day when you are going to need an umbrella," Prince told Reuters.

posted by Christina Odell

Jul 31, 2007 3:23PM

I think that this whole techno-fashion malarkey is a load of nonsense. Umbrellas that can tell the weather? What next G.P.S boots, iPod socks, plasma screen handbags? Perhaps the geeks who design these things need to spend a little more time in the 'real world'. If I want to go online, I don't want to connect with a wifi lipstick or text my friends with my shoes, I just want great clothes and accessories that make me look fabulous!

posted by Ginge

Jul 31, 2007 7:23PM

Love the Mean Girls reference.

But yeah, I'm not necessarily check my umbrella every time I go out the door. I check the weather online to see if it's gonna rain, but also to check the temperature and how windy it is.
Now if it's predicting rain and lets me know by beeping at me when it detects motion... that might be something.