The Booster Brolly Will Juice Your Phone, Rain or Shine
Frank Luanda — June 15, 2012 — Eco
References: engadget
It’s usually a bad thing being stuck in the rain with a dying cellphone, but European networking giant Vodafone is offering a solution to portable phone charging with the Booster Brolly. Developed at the University College in London, the Booster Brolly is an umbrella that triples up as a charger and signal booster.
The brolly harnesses the power of the sun via solar panels within the canopy. The electrical components are housed in carbon-fibre, with a USB port located on the handle. The brolly is capable of fully charging most phones in less than 3 hours. Anyone using a cellphone underneath its canopy receives a 3G signal boost.
While the Booster Brolly is currently a concept slated for release in the UK, it could definitely be of use in North America, especially with all the outdoor concerts abuzz during the spring and summertime.
Implications - Charge your phone outside, no matter the weather, and look good while doing it.
The brolly harnesses the power of the sun via solar panels within the canopy. The electrical components are housed in carbon-fibre, with a USB port located on the handle. The brolly is capable of fully charging most phones in less than 3 hours. Anyone using a cellphone underneath its canopy receives a 3G signal boost.
While the Booster Brolly is currently a concept slated for release in the UK, it could definitely be of use in North America, especially with all the outdoor concerts abuzz during the spring and summertime.
Implications - Charge your phone outside, no matter the weather, and look good while doing it.
Trend Themes
1. Portable Solar-powered Chargers - Companies can explore creating portable chargers that are powered by sustainable energy sources like the sun, following the example of the Booster Brolly.
2. Multi-functional Products - Businesses can consider developing multi-functional products that serve more than one purpose, such as the Booster Brolly as both an umbrella and phone charger.
3. Smartphone Signal Boosters - With the need for reliable communication during outdoor events, businesses can create similar products that improve smartphone signal strength, like the Booster Brolly.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - Consumer electronics brands can explore creating more versatile gadgets like the Booster Brolly to meet the demands of consumers who require constant connectivity.
2. Outdoor Events - Outdoor event organizers can partner with brands that make products like the Booster Brolly to provide attendees with a practical and efficient solution for charging their phones and boosting the signal while at the event.
3. Green Energy - Businesses in the green energy sector can develop and market new products like the Booster Brolly to promote the use of sustainable energy sources while providing practical, usable functionality.
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