[Interesting] Check Out Vodafone’s Umbrella 2.0; It Charges Your Android Device and Boost Signal

This is definitely one of the most interesting “accessories” we’ve come across in a while. Vodafone is working on a prototype for an interesting (and potentially scary) new invention, called “Umbrella 2.0″ or the “Booster Brolly”.

Designed by Dr Kenneth Tong of University College London, Umbrella 2.0 is a unique device that combines flexible solar panels with a high gain antenna to create an umbrella that can charge your phone while simultaneously boosting the signal.

Now, we’re not going to tell anyone to rush out and stick their head beneath a prototype device that amplifies mobile radio frequencies, but this is definitely an interesting concept, provided it doesn’t cause the zombie apocalypse – which looks to have already started on its own anyways. Crazy world we live in, isn’t it?

Anyhoo, back on topic. Umbrella 2.0 weighs only 800 grams and has a USB charging socket on the handle for powering a phone or other device that can be charged via USB. The umbrella is the size of one that would typically be used for attending music festivals, or providing shade in other outdoor scenarios.

No word on when, or even if, we’ll ever see Umbrella 2.0 hit the market.

Via: Gizmodo

On a side note, here’s a little #ZombieApocalypse humor to get your weekend going!