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Umbrella Mesh Networks
Connecting with strangers in the rain
Unstrung takes a look at a project by Umbrella.net to wire Umbrellas with bluetooth connectivity. Via an umbrella with a PDA embedded in the handle, users create an on the move (and rather drenched) Mesh network whenever it rains. According to the group, the goal of the project is to create "sudden, striking, and unexpected connections between people in public and urban space", if you're in to that sort of thing.
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rosco35
Premium Member
join:2003-11-10
USA

rosco35

Premium Member

Are you serious?

I mean, great proof of concept or whatever, but jeez...does this seem a little pointless?

I can see it now
"Damn, the rains gone, now I cant finish downloading my umbrella's service pack!"

en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA

en102

Member

Re: Are you serious?

I'm sure it would work good in Seattle

nixen
Rockin' the Boxen
Premium Member
join:2002-10-04
Alexandria, VA

nixen

Premium Member

Re: Are you serious?

said by en102:
I'm sure it would work good in Seattle

Not this year...

I'd have said London. Last time I was there, it rained, at least a little bit, every freaking day.

-tom

jap
Premium Member
join:2003-08-10
038xx

4 edits

1 recommendation

jap

Premium Member

Cool...

Someone's having fun. I gotta follow those links later and see who came up with this playful idea. Gotta be someone in the PNW. Nuts, of course, but fun.

EDIT 30 minutes later...
HA! they're in Dublin and their site is down. Must not be raining there right now.
astamand
Premium Member
join:2003-10-11
Temple, NH

astamand

Premium Member

Re: Cool...

said by jap:
HA! they're in Dublin and their site is down. Must not be raining there right now.

LOL!!!

nil

join:2000-11-27

nil

Neat idea

Cute and interesting in concept... until reality hits in and you have a burly guy in leather giving you the eye "wanna share a raincoat?"

Yah.. no thanks.

jap
Premium Member
join:2003-08-10
038xx

jap

Premium Member

Re: Neat idea

Yeah, but what if it's a really cute smiley guy with a pretty bumbershoot? Reality is subjective.

nil

join:2000-11-27

nil

Re: Neat idea

Okay.. I must be behind on my slang, what in the name of all that is sprinkly is a bumbershoot? (Other than a festival in Seattle, but I don't think that's what you meant).

jap
Premium Member
join:2003-08-10
038xx

2 edits

jap

Premium Member

Re: Neat idea

Behind? More behind than you think! But, you are forgiven as it's an old, fallen term from Merry Old. Umbrella. That wondrous autumn event in Seattle is named "umbrella". Much more fun noun, eh?

nil

join:2000-11-27

1 recommendation

nil

Re: Neat idea

Ah.. it could just be I'm so ahead I haven't caught up to my behind yet.

er.. got it now.

sean151
Class 2008
Premium Member
join:2003-12-04
Auburn, WA

sean151

Premium Member

Seattle and rain

In the summer Seattle does not have much rain at all, especially this year, but the rest of the year they have on and off rain. I could see this umbrella would have worked that one monday this year where Seattle beat its record for most rain in one day for that month or some record like that.

Transmaster
Don't Blame Me I Voted For Bill and Opus
join:2001-06-20
Cheyenne, WY

Transmaster

Member

Cool!

I can just see it now the Hari Krishna's set up such a system so everyone in the Airport with a Bluetooth
umbrella suddenly hears Hari-Hari....Hari Krishna, Krishna,Hari Krishna.......:D