# Musical Storm Gear This 8-Bit Umbrella Will Have Users Singing in the Rain By Courtney Scharf | Published 2012-06-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/8-bit-umbrella References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/352736/8-Bit-Umbrella-Makes-Music-From-Raindrops/) & [vimeo](http://vimeo.com/42580922) This prototype 8-Bit Umbrella is a creation sure to brighten up a rainy day. As explained by the accompanying video, the umbrella responds to [raindrops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raindrop-1) by creating simple music. The sound changes depending on how much rain is falling and the intensity at which the protector is hit. What makes the umbrella all the more charming is the fact that it plays [8-bit music](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mineweather), similar to what one might hear when playing a retro game. Despite the fact that this is merely a prototype, the creation is getting a ton of buzz throughout the blogosphere. Though this may not be the most functional way to protect oneself from the great outdoors, this is an undeniably fun innovation sure to change the way consumers understand the role of [rain gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pieces-for-rainy-days). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Musical Rain Gear:** Innovative ways to incorporate sound and music into rain gear - **Interactive Weather Accessories:** Weather accessories that respond to different weather patterns and conditions - **Nostalgic Umbrellas:** Umbrellas designed with retro video game themes and designs ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** Integrating technology and music into fashion accessories such as umbrellas - **Gaming:** Creating gaming-inspired accessories for everyday use, such as the 8-bit umbrella - **Advertising:** Using unique and fun product designs like the 8-bit umbrella for marketing campaigns ## Related on Trend Hunter - [OLED Weather Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ori-umbrella.md) - [Space-Inspired Folding Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloombrella.md) - [Umbrella-Resembling Playful Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rain-man-lamp.md) - [Connected Dual Functioning Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hulasol.md) - [All-Weather Protection Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weatherman-trek-umbrella.md) - [Musical Weather Forecast Playlists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skytunes.md) - [Expertly Crafted Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-green-umbrella.md) - [Rainwater Multifunctional Planters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raindrop-1.md) - [Charity-Benefiting Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weatherman-puppies-golf.md)