# Umbrella Phone Chargers The Booster Brolly Will Juice Your Phone, Rain or Shine By Frank Luanda | Published 2012-06-15 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/an-umbrella-that-charges-your-cellphone-regardless-of-weather-conditions References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/13/vodafone-booster-brolly/) It’s usually a bad thing being stuck in the rain with a dying cellphone, but European networking giant [Vodafone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-towers) is offering a solution to portable phone charging with the Booster Brolly. Developed at the [University College](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zeidler-architecture) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion). 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 Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **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. - **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. - **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. ### Sectors Adopting This - **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. - **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. - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Device-Charging Sun Hats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoflow-power-hat.md) - [Wireless Charging Sanitisers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/picnic-uv.md) - [Connected Dual Functioning Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hulasol.md) - [OLED Weather Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ori-umbrella.md) - [Flying Umbrella Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flying-umbrella.md) - [Camping-Ready Portable Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-universe.md) - [Branded Charging Can Sleeves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/juice-boost-charging-can-sleeve.md) - [Phone Charger-Infused Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phone-chargerinfused-speaker.md) - [Smartphone-Charging Lemonade Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panera-charged-up-cup.md)