Umbrella is used to recharge phones and improve 3G quality

The British telecommunications company Vodafone has launched an new umbrella concept, which promises to recharge phones while it improves the signal quality. The prototype, called "Booster Brolly", was devoleped by Dr Kenneth Tong, in partnership with University College London.

The carbon fiber umbrella is affixed with 12 hand-stitched silicon solar cells that charge a battery stored in its handle while the phone is connected to the Booster Brolly through a USB port. The electric current generated from the panels works as a phone charger and also feeds a signal that increases microantena 3G.

The umbrella will be tested in UK on June 22nd, at Isle of Wight music festival, in UK.