I'm not so sure about the usefulness of this digital umbrella handle. Sure, embedding context-sensitive, digital information into physical objects is cool, but how is looking at your umbrella handle easier than looking outside? I usually keep my umbrella hidden away and only bring it out when I've seen or heard the rain. Even when I'm in a windowless office, I still check the online weather more than my umbrella. I guess I would just have to change my habits and look at the device, not at the information sources. And consider an umbrella to be something to have on public display at all times. I suppose then it could be useful when it is not raining but is predicted to…

More information: a design project by Materious