I never thought an umbrella would enter my "to do" list for gadget reviews, but the Brolly Rain Umbrella made the cut.
It features an ergonomic handle and grip, enabling users to hold the umbrella to keep you dry and hold your phone at the same time.Brolly calls the technology in the handle Grip-ology, which gives each finger hold a lining of rubber for comfort, grip and flexibility. The finger holes are built inside an ABS plastic casing for a strong and comfortable grip.It's pretty simple but it's a great idea and works well.As for the umbrella part, it seems like any other, and if we ever have serious rain in Texas, I'd be happy to try it out.Just watch where you're walking. It's bad enough to be walked into by someone looking down at their phone, and being hit by an umbrella won't add any joy to the collision.www.brollytime.com, $19.95High-tech watchI'm a big fan of gadgets that work well without having to read instructions, but with the World Time Sport Red watch from Phosphor, you'll have to break out that piece of paper.After you figure out how to set the time (a very cumbersome process), you'll have a pretty neat watch to display local and world time.The display uses the easy-to-read E-Ink technology, used in Amazon Kindle tablets.Everything is controlled by the set and mode buttons, which are right below the display on the front. The watch is advertised as buttonless, so all you do is swipe your finger across these control points.In the settings, you'll find lots of choices including 24 time zones and five display modes. The watch is curved for comfort on your wrist, and is water- and sweat-resistant.The silicone band, flexible and water-resistant, is available in black, orange, red or white, with a matching watch.www.phosphorwatches.com, $99Light fusionIt's amazing how Energizer comes up with ways to carry around light, but they have struck again with new devices that feature Light Fusion Technology.According to Energizer, this technology transmits light throughout slim acrylic panels manufactured through a laser-etching process. That provides the user with a clean, uniform light unlike anything on store shelves and more compact for easier packing and carrying.The Energizer Folding Lantern comes in two models.The LED Folding Lantern ($29.99) has up to 300 lumens, which I used for testing. In addition to the clear and smooth light, it pivots open and stand upright for hands-free 360-degree lighting. When you're done, just fold it up and use the carrying handle for portability.The Mini Pop-Up Lantern ($19.99) has up to 150 lumens. Both are powered by AA batteries for up to 100 hours of run time.The new LED 3-in-1 flashlight ($29.99) also has a bright, daylight-looking shine with the Light Fusion Technology. It works like any flashlight: Press a button and it shines (up to 100 lumens).What makes it unique are two fold-out legs on the back. This enables it to stand like a tripod and use the pivoting head in any direction. A secondary light is on the side (1 1/4-by-4-inches for 150 lumens of light) and is activated by pressing the power button twice.A 2-in-1 model flashlight is also available with just the pivoting head and side area light (no folding out legs) for $19.99 and has up to 100 lumens of light.All are water-resistant and will be available early next month.www.energizer.comHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
