Blunt + Tile Smart Umbrella
With an internet connection, this indestructible offering becomes hard to lose
Over the past few weeks we’ve toted around Blunt Umbrellas‘ latest offering, the Blunt XS_Metro + Tile. The brand initially drew attention for its sharp looks and patented indestructible design (the first patent on an umbrella sine 1922 except for the addition of vents in the ’80s), and since the team stepped up their game and partnered with GPS tracking app Tile. Blunt places the waterproof, Bluetooth, low energy (BLE) tracker device discreetly in a corner of the canopy. This allows owners to find the umbrella in their home or office (with a triggered audio alert), or anywhere on the map if they may have misplaced it while out and about.
The XS_Metro + Tile (the smaller of the two new “smart” releases) claims to withstand winds of up to 50mph due to its unique engineering and taut canopy. Our experience through a handful of autumn storms attests to this. It’s unwavering for something so light and easy to transport. The canopy, which disperses wind and pushes tension outward, is also quick-dry. And, with the added benefit of always knowing where it is, this might just be the smartest umbrella out there—especially for people who are always stopping to grab a $5 street umbrella that ultimately goes missing, or breaks.
Online pre-order is now available for the Blunt XS_Metro + Tile ($69) and the larger model, the Blunt Classic + Tile ($99). Each comes in three colorways and is expected to deliver before 1 December 2014. As of now, the Tile app exists on iOS for the iPhone 4S and up. Android support is coming soon starting with the Samsung Galaxy S5.
Images courtesy of Blunt
