Once connected, your phone will receive a message from the umbrella.John’s Umbrella Mart, the second largest player, has about 150 varieties with prices ranging from Rs 150 to rs 5,000. "We come up with innovative ideas depending on the market requirement and then consult experts in places like Taiwan on metallurgy and design,” Mr Isaac says. This way, one can keep the phone in the bag or in the pocket, and still receive calls.. The umbrella Monsoon means innovation for umbrella-makers in Kerala, but by any standards, this year’s innovation — a Bluetooth-enabled umbrella that can connect the owner to her mobile phone — is a winner. Introduced by Alappuzha-based Popy Umbrella Mart, the umbrella with a speaker has a knob that connects it to the mobile phone through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. And then you have Teflon and UPF-coated umbrellas that come with a torch, thermometer, compass and whistle.For the less tech-savvy there are other models such as an umbrella with fan, walking stick, and music.

The model is sought after among the new generation as they are more tech-savvy,” Mr Isaac said. The companies share a parentage, that of St George Umbrella Mart, which revolutionised the scene in the 80s with innovative products such as nylon fabric instead of cotton.Once connected, your phone will receive a message from the umbrella. "And in the rains, you don’t have to take your phone out and fear it getting wet