The Oto-Shigure is a personal audio speaker system that also shields you from the harsh rays of the sun during the day as well as the wetness of rain during the monsoon season. Joint-developed by Keio University and IT company Toa Engineering, the Oto-Shigure, at first glance, resembles an ordinary traditional Japanese umbrella made of bamboo and oiled paper, although when connected to an iPod or other compatible audio device, it will rely on its small integrated amplifier and vibrating motors to turn it into a large speaker cone, resulting in a highly localized 3D sound space audible only to the people underneath. Perfect for your personal listening pleasure without disturbing others around you. The Oto-Shigure audio umbrella will retail for less than $100 next year if initial response to its prototype is positive.
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