We have smartphones, smart TVs, smartwatches and all manner of other smart devices. It's only a matter of time before every household object is given a technological makeover - and the humble umbrella is next in line.

A group of designers in Hong Kong have come up with a device called Umbrella Here. The main feature is that the person holding the umbrella can use an app on their phone to 'light up' the device, signalling that their umbrella is available for sharing. It works like a taxi, effectively - if the light is on, then passers by are invited to shelter from the rain. If someone decides to share, than the light can be easily turned off.

Not only that, but the umbrella 'sharers' can then later log into the Umbrella Here website to connect and share contact details with the person they met (if they want to, of course).

Most of us know the frustration of leaving an umbrella behind, and Umbrella Here will alert users if they do forget to pick their umbrella up on the way out of wherever they left it down. It also keeps track of routes travelled, and can also be transformed into a simple weather forecast device when it is not connected to an umbrella.

The device can be attached to different umbrellas, and the colour of the light can be changed to ensure it suits the umbrella itself.

If you want to find out more about Umbrella Here, you can check out the group's Kickstarter project. At an early price set at $28 (around €21.60) for the Umbrella Here device, upgrading your current umbrella to a 'smart' one doesn't look like it will break the bank.