A new nano-enabled gadget is showing up on hi-tech gizmo sites like engadget and gizmodo - the hydrophobic umbrella.

The NanoNuno umbrella uses the same nanotechnology as self-cleaning windows to shed water and dirt. As the product website explains:

In nature, a fascinating effect is produced by the microscopic, rough nanostructure on the leaves of the lotus plant: Dirt and moisture simply roll off. This is because there is a much smaller surface area to which things can stick than on a smooth surface.
The design of your NanoNuno umbrella is based on this natural principle, with the result that moisture does not penetrate the fabric and so there is no tedious drying.

I never considered drying my umbrella a tedious enough task to justify the $95 cost of the NanoNuno, but maybe the rain in its home country of the UK makes it worthwhile. Also worth noting is that this is one of the few European nano-based products to break with the European tradition of keeping the "nano" out of the product name (Pilkington Glass, for example, makes no mention of nanotechnology on its self-cleaning glass website). (photo NanoNuno)