The Parasolar concept by Oded Shorer serves two purposes – it keeps you cool by providing shade on those hot, sunny days while generating power from the very sunlight it is blocking.

It folds up into a case that can be used to carry it with ease. When in use, Parasolar plugs into the carrying case, which houses the battery and energy transformer, to keep it steady on the ground. The battery starts getting charged up as soon as the parasol is connected to the base. It can also be taken out and used as a regular umbrella if any rain decides to interrupt a sunny day.

Energy is generated from the photovoltaic laminated panels integrated in the synthetic cloth that serves as the “umbrella” portion of the device. Parasolar’s carrying case sports a 12 volt output as well as two USB ports for connecting your gadgets.

This looks like a perfect way to power gadgets and maybe even a laptop when camping or at a picnic. Change the strange green design of the umbrella and you’ve got us hooked. Check out a few more pictures after the jump. Read more »

Measuring in at a measly 2.3 ounces and 1.6 square inches in size, Toshiba’s IK-HD1 gets the honor of being the world’s tiniest HDTV camera.

The camera is truly, unbelievably tiny and looks more like a kids’ toy than something that can capture stunning high-resolution video.

Of course, the unit comes at a price. It’s only aimed at the pro market for now, for uses such as a hidden camera on a reality show. We’re sure someone will think of other creative uses for this as well.

The company will be showing off its creation at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas this month. Hopefully they can find a way to shrink the cost as small as the camera’s size so we can all be shooting high-def video from tiny camcorders. [via DVICE]