Although Microsoft hasn't really made a name for itself as a battery manufacturer (for that matter, we didn't even know that they were conducting battery-related research), it seems that the company from Redmond has come up with a technology that will revolutionize this field. Called InstaLoad, this battery installation technology allows users to easily install a battery without regard to positive and negative polarity.

As Microsoft informs us, unlike existing electronic solutions designed to address battery-polarity installation, InstaLoad is a mechanical invention that does not drain battery power or require expensive electronic circuitry. InstaLoad battery contacts can be cost-effectively designed into most battery compartments, as it usually requires replacing existing battery contacts with the patented InstaLoad contact design.

The technology is compatible with popular off-the-shelf batteries used in products such as flashlights, toys, battery chargers, lighting and most other battery-operated consumer electronic devices that use CR123, AA, AAA, C or D size batteries (disposable or rechargeable) or similar barrel-type battery form factors.

"Microsoft is pleased to offer a royalty-free license program to suppliers and manufacturers for this class of accessibility devices," said Rusty Jeffress, corporate vice president, Specialized Devices & Applications, Microsoft. "We believe the InstaLoad feature can make a difference in the lives of those people who need and use these products on a daily basis."

Microsoft is offering commercial licensees both a license to the InstaLoad technology and a license to the InstaLoad logo for use on product packaging and marketing materials, with companies like Duracell already lining up to endorse the technology for use in their own products.


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