Microsoft solves problem with fitting batteries the right way around

Calls it InstaLoad, will license

IF YOU’VE EVER had problems figuring out which way you’re supposed to put batteries in your gadgets, then this is what you’ve been waiting for. Microsoft has gone and solved a problem that most of us have come upon at one time or another, which way do you put the batteries in. Well, with a bit of luck (and low royalty fees) we might just see Microsoft’s InstaLoad technology solve this little problem for once and for all.

InstaLoad allows you put the batteries in either which way, something that currently would mean that your device either wouldn’t power or, or worst case, the batteries would short and start to leak. In essence, InstaLoad is a new battery power contact which accepts both positive and negative contact. The contact itself doesn’t use a spring as current battery contacts and it’s made out of two metal parts with a plastic insulator.

It’s a simple idea, but for whatever reason, it was someone at Microsoft that came up with it. Microsoft is getting ready to license InstaLoad and “offers fair and reasonable licensing terms”. InstaLoad works with all standard battery types such as AA, AAA, C and D, or just about any cylindrical batteries. It’s only of any use in devices that takes two or more batteries. There’s no word on when we’ll see retail devices with InstaLoad, but Microsoft already has a list of 11 companies that have shown interest in InstaLoad, including Duracell.S|A

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