Microsoft InstaLoad Makes Polarity Irrelevant for Battery Installation

Microsoft InstaLoad, a new technology from the Redmond company, is designed to make polarity irrelevant for battery installation. The new Microsoft innovation allows customers to insert batteries in either direction, positive-side-up or positive-side-down, with the promise that devices supporting the new technology will work seamlessly. The software giant unveiled InstaLoad at the start of this month, and indicates that it is welcoming third-parties wishing to license it. In fact, Microsoft has already penned a few IP agreements, with Duracell and AE Light, but also several other companies already hard at work to integrate InstaLoad into their products.

The true beauty of InstaLoad is in its simplicity. What Microsoft is actually offering is a mechanical battery contact design. This helps keep costs low, as there is no need for special electronics or circuitry. According to information published by the software giant, the concept behind the InstaLoad battery configuration involves positive and negative contacts at both ends. Traditional designs rely on single positive and negative contacts at each end.

Through the Microsoft Hardware Intellectual Property Licensing program, the Redmond company is offering third-party companies the possibility to license not only the InstaLoad technology but also the InstaLoad logo for use with their products. Companies can even request a no-charge InstaLoad evaluation kit from the software giant and get the detailed design specification as well as a demo unit for product prototyping. Microsoft emphasizes that manufacturers building accessibility products can benefit from a Royalty-Free License Program for InstaLoad.

“Microsoft is pleased to offer a royalty-free license program to suppliers and manufacturers for this class of accessibility devices,” explained 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.”

Customers should expect InstaLoad to be sported by a range of new battery-operated consumer electronic devices in the future. The technology supports CR123, AA, AAA, C or D size batteries, but also additional barrel-type battery form factors.