Microsoft Invents Battery Technology

[Win7User512]

Microsoft has introduced a new battery technology that could be a boon to those easily flustered by the process of trying to correctly insert power cells into electronic devices such as digital cameras, tape recorders, and television remotes. The company's new InstaLoad technology "allows users to easily install a battery without regard to positive and negativity polarity," the company said in a statement Thursday.

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[pebbly]

Microsoft has introduced a new battery technology that could be a boon to those easily flustered by the process of trying to correctly insert power cells into electronic devices such as digital cameras, tape recorders, and television remotes. The company's new InstaLoad technology "allows users to easily install a battery without regard to positive and negativity polarity," the company said in a statement Thursday.

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interesting idea , thank you Win7User512

 

[CarlTR6]

That is interesting.

 

[Kirsch]

Engadget : "but we're pretty sure the company's new InstaLoad technology falls somewhere between a home run and the best thing it's ever done"

Even more..

 

[Airbot]

Interesting idea for invention, coming from Microsoft. You'd think big battery companies would have done it, if anyone.

 

[Win7User512]

Interesting idea for invention, coming from Microsoft. You'd think big battery companies would have done it, if anyone.

Same here. You wouldn't imagine that would be one of MS's top priorities. Let's hope they also make it a little easier to get the batteries out. Their desktop mouses can be difficult.

 

[MilesAhead]

It sounds like more of a unisex connector thing than a "technology." I bet it's some kind of scheme where the positive will center connect and the negative will connect on the circumference of the connector. So whichever way you flip it, it won't matter since inside the little adapter box, the battery polarity is correct, and inside the battery bay, the wiring will be cross wired to accept it either way.

Reminds me of the movie 2010 where NASA spent $10M to invent a ball point pen that worked in 0G and the Russians just used pencils. How about just making bigger Plus and Minus signs so we can read them? Sheesh!!!

 

[BCXtreme]

Cool ... let's hope those shiny new Duracells will soon be omnidirectional!

 

[Win7User512]

It sounds like more of a unisex connector thing than a "technology." I bet it's some kind of scheme where the positive will center connect and the negative will connect on the circumference of the connector. So whichever way you flip it, it won't matter since inside the little adapter box, the battery polarity is correct, and inside the battery bay, the wiring will be cross wired to accept it either way.

Reminds me of the movie 2010 where NASA spent $10M to invent a ball point pen that worked in 0G and the Russians just used pencils. How about just making bigger Plus and Minus signs so we can read them? Sheesh!!!

Some people are blind?

 

[BCXtreme]

It sounds like more of a unisex connector thing than a "technology." I bet it's some kind of scheme where the positive will center connect and the negative will connect on the circumference of the connector. So whichever way you flip it, it won't matter since inside the little adapter box, the battery polarity is correct, and inside the battery bay, the wiring will be cross wired to accept it either way.

Reminds me of the movie 2010 where NASA spent $10M to invent a ball point pen that worked in 0G and the Russians just used pencils. How about just making bigger Plus and Minus signs so we can read them? Sheesh!!!

Some people are blind?

A point well made. Some people also just have poor enough eyesight that the + and - signs would have to be the size of a cell phone...

 

[MilesAhead]

It sounds like more of a unisex connector thing than a "technology." I bet it's some kind of scheme where the positive will center connect and the negative will connect on the circumference of the connector. So whichever way you flip it, it won't matter since inside the little adapter box, the battery polarity is correct, and inside the battery bay, the wiring will be cross wired to accept it either way.

Reminds me of the movie 2010 where NASA spent $10M to invent a ball point pen that worked in 0G and the Russians just used pencils. How about just making bigger Plus and Minus signs so we can read them? Sheesh!!!

Some people are blind?

A point well made. Some people also just have poor enough eyesight that the + and - signs would have to be the size of a cell phone...

If they are blind why not raised symbol so they can feel it? I think you guys are on the ball point pen 0G brigade. Man, simpler is better. This connector will probably cost 20 times more to make... which is likely the real reason for it. To fix the problem with no hardware all you have to do is standardize the position. Positive down is always left/inside most depending on the orientation of the battery compartment. Man it ain't that hard!!

 

[cloud8521]

always put the flat to the spring and the nub to the non spring contact

 

[gladson1976]

I guess you guys have got it all wrong. This is not a technology to change the design of a battery, its the battery compartments of the devices thats going to change

InstaLoad is a patented battery contact design now available for license by third-party device suppliers, with companies like Duracell already lining up to endorse the technology for use in their own products.

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.

Technology Partner Quotes

"Duracell Smart Power is all about making the lives of consumers easier and more efficient as they depend on battery power for the mobile devices that keep them organized and connected while away from the grid. After evaluating Microsoft's InstaLoad technology, Duracell is excited about the possibilities of incorporating this simplified battery installation technology into future Duracell products, delivering a better experience for our consumers."

Dan McCarthy

Director, Global Marketing

Duracell

"Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in the supply of technology products used by outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Our customers demand the highest quality products used in the harshest environments. We are pleased to be working with Microsoft to incorporate the InstaLoad Technology into our headlamps to let our customers focus on the task at hand."

David Mellon

VP Product

Black Diamond Equipment Co.

"AE Light is pleased to be one of the first companies to incorporate Microsoft's InstaLoad technology into our law enforcement flashlight line. Having the ability to quickly change a battery without concern of proper positioning under stressful conditions is a major safety improvement."

Marc Allsman

President

Allsman Enterprises (AE Light)

"As a leading manufacturer of communication technology for people with hearing and vision loss, simplicity is a key component to the usability of our products. We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to offer the InstaLoad battery installation technology in ClearSounds Communications' planned accessibility products. This seemingly simple technology will dramatically improve the experience for our customers."

Michele Ahlman

President

ClearSounds Communications

"Memory Protection Devices (MPD) is pleased to partner with Microsoft on the rollout of its InstaLoad technology. We intend to manufacture Microsoft's InstaLoad battery holders and contacts, and market them via our websites (http://www.batteryholders.com and http://www.battery-contacts.com). We will ensure that these innovative components are available to developers of battery powered products on a global scale."

Tom Blaha

President

Memory Protection Devices Inc.

 

[kronckew]

it's not that difficult to envision a diode bridge that would allow a std. battery to be put in either way. it just requires the leakage in the reverse polarized diodes to be at an acceptable level to keep from draining the battery too quickly.

and

... NASA spent $10M to invent a ball point pen that worked in 0G and the Russians just used pencils. ...

see snopes LINKY

Extract from same:

 

[Win7User512]

I guess you guys have got it all wrong. This is not a technology to change the design of a battery, its the battery compartments of the devices thats going to change

InstaLoad is a patented battery contact design now available for license by third-party device suppliers, with companies like Duracell already lining up to endorse the technology for use in their own products.

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.

Yes, the connectors of the device. Just as I posted.