Microsoft announces InstaLoad battery technology: never insert a battery the wrong way again
By Donald Melanson 
posted July 1st 2010 2:27PM
posted July 1st 2010 2:27PM
Microsoft has certainly had some ups and downs with its products over the years, 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. It promises to do nothing short of redefine the way you insert batteries, and let you shove 'em into devices without any regard for positive or negative polarity. That's apparently possible thanks to a patented battery contact design, which Microsoft says "simply works," and is compatible with a whole range of battery sizes (both standard and rechargeable). What's more, Microsoft is now already licensing the technology to third party device suppliers, and is even offering a royalty-free license for suppliers and manufacturers of accessibility products. Still no word on when the first devices using the technology will be available, but Microsoft already counts Duracell and flashlight-manufacturer AE Light among its partners. Head on past the break for the complete press release.
Microsoft Unveils InstaLoad Battery Installation Technology That Allows Batteries to Be Inserted in Either Direction: New ease-of-use feature now available for third-party licensing.
REDMOND, Wash. July 1, 2010 Microsoft Corp. today announced a new technology aimed at improving the battery installation process called InstaLoad battery installation technology, which allows users to easily install a battery without regard to positive and negative polarity. Never again will people have to squint to see battery installation diagrams - the device simply works regardless if the battery is installed positive-side-up or positive-side-down. 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.
Product Applications and Differentiators
InstaLoad technology can be incorporated into devices that require frequent battery swap-outs, are used in less-than-ideal environments or use several batteries. Industries that could greatly benefit from this type of timesaving technology based on their environments include law enforcement, military, construction, outdoor sporting and camping. In addition, users of devices with multiple batteries and frequent battery swap-out - including battery chargers, digital cameras, camera flash units and toys - could also benefit.
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.
Royalty-Free License Program for Accessibility Products
The InstaLoad technology can provide an additional usability benefit for battery-operated accessibility devices that are designed for people with hearing, vision or learning disabilities.
"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 Licensing Program
InstaLoad is the latest addition to the Microsoft Hardware Intellectual Property Licensing program. The Microsoft Hardware IP Licensing program was established five years ago and has successfully licensed Microsoft technology to many global manufacturers and retail brands in the mouse, keyboard and webcam industries. InstaLoad is the first technology offering by Microsoft Hardware for licensing to a broader industry, across a variety of battery-operated devices.
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. This logo program will help users identify those battery-operated products that feature InstaLoad technology. Microsoft offers commercial licensees fair and equitable terms. In addition, Microsoft offers a no-charge InstaLoad evaluation kit, which includes a detailed design specification and demo unit to help device suppliers quickly start their product prototyping.
More information about the Microsoft InstaLoad technology and Hardware IP Licensing program is available at
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/licensing/instaloadtechnology.mspx or by e-mail at askmisip@microsoft.com.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.
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.
REDMOND, Wash. July 1, 2010 Microsoft Corp. today announced a new technology aimed at improving the battery installation process called InstaLoad battery installation technology, which allows users to easily install a battery without regard to positive and negative polarity. Never again will people have to squint to see battery installation diagrams - the device simply works regardless if the battery is installed positive-side-up or positive-side-down. 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.
Product Applications and Differentiators
InstaLoad technology can be incorporated into devices that require frequent battery swap-outs, are used in less-than-ideal environments or use several batteries. Industries that could greatly benefit from this type of timesaving technology based on their environments include law enforcement, military, construction, outdoor sporting and camping. In addition, users of devices with multiple batteries and frequent battery swap-out - including battery chargers, digital cameras, camera flash units and toys - could also benefit.
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.
Royalty-Free License Program for Accessibility Products
The InstaLoad technology can provide an additional usability benefit for battery-operated accessibility devices that are designed for people with hearing, vision or learning disabilities.
"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 Licensing Program
InstaLoad is the latest addition to the Microsoft Hardware Intellectual Property Licensing program. The Microsoft Hardware IP Licensing program was established five years ago and has successfully licensed Microsoft technology to many global manufacturers and retail brands in the mouse, keyboard and webcam industries. InstaLoad is the first technology offering by Microsoft Hardware for licensing to a broader industry, across a variety of battery-operated devices.
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. This logo program will help users identify those battery-operated products that feature InstaLoad technology. Microsoft offers commercial licensees fair and equitable terms. In addition, Microsoft offers a no-charge InstaLoad evaluation kit, which includes a detailed design specification and demo unit to help device suppliers quickly start their product prototyping.
More information about the Microsoft InstaLoad technology and Hardware IP Licensing program is available at
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/licensing/instaloadtechnology.mspx or by e-mail at askmisip@microsoft.com.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.
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.
@Hazdaz
I guess if you have less than perfect vision you'd find this pretty helpful.
@tkuhl87 theres an app for that
Wow, this is great news. Maybe the next iPhone will get a removable battery, seeing Steve Jobs thinks that all people are stupid. And during the release announcement you will hear something along the lines of "We have developed a new type of MAGICAL technology that will let you put our new type of battery in anyway you want!!" Once that happens, all the Fanboys that are bashing this post will think it's the best thing Apple has ever invented.
Awesome! I have a digital camera that's always giving me problems with the way the batteries go - the image is in a weird spot and is hard to see, and the battery well is so recessed in an odd position that I can't tell which side has the spring (which generally means that's the negative side).
This is a joke right? How fricking hard is it to insert batteries the right way?
@tmadel
Maybe people with dexterity or vision problems, the eldery, or drunk. It's less shit you have to deal with, stop complaining.
i remember when i was young, batteries seemed to be everywhere.
i think the Wii reintroduced them to me.
LOL @ all the instaload jokes! But seriously it's good to see MSFT innovating outside of software.
Noooo!!!! The same people who don't read battery diagrams are same people who don't read InstaLoad-compatible labels. But as my computer instructor used to say "All you hve to do is put the smoke back in to fix it."
MS is beyond computers, Apple would never think of this
>>> What's more, Microsoft is now already licensing the technology to third party device suppliers, and is even offering a royalty-free license for suppliers and manufacturers of accessibility products.
How's about some photos?
@techee44 Is that an Oil Spill joke?
Thanks to the instaload in my ants I now have an oil spill!!!!
Get the clean up crews!
The last time we heard, "it simply works"..... things didn't turn out so well...
I installed the batteries backwards in my Energizer Bunny.
He just kept coming and coming and coming.
Ed
More expensive I fear.
This sounds a lot like "proprietary battery connectors" meant for mainstream use.
In a world where built in, rechargeable batteries that do not need to ever be removed are commonplace, I really don't see the point with this?
Microsoft, you have become a source of great amusement lately!
@Joao Cagao
Uhh they're not that commonplace. In high-tech, high-drain devices, sure. But rechargables lose charge over time and aren't ideal in devices like flashlights, or even wireless keyboards/mice that can last for months on regular batteries.
@Raffi256
I am sure that the Chinese manufacturers that produce flashlights for a few pennies each can't wait to pay Microsoft a licensing fee to have this oh so important technology! I for one will not be buying any device without this logo on it, I certainly don't want to take the chance of installing the batteries wrong - then what would I do? This will be Microsoft's rise back to the top!
GO BALLMER, GO - YOU FREAKIN' DANCING MONKEY GENIUS!
@Raffi256
months before replacement, just makes the any which battery placement that less of a big deal.
Best. Comments. Ever.
I've never laughed at so many.
@techee44
simply tremendous
Obviously most people in this thread don't work or design for a tech company. Many times while designing a new hardware product you stumble across an improvement to the current ways things are put together. My guess is that a Microsoft engineer was designing a new product that uses batteries (like an xbox controller) and had an "Ah-hah" moment that lead to this new innovation. He showed it to his boss, it probably ran up the ladder and then got approval to develop it and then eventually it became a new technology.
Many innovations are created this way.
@tgates Go to the website @ http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/licensing/instaloadtechnology.mspx , it looks like lots of companies are getting on board so they must know a hella lot more than you e-thugs that comment here.
@tgates
No, you are right. I am sure this is going to be as wildly popular as the Zune & the KIn combined.
It doesn't mention whether this InstantLoad works in devices that have battery stack - inner batteries have to their polarity correctly aligned to get the sum of voltages. Since this is a mechanical solution, I can't imagine how it could reverse the effect of wrong polarity in the inner of batteries of a battery stack. Or did Microsoft to test that scenario?
Should be called "stupiload"...
I can just see morons frying non-stupiload electronics and batteries, because they've been stupi-trained by this innovation..
Let me guess is this "patented technology" a bridge rectifier? put one between the battery compartment and the device circuitry, and it doesn't matter which way the batteries go. The bridge rectifier will take care of the polarity just like it does converting an AC current to DC. Im really surprised this wasn't done sooner, the cost of 4 diodes or a bridge rectifier package cant be more than 5cents each in bulk
@d0ug
...and that 5-cent ordinary non-patentable circuit could be added to any battery powered device (flashlights, radios, etc) to allow ordinary standard batteries to go in either way. But instead, they want to use a special patented battery design, so that we have to pay that much more for every battery, plus a Microsoft tax on both the device and the batteries. Just wonderful.
Ah twchnology! It makes the world a better place even for inhabitants of dumbfvckistan. On behalf of these rejects, who cannot speak for themselves let alone insert a battery properly, I want to thank Microsoft for this revolutionary and magical invention!
Future: Microsoft discontinues _______ product after 48 days. Sales weren't as strong as expected. Fill in the blank with anything new from Microsoft.
If you have to put batteries in a certain way they blew it.
So where are all the idiots who say MS hardware isnt innovative?
Well... This is cool? But i fail to see the point. do that many people really struggle with such a simple concept of orienting the battery, or does this "limitation" pose some sort of design challenge that this solution solves?
From an end user standpoint, I fail to see what's so great about this.
"royalty-free license" microsoft have been kind lately. Apple needs to take note on this.
It's not a problem for most people, but it could be useful for little children replacing the batteries in their toys, or if you're camping and your flashlight just died. You still have to find the dang batteries, but at least you don't have to worry about the polarity...
Do people still use batteries this much? The only thing I own that uses batteries is my tv remote, which gets replaced once every 2 years.
This is just stupid. I remember when you could go through a pack of betteries is just a coir months, now you can buy a pack and it's lasts years.
@techee44 Wow. How f@cking stupid has society become, that something like this needs to be invented?
Uhhh, Apple invented something like this a loooong time ago, it was called, "The iPod"
It prevents you from even being able to change the battery!
for me its one of those.. "Oh, why didn't I try to patent this.." moment!!! :(
@techee44
I bet it lasts only 15 seconds.
"...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."
Uh, if Microsoft, a company who should be known to 'specialize' in PCs, operating systems, and software, is now said that their 'never-insert-a-battery-the-wrong-way technology' is the 'best thing it's ever done, that's extremely pathetic, BAHAHAHA!
500x pairs of AA battery clips: 45c each.
10x 1 Amp 200V diodes: 2c each.
Any electrical engineer who thinks of the polarity problem (enough to decide to use some fancy Microsoft clip) already knows the solution: a single diode.
Microsoft, are you telling me that your fancy machined clip with all its associated licensing costs is going to cost less than 2c more than the cheap volume parts I can already get?
Source for prices:
http://au.farnell.com/jsp/search/browse.jsp?N=1002734+511&Ns=PRICE_PLS_018_PRICE1|0&locale=en_AU&appliedparametrics=true&getResults=true&No=0&catalogId=&prevNValues=1002734+511+5064062&filtersHidden=false&appliedHidden=false&originalQueryURL=%2Fjsp%2Fsearch%2Fbrowse.jsp%3FN%3D1002734%26No%3D0%26getResults%3Dtrue%26appliedparametrics%3Dtrue%26locale%3Den_AU%26catalogId%3D%26prevNValues%3D1002734
http://au.farnell.com/jsp/search/browse.jsp?N=1002350+511&Ns=PRICE_PLS_018_PRICE1|0&No=0&getResults=true&appliedparametrics=true&locale=en_AU&catalogId=&prevNValues=1002350&filtersHidden=false&appliedHidden=false&originalQueryURL=%2Fjsp%2Fsearch%2Fbrowse.jsp%3FN%3D1002350%26Ns%3DPRICE_PLS_018_PRICE1%257c0%26No%3D0%26getResults%3Dtrue%26appliedparametrics%3Dtrue%26locale%3Den_AU%26catalogId%3D%26prevNValues%3D1002350
doesn't look new to me. After about 1 minute of searching I found teh following patent: European patent number: EP1343212
@patent guy
oops, that patent isn't great prior art. try this one instead:
US20030207170
http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PG01&S1=20030207170.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030207170&RS=DN/20030207170
OH,now my laptop life is complete.
as long as it doesn't come with a steep price
http://www.laptop-battery-chargers.com