Microsoft InstaLoad Batteries Don't Depend On Polarity

Have you ever had your power go out in the middle of the night, whether due to electrical issues or a natural disaster, and found that putting a new pair of batteries into your flashlight is a remarkably frustrating ordeal, due to the fact those batteries have to be inserted in one particular way for the flashlight to work. Not much of an issue for every-day usage, but thankfully it's sometimes the not every-day usage that stems the coolest inventions.

Microsoft is currently in the process of licensing a new technology that will allow people to put batteries into any device, in any direction, and get that device to start working. As the title suggests, these batteries wouldn't depend on the polarity of positive and negative. And InstaLoad, what Microsoft is calling this new technology, is able to function in any cylindrical battery, whether they are disposable or recharcheable. That includes AA, AAA, C, and D. So, the bases have been covered.

As of right now, the technology is currently available for other companies to license. And, just to sweeten the deal, Microsoft has announced that they will allow to license royalty-free if companies agree to create products that benefit the hearing, vision, or learning impaired. As of right now, Duracell and AE Light are some of the first companies to jump on board the licensing of the new technology, so hopefully it won't be long before we start seeing the fruit of those licenses.

[via CNET]