Microsoft banishes battery bungling

Microsoft is taking the fumbling out of figuring out which way batteries fit into gadgets. The US technology colossus on Thursday unveiled "InstaLoad" technology that lets batteries energize devices regardless of how the negative and positive polarity connections are in place.

"Industries that could greatly benefit from this type of timesaving technology based on their environments include law enforcement, military, construction, outdoor sporting and camping," Microsoft said in a release.

"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."

Battery powerhouse Duracell is among firms that have expressed interest in the technology, which Microsoft is licensing to gadget makers.

Allsman Enterprises said it is building the technology into a line of flashlights for police.

"Having the ability to quickly change a battery without concern of proper positioning under stressful conditions is a major safety improvement," said Marc Allsman, the firm's president.

Microsoft also announced a program to license the technology free for use in devices designed for people with hearing, vision or learning disabilities.

(c) 2010 AFP