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.