Put the batteries in backwards

I think it is ridiculous that Microsoft thinks they can patent that. The technology has been around for a very long time.
They may have a new twist on it though?

I always find it odd that electronic devices still suffer from such a lame bug, one that is easily and inexpensively resolved.

You know, one reason batteries such as AA, CR123 etc have a flat negative base and a small protruding positive terminal is to allow this polarisation of the connection. Been that way for … 50 – 100 years.

Yes, there are other historical factors involved, but I am sure the battery companies must be sighing quietly in their offices.

Actually, now that you mention it, the miniature headlights I make for myself have been using that polarisation as a safety mechanism for 5 years. Ho Hum.

Cheers

I store the battery in my headlamp backwards to prevent accidental draining from being bumped on while in the pack. I think many people do this. Polarity is a good thing sometimes.