Microsoft working on ‘Software Defined Batteries’ for longer life

While purchasing a computer or mobile, battery performance is almost on every checklist. A battery that lasts longer will be always preferred by customers.

Researchers at Microsoft are developing a system, which uses different kinds of existing batteries along with smarter software, “to keep laptops and tablets charged much longer than current standards”, the tech giant said in a blog post.

“Rather than waiting for the perfect battery, we’re using all the technology available right now,” said Ranveer Chandra, a principal researcher at Microsoft Research.

The project is called ‘Software Defined Batteries’ and the researchers have built working prototypes, hoping that it will be eventually used in the devices. Besides using multiple kinds of batteries that are optimized for various tasks, the software-defined battery also employs a unique technique called “Machine Learning” to learn from a user’s individual habits, so it can figure out how to extend battery life based on how that person is using the device.

“Even the optimization is personalized to the users’ needs,” said Anirudh Badam, a researcher who worked on the project.

Chandra is quite optimistic about the project and sees its use far beyond laptops and tablets. This concept could eventually be applied to phones, cars and anything else that uses a battery, he said.

“We think we can get you the benefits of the different types of batteries that have already been invented, rather than having to keep on waiting for the ultimate battery to be invented,” Chandra said.