The Play and Charge Kit contains a rechargeable battery pack and a USB charging cable. Use of the charging cable does not affect the functionality of the controller, and may be used without interruption to game play. The Play & Charge cable also allows use of a wireless controller without a battery pack. When doing so, Microsoft recommends using a AA pack (empty) to avoid damage to the exposed battery compartment. When connected, the controller does not act as a wired controller, but continues to communicate with the console or receiver wirelessly; data is sent via USB to the host only to allow automatic syncing and to initiate charging and does not send controller input data. As a result, the cable need not be plugged into the console or computer the controller is being used with — any convenient powered USB port may be used. The Play and Charge Kit will also automatically sync the controller to a Wireless Gaming Receiver when both are plugged into a Windows computer.