14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has announced plans to release the final iOS 4.2 software update in Novemver with a new addition - AirPrint, a feature that automatically finds printers on local networks and can print text, photos and graphics to them wirelessly, without the need to install drivers or other software.
According to the official announcement posted by Apple just hours ago, a beta of iOS 4.2 already incorporates AirPlay and is immediately available to members of Apple’s iOS developer program.
The press release reveals that AirPrint will be included in the free iOS 4.2 software update for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad in November.
“AirPrint automatically finds printers on local networks and can print text, photos and graphics to them wirelessly over Wi-Fi without the need to install drivers or download software,” Apple said.
The Mac maker also informs that existing and upcoming ePrint enabled printers from HP will be the first to support AirPrint.
“AirPrint is Apple’s powerful new printing architecture that matches the simplicity of iOS—no set up, no configuration, no printer drivers and no software to download,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
“iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users can simply tap to print their documents or photos wirelessly to an HP ePrint printer or to a printer shared on a Mac or PC,” added Schiller.
“We’re pleased to work with Apple to bring Apple’s AirPrint to our fall lineup of ePrint printers in time for the holiday shopping season,” said Vyomesh Joshi, HP executive vice president, Imaging and Printing Group.
“Making it easy for our customers to print anytime, anywhere, is a key priority for HP. iPad, iPhone and iPod touch customers are going to love how easy it is to print using our new range of ePrint printers, creating high-quality printed pages in an instant,” Joshi added.
HP printers that will be immediately compatible with iOS 4.2 this fall include the HP Photosmart, Officejet, Officejet Pro and LaserJet Pro series ePrint enabled printers, Apple said.
The Cupertino, California-based company notes that AirPrint will support an array of printers “from entry level inkjet printers to office laser printers.”
AirPrint is compatible with iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (second generation and later), Apple confirmed.