14 DAY TRIAL // HP has released software updates for six new printers adding support for Apple’s iOS 4.2 AirPrint feature, which allows iOS device owners to automatically, and wirelessly print almost any type of content with a few simple commands.
AirPrint automatically finds printers on local networks and can print text, photos and graphics to them wirelessly, over Wi-Fi.
The standard effectively eliminates the need to install drivers or download additional software, but only for originally supported printers.
At the time the feature was introduced to the market, Apple noted that HP’s existing and upcoming ePrint enabled printers would be the first to support printing direct from iOS devices.
“AirPrint makes it simple to print email, photos, web pages, and documents right from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch,” Apple states on its web site.
“A few taps is all it takes to go from viewing it onscreen to holding a printed copy. There’s no software to download, no drivers to install, and no cables to connect,” the Mac maker specifically noted.
While this applied for printers that worked out-of-the box with AirPrint, the same thing cannot be said about all printers on the market.
Even some of HP’s printers need additional software, in order to support the standard.
However, the hardware vendor was quick to issue the necessary updates to further expand its range of AirPrint-compatible devices. According to 9to5mac, the newly-supported printers are:
- Officejet 6500A e-AiO - Officejet 6500A Plus e-AiO - Officejet 7500A Wide Format e-AiO - Officejet Pro 8500A e-AiO - Officejet Pro 8500A Plus e-AiO - Officejet Pro 8500A Premium e-AiO
Apple’s AirPrint is designed to support an array of devices from entry level inkjet printers to office laser printers.
iOS 4.2 devices can print to units shared through a Mac or a PC as well. Unsupported printers also work this way, but additional software needs to be installed.
One example is AirPrintActivator which, unfortunately, doesn’t have Apple’s approval.
AirPrint works with iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (third generation and later).