Web-enabled printer needs no PC

 

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By Matthew Sparkes

Posted on 23 Jun 2009 at 10:03

HP has launched a web-enabled printer that can connect to popular websites and print content without a PC.

The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support and a 4.33in touchscreen.

The printer will use custom-written applications to scrape content from websites. At launch there will be apps for USA Today, Google and Nickelodeon, among others.

Using these applications, users can connect to sites to print out news, maps, money-saving coupons and cinema tickets, all without having to switch on their PC.

Users will be able to download new applications directly to their printer from the HP Apps Studio, as and when they become available.

"By giving people access to the content they want at the touch of a finger, the ability to customise their printing experience and create their own apps, and enabling easy 'one touch' wireless setup, we are driving a significant shift in how people will be printing in the future," claims Vyomesh Joshi, executive vice president of the Imaging and Printing Group at HP.

No information on UK pricing has yet been released, but it is expected to cost $399 when it is launched in the US this autumn.