HP brings apps to printers

HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web tries to emulate the iPhone

22 June 2009 19:08 GMT / By Stuart Miles

HP is hoping to emulate the success of the mobile app store on its printers with its latest Photosmart printer.

Called the HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web, the new model will come with the ability to connect to the Internet and allow users to download applications to "suit their interests and needs" according to HP.

The interface, which uses the company's TouchSmart technology as found on its All-in-one desktop PCs, will let users "browse and view popular web destinations", as well as, "launch a web page where they can customize and print content on demand in an easy-to-read format".

HP has already announced a handful of app partners in the US including USA TODAY, Google, Fandango, Coupons.com, DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, Web Sudoku and Weathernews Inc.

Through these apps, people will have free access to customised daily news, maps, coupons, colouring pages, movie tickets, recipes, and personal calendars without having to use a computer.

The new printers also will connect directly to HP's online printing and photo service, Snapfish, allowing people to view, print and upload photos.

“Today marks another change in the way our readers can access news and information as we bring print-on-demand to consumers’ homes,” said Jeff Webber, publisher, USATODAY.com. “People can print the latest stories from USA TODAY at the touch of a finger to better fit their busy, on-the-go lives”.

From Google Maps, consumers will be able to enter their destination and print a map; from Google Calendar, they will be able to print their weekly schedule to place on their refrigerator or bulletin board.

The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web has an extra-large 4.33-inch touchscreen, comes with the ability to scan and fax documents as well as offering Bluetooth and wireless connectivity.

Expected to be available later this year the HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web will retail in the United States for a target street price of $399. HP has yet to announce whether the new printer will be heading to the UK.

We will keep you posted.