Apple is releasing a beta version of its AirPrint wireless printing technology for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch content developers. It confirmed that AirPrint will be included in the iOS 4.2 software update 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.
Technology giant HP confirmed its existing and upcoming ePrint enabled printers will be the first to support printing direct from iOS devices.
“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.”
Print anytime, anywhere
AirPrint is designed to support a wide range of printers, from entry-level inkjet printers to office laser printers. Additionally, iOS 4.2 devices can print to printers shared through a Mac or a PC. iOS 4.2 compatible HP printers this fall include the HP Photosmart, Officejet, Officejet Pro and LaserJet Pro series ePrint enabled printers.
AirPrint will work with iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch (second generation and later) devices.
“We’re pleased to be working 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.”
