HP's printers on clouds

Printing major, HP unveiled a new series of Web-enabled printers putting in
the use of cloud computing by which, a consumer can print documents from
anywhere in the world without accessing the documents manually.

Speaking over the new launch, John Solomon, Senior VP, HP (IPG), APAC said,
"The new Web-enabled printers allow the consumer to print documents without
accessing the computer at all and across different platforms. A document can be
printed from a smartphone or a remote computer and there is no need to connect
the computer to the printer."

The technology is based on the cloud computation model and no drivers are
needed for the printer installation. With a new printer installation, the
consumer is provided with an e-mail address for the printer, where the consumer
may directly mail the file or attachment for printing. The process works
entirely over the network. The new technology, according to HP is on the realm,
primarily because of the rising demand of smartphones and the tablet PCs in the
APAC region. "The trend in the APAC region is the rising demand for smartphones,
which is growing at 11 percent on a YoY basis. The adoption is expected to rise
to 31 percent. Hence, we think that it is the right time as well as the right
opportunity for the consumers and us as well," he added. Apart from the new
cloud technology introduced by HP, the vendor has also decided to focus on
adding application and tools to enhance the printing experience. Adding
customized page access to the printers, HP has enabled its printers with
DreamWorks, Snapfish Photos, Tabloid News, and Google Calendar directly.