Multi-function printer boasts web access

By Eric Brown
2009-06-26

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HP announced the self-proclaimed "world’s first web-connected home printer." The $400 HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web is a multi-function inkjet equipped with a 4.3-inch touchscreen and Web-enabled embedded Linux computer, plus a collection of printing apps that can be added to by third parties.

The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web can print, fax, copy, and scan, producing "laser-quality text documents and lab-quality photos," says HP. The 4.3-inch touchscreen is touted being the largest touchscreen of any all-in-one inkjet printer on the market. Equipped with Ethernet, WiFi, and Bluetooth connections, the device can print directly from WiFi-enabled PCs and Bluetooth-enabled devices. Users with the HP iPrint Photo app can also print directly from Apple iPhone and iPod Touch devices, says HP.

According to HP, the Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web runs embedded Linux on a Freescale i.MX.31 processor, together with an undisclosed amount of RAM and flash memory. Its web browser, meanwhile, is based on the open source Webkit rendering engine, according to HP. Webkit has been used on a variety of products, including Apple's Safari browser for desktops and devices, Nokia's browser for its Symbian-based S60 platform, and Pleyo's Origyn.

The initial list of partners providing Photosmart web apps based around their sites and software include USA Today, Google, Fandango, Coupons.com, DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, Web Sudoku, and Weathernews, says HP. The HP printer is also said to connect directly to Snapfish accounts to view, print, and upload photos. Users are also said to be able to access projects from HP Creative Studio.

HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web
(Click to enlarge)

The initial set of apps include the following:

USA Today -- Print daily, weekly, or monthly news from USA Today, updated in real time and customized according to interests.
Google Maps -- Enter a destination and print a map.
Google Calendar -- View and print personal calendars and weekly schedules.
Coupons.com -- Print coupons for groceries, restaurants, entertainment, etc.. and browse and print recipes.
Fandango -- Search movies, and buy and print tickets for Fandango's 16,000 U.S. theater screens.
DreamWorks Animation -- Download coloring pages and templates from DreamWorks Animation , and view DreamWorks movie trailers.
Nickelodeon -- Download coloring books and kids activities.
Weathernews -- View and print a weekly forecast and other weather information.
Web Sudoku -- Print puzzles and brain teasers.
Snapfish -- Access and print Snapfish photo albums.

Starting in late 2009, users can create and share their own Photosmart apps via the company's HP Apps Studio site, says HP. Presumably, more information about development tools for the Linux-based system will follow in the fall when the printers are expected to ship.

HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web touchscreen display
(Click to enlarge)

Specifications listed for the HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web include:

Display -- 4.33-inch touchscreen (resolution not listed)
Networking -- 1 x Ethernet port
Wireless -- 802.11 b/g/n WiFi; Bluetooth
USB -- 1 x USB 2.0 (High Speed)
Printing -- Up to 33 pages per minute (ppm) black; up to 32 ppm color; 4 x 6-inch photos as fast as 18 seconds
Scanning -- 4800 x 9600dpi optical resolution scanning; 48-bit color scanning
Copying:
- Up to 33 copies-per-minute (cpm) in black; up to 32 cpm in color
- Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi black copying with 1200 scan dpi
- Up to 4800 optimized dpi color copying
Fax -- Stores up to 60 phone numbers
Dimensions -- 18.0 x 19.3 x 7.8 inches
Weight -- 16.5 lbs.
Operating system -- embedded Linux; desktop support for Windows Vista or XP SP1 or higher; Mac OS X v10.4, v10.5 or v10.6

The Energy Star qualified printer offers automatic two-sided printing, says HP. The printer is also said to reduce packaging waste by shipping in a reusable bag made from recycled plastics.

Availability

The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web is expected to ship this fall in the U.S. for $400. More information may be found here.

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