Posted on 05/13/2023 3:29:04 PM PDT by algore
A well-known computer brand has disabled the printers of customers using ink cartridges from rival companies. Hewlett-Packard, or HP, has sparked fury after issuing a recent “firmware” update which blocks customers from using cheaper, non-HP ink cartridges in its printers.
Customers’ devices were remotely updated in line with new terms which mean their printers will not work unless they are fitted with approved ink cartridges. It prevents customers from using any cartridges other than those fitted with an HP chip, which are often more expensive. If the customer tries to use a non-HP ink cartridge, the printer will refuse to print.
HP printers used to display a warning when a “third-party” ink cartridge was inserted, but now printers will simply refuse to print altogether. The printer company said it issued the update to reduce the risk of malware attacks, saying “third-party cartridges that use non-HP chips or circuitry can pose risks to the hardware performance, print quality, and security.”
It also said it used regular updates to improve its services, such as introducing alerts for some customers telling them when their ink is running low.
The consumer group Which? said manufacturers were “actively blocking customers from exerting their right to choose the cheapest ink and therefore get a better deal”.
According to its website, all HP standard printers will block cartridges using a non-HP chip or circuitry. The spokesman added some third-party cartridges reuse the HP chip or electronic circuitry and those that do will function as normal.
Some customers can choose to disable HP’s cartridge-blocking feature in the printer’s settings, HP said, but it depends on the printer model. Others will be stuck with a printer that only works if they commit to spending more on ink cartridges approved by HP.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
You can only buy Tesla branded electricity for your car, or it will be disabled.
You must only use Federal Reserve dollars, or you shall not be allowed to buy or sell.
HP - Has Problems.
Before long, that will be GOVERNMENT sold electricity.
If this is added after someone bought a HP printer, they should sue. HP has to provide a patch to override the block no matter what in this case. Mybtwo printers are Epson, though my desktop is Hp
They need the Bud Light treatment...
Consistent with what appears to be the business model for many manufacturers of printers - sell the device as cheaply as possible; make a bundle on over-priced ink cartridges for the life of the machine.
Go into settings and disable auto-updates and never agree to a manual update if prompted.
I gave up on my cannon printer... its just a scanner now... I scan and email to myself.... and have the local place print it and mail it out if they can.... or take it to the post office a block away... beats paying $30 for ink that drys out in a week.
Instead of disabling the printer, the printer should print angry messages regardless of what the user was printing.
I use Brother laser printers.
Never an HP product in this home.
I got an Epson ET-3750 a few years ago from Costco, it’s an all in one machine and wireless. It came with a ton of ink in bottles and you fill internal tanks. I’ve printed thousands of pages and still am on the original ink. You occasionally have to clean the printheads (run a program) but it’s otherwise a fantastic machine.
“If this is added after someone bought a HP printer, they should sue. HP has to provide a patch to override the block no matter what in this case. Mybtwo printers are Epson, though my desktop is Hp.”
No they don’t, Microsoft has proven that they can all do what they want at any time they like. It is never yours, it is always theirs. Just like all Windows machines...
Thank God we no longer have any Anti Trust Laws!!!!
In my HP laser printer a couple weeks ago, It did a firmware upgrade and it made my scanner quit working, took a couple hours and HP scanner tools, Reinstalling the software it came with wouldn’t make it work. It was a real pain in the ass to get it up and running again. Yes I have TrueImage cartridges in it.
I have literally HATED the printer since I bought it, it came with MeToo Software Factory installed. You literally can NOT do anything without walking over to the damn thing and pushing the OK button.
I will NEVER buy another HP product, it is 4 years old and I am about to toss it in the trash
I got totally away from ink cartridges. The ink “tanks” are cheaper, easier, and don’t need replacement nearly as frequently.
I’ve been either refilling or buying on ebay. Saves a ton of money.
I have blocked that update after I read about it on a different forum. Just don’t update.
I have an Epson tank printer! Gave up on print cartridges 20,000 printed pages ago. I couldn’t be happier. Even though my tank printer can’t print photos, but that’s a small trade off.
Good thing I’ve been ignoring the firmware update on my printer!
It will be worse than that. All your paper money and coins will be void after we switch to digital currency. Govt can withdraw money from your digital balance in bank account for any reason such as disrespecting a trans person, or using a gas range.
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