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Office for iPad now lets you print documents
Microsoft vowed that Office for iPad users wouldn't always have to track down a PC just to print their files, and it's making good on that promise with a slew of app updates. The tablet-sized versions of Excel, PowerPoint and Word now let you make hard copies of documents so long as you have an AirPrint-friendly printer on hand. The move tackles one of the biggest gripes we had with Office when it launched last month; it's at last possible to skip the computer entirely when producing that class report or family budget.
Google Drive for iOS now supports multiple accounts, AirPrint and CloudPrint capability
Not super thrilled with the prospect of using iCloud for your web storage needs? Google Drive presents an ever-improving alternative to Apple's in-house solution, and today's iOS app update brings a couple of new features into the fold. The app now supports multiple accounts, so you can access your personal, work, or alter ego GDrive files with ease. And, for those luddites who prefer holding an actual piece of paper instead of an iPad to do their document review, iOS users can now print as they please using either Apple's AirPrint or Google's CloudPrint protocol. Got it? Go get it.
ToughWriter prototype brings color printing to the cockpit, we go hands-on
You might be surprised to hear that many current aircraft already have the ability to print documents at 30,000 feet. Long-haul airliners like the Boeing Dreamliner and Airbus A340 A380 ship with a ToughWriter flight deck printer installed and ready to go, but the device has been limited to black and white output, which can be a bit restrictive when it comes to spitting out charts and weather information. Astro-Med, the company behind the cockpit printer currently churning out reports in thousands of commercial, business and military planes, has a spiffy new model on the way. We spotted an early prototype on display at the Paris Air Show this week, and while it's still a ways off from being cockpit-ready, the device works quite well, printing to ZINK paper at about 30 seconds per page, compared to 5 seconds for the monochrome version. Unlike the printers we're accustomed to using on the ground, a ToughWriter must be installed before an aircraft is certified, so it's really something you need to factor in before the FAA signs off on your plane. In other words, don't expect to simply swap in this new color model once it hits the market. It's also an expensive acquisition -- it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect pricing in the $25,000 range, though that detail has yet to be announced. The version we saw in Paris is very much a work in progress -- it far exceeds the maximum size allowed, and it's heavier than the targeted 10 pounds, too. It does print quite nicely, though, and once engineers manage to squeeze the printer into a smaller housing, it'll likely include AirPrint so pilots can print from their iPads, and possibly Android wireless support, too. Astro-Med reps weren't able to tell us when the color ToughWriter will take to the skies, and considering the certification involved, it could be a few years out. Catch it in action in the gallery below.%Gallery-191672% Update: We originally reported that the monochrome ToughWriter model is installed in the Airbus A340, however the correct aircraft type is A380. The error has been corrected.
Ecamm releases Printopia Pro for corporate users
Ecamm already makes the popular Printopia app; it's a Mac-based solution for printing from iOS devices (and other connected Macs) for those that don't wish to use or purchase specific AirPrint-supported printers. Now the company has released Printopia Pro to tackle the bigger challenges of AirPrint in corporate or institutional networks. Similar to Printopia, Printopia Pro leverages AirPrint, but without the need for investment in new, AirPrint-supported printers. Ecamm has taken the features of Printopia and powered them up in Printopia Pro to work in extremely demanding print circumstances. [Some enterprise users have aimed to solve this problem with Lantronix's xPrintServer hardware, which now comes in both office and home editions. –Ed.] Printopia Pro is scalable to support hundreds of users and supports all the existing printers on your network. With centralized management, you can manage print jobs, access controls, configure printers and monitor printer status in real-time and from any location. The product supports printing across subnets (a key drawback of the basic AirPrint service, which normally requires some DNS and wide-area Bonjour tweaking to overcome) and integrates with corporate directory services for access control to printers. Print jobs can be sent via Secure AirPrint, using SSL encryption to hide them from network snoopers. You can even configure Printopia Pro to provide PDF virtual printers, so iOS users can transparently print to web or server folders for paperless workflows. Pricing starts at US$79 for teams/small businesses and goes up to $499 for enterprise customers. Further details and a trial upon request can be found at the Printopia Pro website, here.
Chrome for iOS now includes Google Cloud Print, AirPrint, and fullscreen browsing
Google's Chrome browser for iOS (free) was updated to version 26.0.1410.50 today, providing some new and much-appreciated features. To begin with, the app now provides support for Google Cloud Print, a way of printing documents to printers from just about anywhere through PCs or Macs that are aware of attached or wireless printers. The app also provides support for Apple's own AirPrint and AirPrint-aware printers. Any page viewed in Chrome can also be saved as a PDF file to the user's Google Drive through Cloud Print. This is a way to quickly store web pages on Google Drive for download to an iOS device for offline reading. In addition to the usual stability and security improvements and bug fixes, Chrome also adds fullscreen browsing support for the iPhone and iPod touch. This was implemented in a very intuitive manner; users simply scroll the browser window to the top of the screen to "push" the toolbar off the screen, or scroll back down to view the Google "omnibox." While the changes are rather limited, they add a tremendous amount of utility to a fast and stable iOS web browser.
Chrome for iOS gets Google Cloud Print, AirPrint and fullscreen capability
It's been a little less than a year since Google first gave iPhone owners access to its favored browser, and since then, Big G has been adding more and more features to Chrome for iOS -- Blink, and you might miss an update. Well, the eagle-eyed folks at The Next Web spotted another update today that brings Google Cloud Print, the ability to save pages as PDFs to Google Drive and fullscreen page-viewing mode. Version 26.0.1410.50 also boasts AirPrint functionality and the usual smattering of bug fixes and stability improvements as well. In related news, Google also updated its Search app for iOS with a few unnamed improvements and bug fixes, too. A good day for Google fans with Apple phones, but to reap the rewards of Big G's latest, you'll want to hit the source links below.
HP's new all-in-one printer adds more to that 'all', turns into a WiFi hotspot
While all-in-one printers usually tote print, copy, scan and fax capabilities, we're hardly ones to complain if we get something more. The aptly-named HP Hotspot LaserJet Pro M1218nfs also crams in a WiFi hotspot -- opening up the world wide web for access on up to eight devices at a time. Other than swallowing a wireless hub, the laser printer also boasts Apple AirPrint along with HP's ePrint and wireless direct for tether-free printing. Out in India for 18,306 rupees ($330), we're awaiting word on stateside availability. Now it isn't really up to us to say if that NFS in its monicker points to speed, but a quick tap on the source link is enough to throw up the full specs.
Dropbox iOS app update adds sharing to Facebook and Twitter, tacks on AirPrint for good measure
On the heels of the preview of its Jelly Bean-flavored Android app, Dropbox has updated its iOS software for mobile devices as well. This time around, the cloud storage outfit threw in sharing directly to Facebook and Twitter. Simply select your social media outlet of choice from the menu and proceed to type the appropriate message. A link to the file will then get comfortable on your timeline once you post the update. If you need to keep matters a bit more private, you can include the info in a Facebook message as well. For those looking to print directly from their cloud libraries, AirPrint support is also included in this version (1.5.5). If you haven't snagged the update just yet, the iTunes link below will lend a hand with said task.
Netgear D6300 mates 802.11ac WiFi with ADSL, risks one heck of a mismatch
When Netgear teased a next-generation cable gateway with 802.11ac WiFi, it seemed like a natural fit: WiFi that was a perfect complement to 100Mbps-plus internet speeds. Its new D6300 (not pictured here) isn't necessarily in quite in such equilibrium, depending on just who you have as an internet provider. The hardware is billed as the first ADSL modem and router combo with 802.11ac built-in, but you'll need to use the gigabit Ethernet WAN jack with a fiber or cable internet link to get the most out of that fast wireless at home -- stick to the ADSL2+ and you'll face the wonderfully lopsided combination of a 1.3Gbps WiFi router with a maximum 24Mbps internet pipe. If home network speeds trump what you'll need for the outside world, you'll still get many of the benefits of Netgear's flagship R6300, including USB printer and storage sharing. Netgear starts selling the D6300 through stores in October, although it may be just as likely to come in the arms of a DSL install technician as your own.
Netgear intros sharing-savvy N750 Premium Edition router, powerline and WiFi adapters for media fans
Netgear is giving its home networking the same sort of tuneup going into the fall that you'd give your car -- not a complete overhaul, but enough to keep it running in top form. Headlining the pack, the N750 Premium Edition router you're looking at above upgrades the original N750 through a better ability to play with others: the dual-band WiFi hotspot's ReadyShare file access expands to the cloud, while its USB support now envelops Apple's AirPrint and Time Machine as well as TiVo Storage. Media sharing mavens also get their own, more specific add-ons. The Powerline Media Extender can pipe audio (and USB printing or storage) over a 200Mbps link, with a major emphasis on AirPlay streaming; the N900 4-port WiFi Adapter is a slightly less exotic, 450Mbps wireless-to-Ethernet bridge for multi-device home theaters. If Netgear's refresh is tempting enough to prompt a trade-up, you can snag the N750 Premium Edition immediately for $120 or wait until September and October for the respective launches of the N900 adapter for $80 and the Powerline Music Extender in its single pack ($99) or dual-device starter kit ($139) editions.
Canon expands its PIXMA line with MG2220, MG3220 and MG4220 all-in-ones
In plenty of time for back to school shopping, Canon has added three new offerings to the PIXMA family. The company just uncovered the MG2220, MG3220 and MG4220 all-in-one printers. The trio boasts 4,800 x 2,400 dpi max resolution, FastFront for easy changing of both ink and paper via the face of the machine, borderless 4 x 6-inch prints in under a minute and handles up to 8.5 x 11 sizes. With the MG2220, you can expect the advertised copy, print and scan functionality, while the other models each sport wireless capabilities. The aforementioned perk includes AirPrint, Google Cloud Print and Canon's own Easy PhotoPrint mobile app. If that wasn't enough, two new bits of software will be available with My Image Garden and you'll gain access to Facebook galleries with Print Your Days. The pricier pair also touts Auto Duplex printing to keep costs down and the MG4220 tacks on a 2.5-inch LCD for convenient adjustments for its higher price tag. The outfit didn't offer any details on when these peripherals will hit shelves, but when the time arrives, you can expect prices of $69.99 for the MG2220, $79.99 for the MG3220 and $129.99 for the all-inclusive MG4220. Further details lie in the full PR and a look at all three models can be found in the gallery that follows. %Gallery-160034%
Netgear updates its Genie app to make even the loneliest printer AirPrint compatible
Don't have an AirPrint-enabled output machine to get that much-need TPS report off of your iPad? Worry no more. Netgear has you covered with an update to its Genie app for both Mac and PC. With the aforementioned software running on your computer, you'll be able to print from your iOS device to any printer just like it was outfitted with AirPrint right out of the box. Your Apple or Windows machine acts as a liaison of sorts via its network or USB printer connection to get the job done. Sure, you'll have to keep the application churning constantly in the background, but the app is free and provides a much cheaper solution that splurging for a new printer. Looking to take the revamped software for a spin? Hit the source link below to start your download.
Canon introduces two new AirPrint inkjet printers
If you're in the market for a new inkjet printer, you may want to take a closer look at two new offerings from Canon. Announced on Tuesday, the PIXMA MX512 and PIXMA MX432 are two wireless All-In-One injkjet printers that'll let you print, copy, scan and fax. Both printers support AirPrint, which lets you print documents, emails and photos from your iPhone and iPad. Both the MX512 and the MX432 print at a rate of 9.7 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 5.5 ipm for color. The pair can print a 4" x 6" borderless photo in approximately 46 seconds. The MX512 has auto duplex printing and a dual-function panel which makes its easy for users to manage printing options and print documents directly from a media card. The MX512 and MX432 have a MSRP of US$149 and $99, respectively. Show full PR text Canon U.S.A. Announces New PIXMA Printers With AirPrint Support LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 7, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced AirPrint1 support in the PIXMA MX512 and MX432 Wireless2 Office All-In-One inkjet printers. AirPrint enables iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users to wirelessly print photos, email, web pages and documents without the need to install device drivers, saving time and enabling a seamless user experience. AirPrint will be available with the majority of Canon PIXMA Wireless All-In-One inkjet printers launched from this point forward. AirPrint1 works with iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPod touch (3rd generation and later) running using iOS 4.2 or later. For more information please visit www.usa.canon.com. About Canon U.S.A., Inc. Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010†, and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2011. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.
Canon unveils two AirPrint printers, thinks you should print more stuff from your iPad
Want to print stuff from your iPad, but hate drivers and cords and stuff? Good news, Canon's offering up the Pixma MX512 and MX432, two all-in-one inkjets that offer up Apple AirPrint support, letting users wirelessly prints photos, docs and the like from their iPad, iPhone and iPod touches running iOS 4.2 or later. Canon also used the announcement to reaffirm its commitment to the technology, ensuring as before that it "will be available with the majority of Canon PIXMA Wireless All-In-One inkjet printers launched from this point forward." A brief, fully printable press release can be found after the break.
Lantronix xPrintServer makes almost any printer iOS-compatible
Offices or homes without AirPrint compatible printers currently need to have an AirPrint "server" app like Printopia (US$19.95) running on a machine on the network to act as a gateway to the printers. It can be a pain if you want to print something from your iPad or iPhone and find out that the gateway machine is turned off. Now Lantronix has released the xPrintServer (US$149.95), a hardware print server that provides iOS access to all printers on a network on which it is installed. The xPrintServer supports a huge variety of printers -- a 104-page PDF document lists all of the printers from Alps to Xerox that it works with. Strangely enough, even the Apple ImageWriter II is on the list! Lantronix says that installing the xPrintServer is as simple as plugging an Ethernet cable into a router, switch, or hub on a network, after which the device identifies any and all printers on the network and sets up the proper drivers for each. Immediately, the printers appear on the iOS devices, available for printing. The xPrintServer is conveniently just about the same size as an iPhone, although a bit thicker. We'll be doing a full review of the xPrintServer in the near future, but in the meantime you can fill yourself with anticipation by watching this short video.
Canon enables AirPrint on a trio of PIXMA wireless printers, plans to keep up the trend
Here's the scenario: A., You've been getting your wireless print on with Canon's PIXMA MG8220, MG6220 or MG5320 all-in-one inkjet printer, and B., you own an iDevice. Well, feel free to do a little dance (just not this one), because Canon's added AirPrint support for the lucky three aforementioned. Simply (we hope) update your printer to the latest firmware, and boom, you'll be printing over iOS 4.2 and beyond. Better yet, it's also stated that the "majority" of forthcoming PIXMAs will follow in a similar AirPrint-enabled fashion. Need more info? Full PR is just past the break.
HP TopShot LaserJet Pro M275 scans 3D objects but only prints in 2D (video)
For some reason, HP thinks your small business really needs the ability to scan 3D objects -- which is why it is releasing the TopShot LaserJet Pro. "TopShot" is the fancy name for the all-in-one's overhanging arm with a high resolution camera, which combines six images (three with flashes from different angles, and three in ambient light conditions with different exposure levels) to mimic a studio-like product shot. What's more, thanks to the Biz Card app, the TopShot can scan and import multiple business cards simultaneously. Also included are Google Documents integration and cloud apps as well as the usual ePrint and AirPrint features, which you can run without a computer on the 3.5-inch touchscreen. HP isn't talking about pricing or availability, but you can see a walkthrough of the TopShot after the break.
HP wants your "AirPrint Moments;" photo contest underway
HP currently has the only printers on the market that provide a direct, out-of-the-box printing experience for iOS devices using AirPrint. AirPrint-enabled printers like the HP Photosmart Premium e-All-in-One are great for printing photos that you've taken from your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad 2, and now the company wants to give you a chance to win one of four HP printers. Through July 15th, 2011, HP is sponsoring a photo contest for original pictures taken with a mobile device. Titled AirPrint Moments, the contest has relatively few entries at this time, so your chances of winning are relatively good (for now). The judges for the event are iPhonegraphers Colin Vincent, Greg Schmigel, and Sion Fullana, all of whom use iPhones for professional photography. You can also choose to vote for your favorite iPhone photo, and if you get a lot of your friends to vote for your submission I'm sure you can improve your chances to win. Good luck to TUAW readers and let us know if you enter and win.
HP adds AirPrint support to more printers
In what it calls a significant expansion of its support for Apple's AirPrint feature, HP has added AirPrint support to eight more of its LaserJet models. AirPrint enables iOS device users running iOS 4.2 or later to wirelessly print documents, photos and other media using printers that support the standard without the cumbersome setup or search for printer drivers that's traditionally been a major stumbling block to printing. By downloading and installing a firmware update from HP, the following printer models will gain full support for AirPrint functions: HP LaserJet P1102w Printer HP LaserJet P1606dn Printer HP LaserJet Pro CP1025nw Color Printer HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf MFP HP LaserJet Pro M1213nf MFP HP LaserJet Pro M1214nfh MFP HP LaserJet Pro M1216nfh MFP HP LaserJet Pro M1217nfw MFP These eight models are in addition to another five LaserJet models which already support AirPrint: HP LaserJet Pro CM1415fn Color MFP HP LaserJet Pro CM1415fnw Color MFP HP LaserJet Pro CP1525n Color Printer HP LaserJet Pro CP1525nw Color Printer HP Color LaserJet Pro M1536dnf MFP
HP unleashes iOS ePrint app, proves it still rules wireless printing
It's the perfect time to panic: the most important presentation of your career is in less than an hour, and a pie chart is missing. Fear not, thanks to HP's free ePrint Service app for iPhone. With it you can taste the goodness of printing important docs sans-wire to a nearby FedEx Office, Hilton lobby or airport lounge. Whether it's an email attachment, webpage, image or all of the above, just hop into the app to find the printer nearest you and fire it off. Add this to a hefty helping of AirPrint-capable printers and your iPhone is now an omnipotent, HP-powered weapon of wireless domination. Full PR after the break.
