HP, Samsung Team on Mobile Printing App

Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ) and Samsung have teamed up on a new, embedded mobile printing app that allows users to print by automatically connecting their Samsung mobile device and HP printer on the same local network via Wi-Fi or by using HP technology via wireless direct print.

The collaboration aims to meet what HP called “a common need for today’s mobile user”—the ability to print on demand from anywhere. The embedded solution differs from other mobile printing apps on the market in that it doesn’t require any setup, tools, drivers or network configuration adjustments to a mobile device, according to HP. The app supports printer settings and options such as duplex printing, color, orientation and paper type. HP’s mobile print lineup also includes HP ePrint.

Samsung’s impending Galaxy S4 will support the new mobile printing app and, later this year, the companies will offer a firmware upgrade to the Galaxy S III and Note II, which will enable both devices with wireless printing capabilities.

“Customers continue to look for ways to print from their smartphones and tablets,” said Stephen Nigro, HP Inkjet and Printing Solutions and Graphics Solutions Business, Printing and Personal Systems Group senior vice president. “This partnership with Samsung is the latest example of how HP is making it easy to print what you want from wherever you are.”

To print with the built-in Samsung mobile printing app, users choose a choose a document, photo or web page, select a printer (either on Wi-Fi or directly) and click on print. The solution works with some 200 HP printer models in the vendor’s Inkjet and Laserjet lines. The built-in print button will be available on many applications of the Samsung mobile devices, including Email Client, Android Browser, Photo Gallery, Contacts, S Note and Polaris Office. Printable file formats include JPG, PNG, HTML, PDF and MS Office.