HP’s long-running use of firmware updates that block third-party ink and toner cartridges is drawing scrutiny again – this time under a new global sustainability standard that explicitly forbids the practice.
The International Imaging Technology Council (Int’l ITC), a trade group for cartridge remanufacturers, says HP’s latest printer firmware rollout conflicts with the requirements of the General Electronics Council’s (GEC) updated Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, or EPEAT 2.0.
I’ve started thinking recently about business practices and printing and “Apple printer” jokes, and, well, Apple was making printers in the olden days when I was a baby.
So, they could be making very expensive, but good printers, with no cartridge DRM whatsoever, now.
That would possibly be a good thing, and with such regulations pressing at the opposing business model, could even be a financially good variant.
OK, I think I’m starting to show fanboyish traits. I sort of really liked Apple when I was a kid, but later I started seeing iPhones around and I didn’t like their change from home computers and iPods to that.
The way apple is now, you would only be able to print (wirelessly) through Apple products. And probably also DRM ink cartridges on a “security” basis.
Old Apple is not the same as current Apple.