subject: Printing From Your Wireless Device [print this page] There are numerous wireless devices on the market today. Such devices include our cell phones, iPods, and iPads. Printing from these devices is becoming easier and easier as new software is developed.
For Apple, the release of the beta version of the iOS 4.2 was recently released. Apple announced that the AirPrint feature would allow Apple products such as iPads, iPhones and iPod touches running iOS 4.2 wireless printing directly from the devices. Apple stated that HP will be the first to offer AirPrint compatibility with its ePrint line of printers
With AirPrint, your printer is automatically found over local networks. It then allows you to print text, photos or graphics without the need to install drivers or download software. It is said AirPrint will not require user configuration either - users simply tap to print.
Other companies have been making software for cell phone printing capacity as well. PrinterShare was released in 2009. PrinterShare works with Android phones or iPhones through Android Market or Google App Store. To use nearby printing, you can print directly without having to install the PrinterShare computer software as long as you have access to a Wi-Fi printer that is shared on your Local Area Network. The software company says they support a wide variety of printers.
For remote printing, that is printing over the Internet, you would have to set up an account with PrinterShare, which is free and just requires a login to the account. You would then choose or select your printer. The computer connected to the printer needs to have PrinterShare software installed, just like when you print from computer to computer using PrinterShare. If you intend to print to your own printer, the company recommends you install the computer software first, creating an account, sharing printer(s) and then using the same account on mobile device to login. This way you will see your shared printers automatically. In addition, from your mobile device you may look for printers shared by others, select one and print on it.
PrinterShare does recommend a 3G or WiFi connection when printing from the phone to ensure performance. They do state however, that EDGE or any other slower connectivity will work as well.
What is the downside of PrinterShare? To print directly to a wireless printer, one has to own the premium version of the software. Second, you must keep a computer running that has access to your printer. Last, your printed pages will have a watermark on them with the company name unless you upgrade to the premium edition.
While PrinterShare has a free edition, knowing the difference between it and the premium edition is important.
As the demand for wireless devices grows and become more relied upon by consumers, the need to print from them in a free and easy manner will also grow. While most people are using wireless devices to keep from being tethered to other devices such as printers or they are concerned with saving paper, there will always be a time when printing out an item will be a necessity.
