HP launches world’s first web-based printer with integrated Apps

Hewlett Packard Co. has introduced the world’s first web-based printer, cutting out the middle man - The PC. During the Monday morning event in San Francisco, HP launched a new HP printer technology called TouchSmart Web. An all-in-one touchscreen printer which offers integrated Web-access that can print coupons, maps, weather report, news, movie tickets, etc. without the need of a PC.

The printer will feature a 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen and can print, fax, copy and scan. It can also print directly from Wi-Fi-enabled PCs, Bluetooth-enabled devices,  iPhone and the iPod touch. All-in-one inkjet printer can also perform other functions such as faxing, copying, and scanning as well as printing laser-quality text documents and lab-quality photos. And it brings a hefty price tag of $399.

HP is planning to give consumers’ access to their HP Creative Studio and will be able to create and share their own apps to customize their printers through the HP Apps Studio starting in late 2009. Sounds pretty similar concept to iPhone Apps store. HP Apps Studio early partners will be USA Today, Google including maps and calendar, Coupons.com, DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, Fandango, Weathernews Inc and Web Sudoku. The printer will also connect directly to a user’s Snapfish account to view, print and upload photos.

Adding all the apps functionality like maps, coupons, weather, etc. straight to the printer makes it more favorable to average users. But considering the fact that most users are still trying to switch to Laser printers, and the tough economy, I think HP should consider bringing the price tag lower at some point to make it a successful product in the current market. Nonetheless, its a cool printer.