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Submitted via IRC for Bytram.
Following a story that we reported a few days ago which covered how the latest software update issued by HP for its printers prevented them from working with other cartridges, HP have responded and promise another update to re-enable other ink cartridges. But HP is still defending its practice of preventing the use of non-HP ink and is making no promises about refraining from future software updates that force customers to use only official ink cartridges.
"We updated a cartridge authentication procedure in select models of HP office inkjet printers to ensure the best consumer experience and protect them from counterfeit and third-party ink cartridges that do not contain an original HP security chip and that infringe on our IP," the company said.
The recent firmware update for HP OfficeJet, OfficeJet Pro, and OfficeJet Pro X printers "included a dynamic security feature that prevented some untested third-party cartridges that use cloned security chips from working, even if they had previously functioned," HP said.
For customers who don't wish to be protected from the ability to buy less expensive ink cartridges, HP said it "will issue an optional firmware update that will remove the dynamic security feature. We expect the update to be ready within two weeks and will provide details here."
While I'm sure that we recognise that HP cannot guarantee the operation of any printer not using their own cartridges, how often are similar techniques used to lock-out fair competition? What are your experiences and views?.
(Score: 2) by mendax on Friday September 30 2016, @04:47AM
And in honor of their decision, I'm placing an order for yet another 3rd-party toner cartridge for my HP LaserJet printer. Why? Because it's 1/3 the cost of the HP branded and works just as well, and HP has yet to address this discrepancy. Why should I pay $60 for something I can get for less than $20 that is just as good and works just as well? Furthermore, I feel justified given that HP had the audacity to try to do some after-the-sale DRM bullshit. Allow me to punish them by guaranteeing that they will never make a profit from the sale of this printer.
It's really quite a simple choice: Life, Death, or Los Angeles.