SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
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 KritonK on Friday September 30 2016, @01:47PM
I have a Samsung CLP-325 laser printer, and I had no problem getting refilled toner cartriges for it. I say "had", because printing quality was hit and miss with refilled cartridges, so I stopped using them. I now use Q-Connect [q-connect.com] remanufactured cartridges, with which I've never had a problem.
On both refilled and remanufactured cartridges, the chip is exposed, so I assume that it has been tweaked or replaced, so that the cartridge will register as a new one on the printer.