HP unveils Web-connected printer

The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web, described by HP as the first Web-connected home printer, will be available later this year and should cost around 399 dollars in the United States, the company said in a statement.

The inkjet printer features a touchscreen panel which enables users to connect and print directly from specific websites.

Among the sites offering the print application are the newspaper USA Today, Google Maps and Google Calendar, movie ticket service Fandango, Weathernews and Coupons.com, which offers store, restaurant and entertainment discounts.

The printer can also connect to a user's Snapfish account to view, print and upload photos, the Palo Alto, California-based HP said.

A company spokeswoman said HP planned to release a developers kit later this year which would allow other sites to offer the printing option.

"Users will be able to browse and view popular Web destinations and simply touch the app of their choice to launch a Web page where they can customize and print content on demand in an easy-to-read format," the HP statement said.

"We are taking advantage of the digital content explosion to reinvent the category with an entirely new printing platform -- powered by touch and empowered by the Web," said Vyomesh Joshi, an HP executive vice president.

"By giving people access to the content they want at the touch of a finger, the ability to customize their printing experience and create their own apps, and enabling easy 'one touch' wireless setup, we are driving a significant shift in how people will be printing in the future."

(c) 2009 AFP