Google Counters Apple's AirPrint, Offers Google Cloud Print
The day may finally be here where we can easily print wirelessly and even remotely without being an IT expert.
Apple is in the process of rolling out a feature called AirPrint, which will allow users to print directly to AirPrint compatible printers without drivers or other software. HP plans to implement the software, but in the meantime, some users are disappointed they can't take advantage with their existing equipment.
Enter Google, who is now offering a service called Google Cloud Print.
The Cloud Print service will allow you to register your printer or printers with Google and then associate them directly with your Gmail account. Once the link has been made, you're already set to print e-mails and attachments including HTML, DOC, PDF and more, straight from your phone. It doesn't even matter what network you're on.
Of course, Google Cloud Print has a catch of its own. For now, it is only available for Windows. Not exactly ironic, but it would be a rather funny development, if it weren't frustrating for those anxious to take advantage of the new feature.
Fear not though, Google says Cloud Print will be coming to Macs soon enough.
So is this something that your practice could take advantage of? Absolutely.
Do you ever complete a document on your laptop while you're at the airport and wish that it could print and be waiting for you in the office when you arrive? Now you can, at it's dead simple. It was possible before, but now it's about to become mainstream. The future is now, so get out there and enjoy it.
Related Resources:
- Online Protection for Your Company's Confidential Information (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
- Microsoft's Danger and T-Mobile Sidekick Users' Data (FindLaw's Common Law Blog)
- 3 Questions in Determining Liability in #Twittergate (FindLaw's Technologist Blog)