HP printer firmware blocks non genuine ink again claiming "malware attack"

[MrMobodies]

HP now claiming "malware" as an excuse for bricking third party ink cartridges or is it they are classing the cartridges as malware that will affect print, performance and security.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/hp-printers-computers-ink-cartridges-rivals/

HP disables customers’ printers if they use ink cartridges from cheaper rivals
Move sparks outrage among customers who feel ‘cheated’

By Charlotte Gifford 11 May 2023 • 4:16pm

A well-known computer brand has disabled the printers of customers using ink cartridges from rival companies.

Hewlett-Packard, or HP, has sparked fury after issuing a recent “firmware” update which blocks customers from using cheaper, non-HP ink cartridges in its printers.  * Customers’ devices were remotely updated in line with new terms which mean their printers will not work unless they are fitted with approved ink cartridges.

It prevents customers from using any cartridges other than those fitted with an HP chip, which are often more expensive. If the customer tries to use a non-HP ink cartridge, the printer will refuse to print.  HP printers used to display a warning when a “third-party” ink cartridge was inserted, but now printers will simply refuse to print altogether.

The printer company said it issued the update to reduce the risk of malware attacks , saying “third-party cartridges that use non-HP chips or circuitry can pose risks to the hardware performance, print quality, and security.”  It also said *** it used regular updates to improve its services,  such as introducing alerts for some customers telling them when their ink is running low.  However, according to HP’s website, the company also blocks the use of rival cartridges in order to “maintain the integrity of our printing systems, and protect our intellectual property”.

We've been confused about why the printer won't print. Turns out hp has ink cartridges that won't work if you're not paying their monthly subscription. That's an absolutely crazy thing to do. Got my printer blocking the ink that's IN THE CARTRIDGE (Missold/HP+ "e" series printer cloud enrolled not relevant to article)

Outraged customers have flooded social media with complaints, saying they felt “cheated” by the update. HP ink cartridges can cost more than double the price of third-party offerings.

This is not the first time HP has angered its customers by blocking the use of other ink cartridges. The firm has been forced to pay out millions in compensation to customers in America, Australia and across Europe since it first introduced dynamic security measures back in 2016.  Just last year the company paid $1.35m (£1m) to consumers in Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal who had bought printers not knowing they were equipped with the cartridge-blocking feature.

Last year consumer advocates called on the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate whether branded ink costs and “dynamic security” measures were fair to consumers, after finding that lesser-known brands of ink cartridges offered better value for money than major names.  The consumer group Which? said manufacturers were “actively blocking customers from exerting their right to choose the cheapest ink and therefore get a better deal”.

A spokesman for HP said printers using “dynamic security” are labelled as such on its product packaging, technical materials, and various online materials.  They said that only some of its printers are equipped with dynamic security measures, though it did not specify which ones. According to its website, all HP standard printers will block cartridges using a non-HP chip or circuitry.

****The spokesman added some third-party cartridges reuse the HP chip or electronic circuitry and those that do will function as normal.

Some customers can choose to disable HP’s cartridge-blocking feature in the printer’s settings, HP said, but it depends on the printer model. Others will be stuck with a printer that only works if they commit to spending more on ink cartridges approved by HP.

* If they are not and never were HP+ enrolled or "e" series printer I hope they get sued for it and forced to issue refunds for every printer they crippled.

** “third-party cartridges that use non-HP chips or circuitry can pose risks to the hardware performance, print quality, and security."

I reminds me on lines of Winfixer scareware stuff except now from a reputable company.
"If you don't use our ink cartridges" malware will infect your printer and pc. 

Oh we'll bundle it together (performance, print quality and security" and say it is all at risk from malware if one of those things are compromised.

If a printer was out of warranty why should HP care about updating it?

*** Utter bullshit. It was already like that before and you didn't need "updates" nonsense. I remembered with the basic printer drivers on a HP printer in 2012 they had a little alert that faded on and off at the bottom left on the traybar with the ink levels that appeared everytime it was printing. When I installed the later drivers some years later I remembered it haggling to sell cartridges despite using the genuine cartridges so I found the older drivers and replaced the program bit that did the ink cartridge alerts.

**** If they reuse the chip on he cartridges and reset it but I wonder how long that will last.


Following to my fury of finding the "HP SMART APP" but no printer auto installed on my laptop last week. I traced it back a few days before when I was helping someone who had a HP Laserjet. It is Windows 10 LTSC should not be installing that crap and it won't be doing that again. Hardware -> "Do you want to automatically download manufacturer 's apps and custom icons that are available for your devices?" No. 

I thought that was for drivers only and NOT just for software or "apps" on their own without the hardware or driver installed. Useless sh*t promoted through Microsoft not acceptable. I didn't know there was a "HP Smart APP" for desktops I thought that was for phones and tablets.

Having a quick look I found another thread on Reddit two years ago of users complaining that an update to their "HP SMART APP" had been forcing them to sign in in order to do the basic stuff like print and scan. Some of them found by removing it and installing the basic drivers it started to work.
https://old.reddit.com/r/printers/comments/j8l7v5/cannot_use_printers_basic_functions_without_hp/

[–]Donald_Trump_20_20 6 points 2 years ago*2
UPDATE. There's a fix: Go to Windows 10 "Apps and Features" and uninstall the HP SMART APP then reboot your PC. Then go to HP Support web page for HP OfficeJet XXXX (put in for your specific model) then go to "Software and Drivers" and scroll down to "Software-Utility" and download "HP OfficeJet XXXX series Print and Scan Driver and Accessories" (164 MB in my case) and install that. Be sure to disable the litany of privacy check boxes in the first screen or two before the install begins (see the links). Voila. No more account requirement to scan. ...

[–]hobiwankinobi 2 points 2 years ago
just wanted to add my thanks as well. Was able to install basic driver functions even though they were bending over backward to get me to get the full software package...complete BS

[–]shank1104 1 point 2 years ago
Just wanted to say thanks. Couldn't get anything done without creating an account, but this finally got me through it.

[–]RKomplique 1 point 1 year ago*
Even if you go HP and get the software and install it you will be directed to HP Easy after the software is done installing which is confusing as hell. When this happens kill it all and it will revert to your downloaded software, which if I might add, is excellent suite of software. Thank you for this post .. I thought I was getting horse f*cked, and then my f*cking was confirmed when I was prompted to create a HP account. After reading your post I "easily" removed all the cloud bullshit and it reverted to the original HP download and worked perfectly. At some point the WWW will go down and all these apps that require phone home will stop and chaos will ensue. On another note, CWD sells a perpetual copy of Adobe Acrobat Pro for a buck and a half (at least they did earlier this year) and I solved the Adobe Cloud bullshit as well. Make Computing Great Again

The "HP SMART APP" set to hold printer owners hostage of their printer unless they create and account and sign in.
Absolutely disgusting
Down the toilet HP.

Lots of nice looking HP printers in the local shops a couple of months ago and I am not talking about the locked down "app only" HP+ or "e" series models that sell for 1/3rds less but I certainly won't be recommending them.

I imagine one day their ALL of their printers regardless whether it is HP+ or the "e" series will refuse to print unless it has broadband, the printer and user "signed in" to HP in order to operate in the name of "security" and "malware attacks".

The only malware I see here is by HP themselves with their firmware interfering with third party cartridges and that "HP smart app" I found last week with the complaints about it interfering with the owners ability to print and scan.

[fourtytwo42]

AFIK HP is the malware problem 
Nobody needs incompatibility like that in there systems, so simple answer, don't buy HP 

[Ed.Kloonk]

AFIK HP is the malware problem 
Nobody needs incompatibility like that in there systems, so simple answer, don't buy HP 

You know, it's such a shame considering the amount of money me and to a lesser extent my companies have given HP printer co.  over the years and specifically preferring the brand for it's Linux compatibility.

I wonder if the current corporate governance realize just how stupid it is to annoy their fan base.

[MrMobodies]

In that thread they go on about forcing them to suddenly create accounts sign in and someone mentioning that they must accept DRM (digital rights management) within the cookie notice:
https://old.reddit.com/r/printers/comments/j8l7v5/cannot_use_printers_basic_functions_without_hp/

iL_B4conN 1 point 6 months ago
I had a bad day, language warning lol:

Thank you so much and fuck HP. Such dogshit software. I was even willing to use their dogshit HP Smart, but it doesn't even work. Their cookie notice has "accept" buttons WITH DRM that won't fucking load. Dogsht f*cking c*nt company. Wasted at least 30mins of life and time, because I need to scan some dogshit document.

Cramming things in their terms and conditions.

[–]magwep-2021 1 point 5 months ago
Just want to appreciate this post a sec as it just helped me with that dumb HP app, 2 years later. Thank you!

Applications shortened to "apps" made insulting and degrading towards the user.

[–]hijoton 1 point 4 months ago
Thank you! Found this tip years later and was a godsend.

There was never any godsend. it was just the previous way of installing it with a little bit of manual work.
It look may godsend way as the new trendy way is so awful with contempt for the user to use their device in peace.

[–]dalvean88 1 point 1 year ago
same here, i’m about to throw this piece of junk into the trashp

HP rather you throw out your printer than not use the app.

[–]kinevel 6 points 2 years ago
F*CK HP AND THEIR DATA COLLECTION TACTICS ....

why do it HAVE TO SIGN IN and give away my details in order to use THE F*CKING SCANNER THAT I PAID FOR !?!?!?!?!?

FUCK HP I'm saying it again

One angry printer owner made unable to use it out of the box without interference.

[–]SkryptX 4 points 2 years ago
Same here... I used HP Smart for years for scanning and it worked without an account. And since the last update you have to have a f***ing account for this basic dumb function. Actually you still can scan if you install the dedicated driver for it, but * you loose all the functions like scanning to PDF, rotating the page etc. that's built into HP Smart. So you probably don't have any choice than to submit to your masters at HP. Next printer won't be HP for sure. Things like this make me mad.

Oh and HP Support obviously was no help. They just tell you: "Don't be so stubborn. If you want to scan with your printer, then just make an account , because we need your data in addition to the money you paid for the printer and the ridiculously expensive ink cartridges!"

  *Printer with "scan to network folder" works to a series of set standards and is independent of that rubbish.

[–]DaevorTheDevoted 3 points 2 years ago
Driver for HP Officejet
"I want to scan from MY printer to MY computer WITHOUT HAVING TO SIGN IN TO A BLOODY HP ACCOUNT.

[–]_CandyHoarder_ 2 points 2 years ago*
Confirming this as well with my computer. I was using my computer and the HP Smart app just fine during e-learning until June to print my stuff out. When I came back from the summer holidays, the app has updated (HP Smart) and now I'm forced to create an account to use my printer. Thing is, I have created an account, and it just never connects, making me unable to use my printer. If only they hadn't updated their ridiculous app, I could use my printer and print my schoolwork.....

Held hostage by HP "Smart app" which needs to go.

[–]JD1070 2 points 2 years ago
Yep just ran into this and it is fucking infuriating

Now that's how I felt (with any software not related to drivers) when Windows allowed it to install without my saw so but it didn't find any printers or fiddled with them.

[–]IQueryVisiC 2 points 2 years ago
So my kids would want to scan using hp scanner from their ipad, but they are not of legal age for the online account. HP does not allow to share my password with them.

They need to send their homework.

Sarcasm: Now isn't that very clever of HP?

[–]More-Ad-1773 2 points 2 years ago*
Same here, with new LaserJet M234 MFP.

Can copy and scan with no problem, and printing also worked for some time, until stuck in the middle of printo5... "Finish setup" - from hpdumb app. Finishing literally requires agreeing to terms, like having an account, internet connection[/b]  (what for???), buying only HP toner, etc. Not a firstborn, but WTF, really?

Hijack and harassment from HP

[–]luffyn 2 points 2 years ago
First they forced us to download HP Smart through Microsoft Store. Now they force us to sign up for an account to use the scan button. I will make sure that any products that I purchase in the future are not HP. Go die with your stupid decisions HP!!!

So you have to have an account with the Microsoft store (experience with an endoscope but was given the video viewer) then you have to create an account with HP.

[–]keepitsimpleforme 2 points 2 years ago
I spent an hour with HP Support in a chat session before my agent revealed the solution to me. * Use the HP Scan app  instead of HP Smart. HP Scan lets you scan without logging in.
I let the agent know that this sudden change in HP Smart behavior was highly intrusive and hostile to customers. I asked them to escalate this to the product team along with a very strong request to remove this behavior and go back to the previous behavior (working as of last week) to let me just scan my documents without having to login. I will not buy another HP printer when this one breaks, if they don't fix this. I agree with others on the thread in suggesting that we should give them one-star feedback on every possible forum and warn potential buyers away from their product.

* What a great answer actually the best answer they could give opposing the territorial behaviour of the ones who force this upon.

I remember setting up a print and scan on someone's phone a couple of years ago.
A few months later they told me it stopped working. When I looked HP stuff was gone but there was this "smart app" with non printer on there. When using it to put in the IP address (printer behind a firewall on another network range) I couldn't find where to put it in to connect to printer. I uninstalled it, found the hp printing tools having to really look further down in the Google playstore. It was easy, I put in IP address, detected it I think and it worked, then when printing I noticed this alert "Use HP SMART APP next time" everytime when printing something. WHAT AN INSULT" for something that does not seem to work the same.

[–]TheKLF23 1 point 2 years ago

Just had a customer ask me to install a SSD drive on her computer and ensure her printer works as she was having some problems - due to social distancing I got her to drop the pc and printer off at my house. When installing and checking the scanner worked out started asking me to sign up to a HP account - I was just like wtf?? Why do I need an account just to use a feature on the printer??! I called the person and she said oh yeah you need to sign in with the account details. I signed in and next thing I got a message box from HP to tell me I needed to prove I was human (I kid you not!!) It then asked me to click on the frogs that are pointing in the right direction - I was just like FFS really??? How hard is it to scan on this??? Finally I got the printer working and then it started complaining that the paper didn't match the print size when doing a test print. I called the person up and she said oh yeah been having the same problem myself for days... She then said do you think I might need to get a new printer - I offered to replace it with an Epson Workforce instead of all this rubbish - within 5 seconds I had the Epson up, running and scanning fine with bone of this annoying HP junk. HP should stick to what they're good at - making Elitebooks and leave printers to people who know how to make a working printer!!

Epson outperformed HP out of the box in 5 seconds.

[–]Chris-1010 1 point 1 year ago
I bought my printer a while ago and it always worked without any account. Who would have thought that scanning is possible without account?/s
Then someday the update came and I was kind of shocked. They wanted me to open a HP acount to SCAN. I mean, how incredibly stupid can a company be? I use this printer at home, but on work, we have strict data protection guidlines and customer data is holy.

And thhen some HP boss with an IQ of 90 thought it was a good idea to start making money with customer data too? They basically excluded the use of those printers in any European business. If we send Data around externally, we need to make contacts with every receiver and handler of customer data to enshure the strict new data protection guidlines are met.

And now HP thinks it's a FANTASTIC idea to just update the Printer software to require an account an to process the data in their cloud for a F**** scan? Are you kidding me?

[–]Stunning_Band_8766 1 point 2 years ago
Just threw our HP Printer in the bin for forcing us to give up our email / TELEPHONE number[/b] before we can even scan a document?

Complete junk. Will never go for a hp ever again

Waste for the environment.
Sarcasm: HP: Smart app must come first

More-Ad-1773 2 points 2 years ago
"HP disrupts industry"

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/11/10/2123759/0/en/HP-Disrupts-Print-Industry-with-HP-the-Most-Modern-and-Simple-Printing-Solution-on-the-Market.html
What kind of crap is that?

I think they mean the consumers with "the smart app"

“We believe HP+ is the future of printing – it’s a fundamental shift in the printing experience. We’ve put the best printing innovation together into one complete solution for consumers and small businesses: category leading hardware, the largest supplies subscription service now including toner, and the best print app8 now in the cloud,” said Tuan Tran, President of Imaging, Printing and Solutions, HP Inc. “We’ve designed HP+ for those who value printing most, so we can deliver an *enhanced experience for them.”

HP+ new exclusive Smart App features

New connected cloud that automatically detects and fixes connectivity issues6 – helping to ensure users can print whenever needed from any device.6 
New Smart Security settings monitoring system that detects and mitigates malware attacks. 6
New native in-OS printing to print from virtually anywhere on any device.5, 6
New Private Pickup feature releases documents to you only when you are at the printer.
New Forest First feature, where every page printed is balanced off with investments to help protect and restore forests in equal measure.7

Buzzword bullshit: "best printing innovation,""printing experience", "leading hardware" "best print app", "enhanced experience."

* what about the "enhanced experiences" for the developers of these things when they want to print something or are they superior in some way?

Won't be buying new from HP and this goes for any company that does this sort of thing and I thought Microsoft was terrible but in fact they seem to deliver this nonsense automatically if not disabled.

Shame I use to like their products well 20 years ago but they seemed to have gradually turned scummy and horrible towards the user in ways where they may appear initially they are being nice by overdecorating, oversizing, oversimplifying and dumbing down the user interface in their so called "smart app" and making all the dead easy things appear so difficult whilst making claims I can do things for the first time that I couldn't before.

I thought HP couldn't get any worse than this. This is not like mistakenly buying a HP printer with these requirements on them or hidden away (HP+ "e series) somwhere then return it. HP are imposing it later in the software. The "HP Smart app" should be set to take in account printers purchased without those requirement, do the job for the lifetime of the printer and not restrict or prompt the owner for anything else.

Bullying, harassment, interference, malware(hijack, unauthorized access/trespass? remote hack and firmware crippling) from HP.

I think this is the final nail in the coffin for HP.

[Ed.Kloonk]

I thought I'd spend a some time doing some local research regarding HP.

Officeworks is a big chain of stores aimed at the SOHO market.

I looked at the online reviews for a less than $40aud HP printer.
https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/hp-deskjet-2720e-all-in-one-printer-hpdj2720e#reviews

TLDR; 1/5 stars. A $40 printer so low is expected.
OK so it's a $40 printer. Let's see what a more expensive entry level business class $260 printer buys you:
https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/hp-officejet-pro-9020e-aio-printer-hpoj9020e#reviews

The general consensus: (review after review)

☆☆☆☆☆
1 out of 5 stars.
· 3 months ago 
The worst printer ever. Dont buy this model. Save your self the money and time

The worst printer ever. Dont buy this model. Save your self the money and time. Far from usual standards in so many ways. It doesn't scan from ADF unless you click computer. and only scans one page from flat bed. Printer page outlet is TOO SHORT to hold printed pages securely. Very noisy, and sounds like it will break down very soon. Hard to set up, and favors wi fi , rather than USB cable set up. Not user friendly (have to search hard to find baseic setting like ink volume (who would expect to have to click it twice) and collate features). Some basic features are non existent. Returned it to store, and changed to another brand, which had easy set up and ll features I wanted ( paper tray still similar unfortunately). Super dissapointing experience HP. The lack of customer support via phone is another thing. I phoned several times, and still haven't receieved a call back. The fact that HP seem to expect customers to be ok with being redirected to WHatts App, is another sign they are out of touch with provideing real customer support/ solutions. Put people on the phone and put the phone numnber for supoort prominently on your website. Stop hiding it. It's appears like you don't want to providde assistance to customers. I gave up waiting for support, and went elsewhere for another Brand that actually works.
Recommends this product
✘ No

Note the spelling and vitriol. Total rage posts.

Hey HP, who is running your printer marketing department, Dylan Mulvaney?

[MrMobodies]

I looked at the online reviews for a less than $40aud HP printer.
https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/hp-deskjet-2720e-all-in-one-printer-hpdj2720e#reviews

$40 aud to £21.39 (I think that is too cheap for a new printer and basically asking for trouble.)
So they don't necessary cheapen the quality of the printer but they sell a firmware crippled locked down variant.

I would never spend £20 on a printer more like at least around £150 and I'd want it unlocked, left alone, free to use what ink cartridges I like and no meddling or interference from the manufacturer (no automatic/forced firmware updates) for it to work the same how I brought it until the day it mechanically fails.

I remember something that looks like that, hp-deskjet-2720 and it reminded me of a lunchbox when it was folded up.

Not straightforward with the limited controls for the wifi functionality but not forced sign up or anything and I think that was in 2017 for someone was having a little difficulty. I came back a couple of weeks later when it stopped working to find the printing port was changed automatically from the standard tcp/ip port to the WSD printing port when it stopped printing.

I can't remember all the details but there is this service I had to disable to stop it doing that as it was doing it in an office too where it would work for a couple of weeks, WSD printing port installs at some point and the printers stop working and when I set it back it eventually defaults back to WSD.

If a printer costs £200 and the same exact model is selling for £50 at Curry's, identical in appearance but crippled down (where features have been restriced instead of quality) then they have "a" £50 worth of a good printer which they may not own.

Maybe they could call it something like "Primium" which gives the buyer an option to pay the full price to unlock the other features via the full firmware of the full price model "scan to memory card/ scan to network folder/ no account sign requirement, including no restrictions of the ink cartridges.

But for owners of existing printers brought with a set of features and functionality that is suddenly removed when the printer is given an opportunity to connect up to HP and start a firmware update behind the owner's back rendering any ink cartridges or functionality void and I find completely unacceptable. Reminds me of the Sony OtherOs in 2010 except didn't they give notice and a choice? (Keep Otheros, no update no access to Playstation Network, install update, no OtherOs.)

Claiming malware... what an insult.

[coppercone2]

this shit is getting so old lol. its a damn liquid. you could buy the damn viscometer or whatever you need to qualify your ink for the printer cheaper then dealing with all this shit.

[tom66]

HP is an evil company, and I have removed them from my life completely for good reason.

My Brother colour laser printer (actually an 'LED' type) purchased in 2018 still lives strong on its factory-provided toner.  If you're not printing photos, don't bother with inkjet.  Laser is faster, cheaper and requires minimal maintenance.  If you *are* printing photos, then consider just ordering them online.  They're not that expensive, and then you can bin the inkjet completely.

[MrMobodies]

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/hpsmart.com

HpSmart Reviews 65  •  Bad
65 total
5-star   2%
4-star   0%
3-star   0%
2-star   3%
1-star   95%

Dom 4 reviews GB 11 May 2023

HP Smart for Mac is unworkable. Currently the app just crashes despite all latest updates, drivers etc. There is simply no support for it from HP. It has always been a clunky app - like applications 15 years ago when sometimes they worked, sometimes they didn't, now however it just crashes. The forums and online help is all about delete/reinstall etc....have done that countless times.

Date of experience: 10 May 2023

I once setup a HP 8600 on a Mac in 2014 by fixed ip address and that was so quick and easy and it worked fine for so many many years.

It was brought for an office the year before and the only thing wrong with it whilst produce great quality printouts it was not efficient and guzzled ink very fast. They were going to bin it or give it to me, The owner's printer at home was not great and it clogged up, so I persuaded them to try it out and advised to use it a couple of times a week to help prevent the printheads from clogging. That one gave no problems. I installed a file server for the network scanning folder with no problems with the shortcuts to the mac. There was also this feature where you could sign it up to this HP thing, and some URL on HP to remotely print but did not hinge on an account from HP for the printer to operate.[/quote]

Big contrast the bullshit above and below

I am a bit saddened to see them go down the toilet with some of the worst things imaginable that they have been up to lately.

Andrew Whitehead 1 review GB Rated 1 out of 5 stars A day ago

So so so bad i ended up chucking the printer across the room, totally hopeless. unworkable on all levels.

Date of experience: 10 May 2023

Got emotional and angry and end up damaging their printer over an "app" that HP stuck in the middle that refuses to do anything.

Philip Tucker 1 review GB Rated 1 out of 5 stars 6 May 2023
HP Smart was so bad I had to buy a new printer
Had all been working fine for a number  years with HP 2620 and instant ink. Then it got considerably less smart and printing was haphazard and scanning almost impossible plus you have to log in to do anything....WHY HP? Please let me know!!! Have bought a Canon all-in-one and it works fine with my choice of scanner app and normal windows print facilities.

Buy a new printer... I heard that one many times before.

This is getting better:

Kristy Alajoki, 2 reviews, US, Rated 1 out of 5 stars, 8 May 2023

Zero stars. Took over 10 minutes to find my printer that was already connected to my wifi, I got some message about aligning printheads with no instructions, so I had to search the internet to figure out what this meant and how to do it. You have to do it on the phone and the phone won't connect to the printer the screen saver keeps timing out. All I wanted to do was scan a document * and now this has become a major project taking over an hour of my time. This should be easier and quicker.

*PISSING AND FARTING ABOUT over a phone, wifi signal, app, HP account, broadband and screensaver timeout.
So YOU now need a "phone", internet, and an "app" just for the printer to align the printheads.
Something I remember that was rarely initiated by the printer or could be started in the printer menu or sequence of buttons.

Gamer Bob 2 reviews, AU, Rated 1 out of 5 stars, 8 Apr 2023
HP Smart is the worst app of all time
HP printers themselves are okay. But the HP "Smart" App, which in reality is as smart as an underdeveloped brick, is the worst piece of software I have ever tried to use. You have to set up an account and then log in just to scan something, which can sometimes take 5 minutes plus to log on. It is criminal that my scanning app has to log on and jump through hoops just before I can actually scan something. The app is terribly slow, bloated, terrible to print and scan with, and just looks like a front-end to sell HP ink supplies....

Slow and bloated and hoops to jump through.

[EPAIII]

About 4 or 5 years ago I did a lot of research and wound up buying a Brother ink jet, wide track, four in one. My main reason for that purchase was what I was paying for ink for my Epson. I saved the cost of the Brother in the first two years in lower ink costs and I was buying genuine Brother ink. The cartridges cost about the same amount, but they lasted about four times as long. The Brother printer is still going strong and it is one of the better purchases I have made.

Now I am experimenting with refilled cartridges. I hope to cut the cost of ink to about 1/4 of the price of Brother ink. I ordered two sets of cartridges from a California company called Door Step. There are less expensive ink sources, but I wanted to go with a US company. If this works as well as I hope I will wind up cutting my ink costs around 80 or 90 percent over what I was paying for the Epson ink. Time will tell.

[MrMobodies]

I have a Brother A3 printer and it doesn't have a chip on the cartridge but this glass window.

Slideshow:
https://www.hpsmart.com/#:~:text=HP%20Smart%20is%20the%20%231,long%20time%2C%20in%20my%20opinion.

How good is HP Smart app? 
HP Smart is the #1 rated printer app in the world

“This has been a lifesaver for * faxing personal and business from home during Covid-19 pandemic. I will definitely continue to use even after the pandemic is over. One of the best features HP has come out with in a long time, in my opinion. Keep it up HP

L.M HEALTHCARE- ORTHOPEDIC SPINE SURGEON'S OFFICE. US

Where they or did they have time to sign in in an emergency?

Just noticed the idiots obscured the picture at the bottom with a gradient that spans half way up the page with an annoying bouncing arrow or is it they are not idiots and think the public are stupid and like that stuff because they deemed stupid.

* I though that feature was available for many years so why shouldn't it not be available now?
I first remembered seeing it with a HP 8500a printer.

Print, scan and share to your HP printer, anywhere. Install the HP smart app on all your devices and *save time for what matters.

Utter bullshit: I could do those things over 10 years ago that didn't seem to require an account for the printer to do all the basic things and there were a few ways to do it and I remembered this this URL thing (proxy from HP) that I was experimenting with the HP 8500a that didn't need a VPN or port forwarding. LIARS! Telling me I can't do the things I can still do over a decade ago.

* Save time... they need a working phone all up to date, broadband  for both, apple/google account, hp account, HP services to be running and if one of those thing are not working how will that save time if the printer refuses to work?

The New York times
Wirecutter

From your smartphone. you can download the HP Smart app (android and iOS) an dall the printer in just a couple of steps.
It's totally painless. 

No chance the last time I used it (tools I downloaded got replaced with this) when I had no way of adding by IP address as the printer was through the firewall.

BLI Buyers Lab
2020 PICKS

Voted Best-In-Class Print app
by Keypoint intelligence Buyes Club
in a 2020 report.

"... what really makes the HP Smart app best-in-class is the addition of HP Shortcuts. This functions allows users to save uniquie workflows as one-touch bottoms, so they can automate tasks like scanning an expense report, printing a couple of their record, and emailying a copy to finance.

This function I believe had been also available over 10 years ago.
The HP8500a had shortcuts on the screen. I can add email addresses (to scan to departments at a company if I wanted to), scan to network folder in jpg or pdf (many in one file) and works though VPN.

I reminds me when Thunderf00t says how Elon Musk reinvents things as his own creation.

In the office this 8500a and the other printers where, there was a little bit of manual work but most of things when it comes to printing and scanning were pretty much automated.

Scan to network folder (different names and locations)
Fax driver (with address book)
Email to
Printing via URL, through VPN or HP URL thing.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hp.printercontrol&hl=en&gl=US

Jorge Vazquez, May 13, 2023
This app is starting to get on my nerves. One of the main reasons I use HP printers is because *it had well designed app. But recently, every time I open the app, my "session expired". To login in, I have to be redirected to a browser, and when I get redirected to the app I always get a loading screen that usually gets stuck. Additionally, for some reason I struggle to scan on my phone but my sister iPhone works just fine with the printer.
62 people found this review helpful

I see so it use to be good at some point where it worked and now they ruined it with a trendy loading screen/overlay, spinners and demands HP account, internet and sign in which HP now finds more important than printing and scanning.

[Conrad Hoffman]

They make uneconomical hardware, buggy bloatware, and I've not allowed them to darken my doorstep in many years. Too bad, as old HP test equipment was the best.

[MrMobodies]

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/HP-Smart-App-now-requires-online-account-after-years-of-use/td-p/8291341

‎02-01-2022 07:26 AM @THardin67
Welcome to the HP User Community.
HP Smart and HP Smart Mobile require that you sign in to the application using your HP account credentials.

The change to HP Smart was implemented at the end of 2020.

Sorry.  There is no "going back".   HP Smart is installed from the Microsoft Store.

Like other Windows applications, the Store is in charge of providing the application and any updates.

HP Smart is not a "with cloud" or "without cloud" assignment - the application does provide easy (Optional) access to save scan data to your Cloud account(s).  Use of HP Smart is NOT mandatory.

You may use different Scan applications and software to scan and save / print / share your data.
...

I see, it is the Microsoft store pushing this bullsh*t from HP and not just HP alone

Well I will just have to change my settings and policies on everything else and disc image templates not to allow "apps" from Microsoft to automatically download, interfere and cause problems.

I'd imagine in the next line of HP printers, when someone inserts a non genuine cartridge in the printer, the printer and "app" will educate them what malware is. Non genuine/Third party cartridges = malware very bad for your printer's health.
I see a pattern here

A couple of weeks ago I was testing out Onedrive for someone, which I installed my modified copy of Windows 10 LTSC enterprise. I don't use Onedrive myself and had to revert a few steps to reshow the onedrive icon that I had removed in the navigation pane. Office stuff like Word and Excel refused to save in the one drive folder, administrator access denied. Apparently it attempted to sign in the package and I set policies not too in my disc image. I found by disabling file collaboration it worked for a while. Weeks later, it defaulted, and found an update removed that option and the same message appear. insert registry value it worked for another week but still worked on mine. Very over zealous and arrogant of Microsoft,

I found out last week ago, Onedrive has linked and "signed in" the operating system to Microsoft when I was looking in the PC settings at other things despite setting group policy editor not too.

I won't be using Onedrive again if they are going violate and preferences and do things behind my back and work against me but I imagine that file collaboration options removed some time ago as it was an old disc image copy at the time I last made changes to it.

I left good feedback about my preference/control and feelings being violated which they may not find pleasant (exactly how I feel) in the Onedrive feedback. Not that it would make a difference.

"c:\users\<account name>\onedrive" is just a folder.
Without the settings files in there and outlook closed office programs saves in there without a problem.
Saving into that folder should not need, internet and microsoft account, Office and operating system to be signed into in order to save in it.
VERY STUPID. Final nail in the coffin for Onedrive.

Seeing how they are behaving like this removing options to force people to sign in their Office package (Office 2019 and 2021) and Operating system (through the later updates) to save the one drive folder and that shouldn't be surprising they are pushing out software that do similar things like require sign in to use a printer.

[PlainName]

Just refurbed a HP4650 colour laser which I got for peanuts when a local company wore it out. Should last until no-one makes cheap toner any more, and is the dog's. Also got a faithful LJ4Plus (with rare duplex) which, sadly, I can't prevent having toner smears over the printouts. Too good a printer to tip, though.

OTOH, based on putting up with an OfficeJet AIO and various laptops, HP computing kit made since the breakup is so shitty I won't countenance even looking at it, never mind considering using it. I'm surprised they still have customers - they must surely be running out of fresh marks by now.

[PlainName]

BTW, regarding scanning programs, I found none of the printer manufacturer's stuff was that brilliant. I'd get used to one then change printer for various reasons (usually because it turned out to be shit, or break out of warranty, etc) and then my workflow wouldn't work with the new scanning app. Epson pissed me off by changing the app without the option to go back, so I had to readjust despite not even getting a new scanner!

So I splurged on VueScan which works with pretty much any scanner/AIO. Not cheap, but lifetime updates and all that, and you can change your scanner without raging at the stupid software that comes with it.

[MrMobodies]

Before network to scan folder for many documents I used Irfanview which started the basic HP scan tool but that seems to look nice and more geared up for with no bloat and reminds me a little of Canon network scangear.

We reverse engineered over 7100 scanners and included built in drivers in VueScan so you can keep using the scanner you already have.
Download VueScan and start scanning in 60 seconds.

That's nice they go to the effort.

[NiHaoMike]

BTW, regarding scanning programs, I found none of the printer manufacturer's stuff was that brilliant. I'd get used to one then change printer for various reasons (usually because it turned out to be shit, or break out of warranty, etc) and then my workflow wouldn't work with the new scanning app. Epson pissed me off by changing the app without the option to go back, so I had to readjust despite not even getting a new scanner!

So I splurged on VueScan which works with pretty much any scanner/AIO. Not cheap, but lifetime updates and all that, and you can change your scanner without raging at the stupid software that comes with it.

Or just make sure to get a scanner that's on the SANE supported list.

[MrMobodies]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/shopping/hp-has-found-an-exciting-new-way-to-drm-your-printer/ar-AA1bHdGu

The Verge
HP has found an exciting new way to DRM your printer!
Story by Sean Hollister • May 25
...

Here are a few choice quotes from the terms and conditions for HP’s ink service that I think you’ll appreciate (bolding mine):

You expressly allow HP to remotely change, patch, update or otherwise modify Your printer’s software  , firmware or programming remotely, without notice to You  , in order to provide the Service to You or to comply with applicable laws

Remote monitoring may include provision to HP of one or more of: page counts, types of documents printed (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, pdf, jpeg, etc.), types of devices that initiated print jobs, printer serial number, cartridge information (e.g. HP original cartridge status, and whether the cartridge was new or used at the time of its last insertion into the printer), and other similar types of metrics related to your Service as may be added by HP from time to time

You agree to maintain connectivity of Your Printer to the Internet and to not remove or disable any remote monitoring software or functionality on Your Printer

If Your printer is not connected to the Internet, then the Subscription Cartridges (as defined in section d. below) will be disabled, and You will not be able to use them to print; however, You will continue to be charged for the Service as described in Section 7 (“Paying for Your Service”). In order to reactivate disabled cartridges, You will need to reconnect Your printer to the Internet and keep it connected

When Your Service is cancelled for any reason, HP will remotely disable the Subscription Cartridges and You will no longer be able to print with the Subscription Cartridges. In such a case, you will need to purchase a regular HP cartridge compatible with your printer, in order to continue printing

HP may increase or otherwise change the Service Plan Fee and Overage Fee, and add additional fees, for any Service Plan, or otherwise change or add Service Plans at any time in HP’s sole discretion with prior notice to You

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/hewlett-packard-disables-printers-non-hp-ink/

Hewlett-Packard hit with complaints after disabling printers that use rival firms’ ink cartridges
12 May 2023, 10:29
...
Hewlett-Packard has prompted an 11111 after disabling printers of customers who try to use ink from rival companies.

HP has released a new ‘firmware’ update which blocks customers from using cheaper non-HP ink.

Customers’ printers were remotely updated and will now only work with approved ink cartridges which are fitted with a special microchip.

HP said the change was made to ‘reduce the risk of malware attacks’, adding 'third-party cartridges that use non-HP chips or circuitry can pose risks to the hardware performance, print quality, and security.'
...
HP’s website says the company also blocks the use of rival cartridges in order to * “maintain the integrity of our printing systems, and protect our intellectual property”.

One customer complained online: “We've been confused about why the printer won't print. Turns out hp has ink cartridges that won't work if you're not paying their monthly subscription. That's an absolutely crazy thing to do. Got my printer blocking the ink that's IN THE CARTRIDGE”
...
One angry woman said she “previously loved” HP printers but will now “never buy one again their underhanded dealings via ink supply-including their subscription is too ‘Big Brother’ for me”

Last year the company paid $1.35m (£1m) to consumers in Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal who had bought printers not knowing they were equipped with the cartridge-blocking feature

I don't see any integrity left in them. If they care about their "intellectual property" so much that they put into the printers and firmware, they can keep it I don't want if it is going to be so precious and sentimental to them that they have to  start meddling/interfering and affecting the customer's use where it no longer does the things it once did out of the box.

https://www.techradar.com/news/hp-printers-could-soon-lose-their-official-environmental-certification-following-user-fury

HP printers could soon lose their official environmental certification following user fury
By Craig Hale published 4 days ago
HP firmware is not *environmentally friendly, body claims

A complaint has been issued by Executive Director Tricia Judge, on behalf of the International Imaging Technology Council (IITC), calling for around 100 HP printer models to have their official environmental certification revoked, due to the company’s suspect firmware updates.

The IITC - which describes itself as the “trade association of toner and inkjet cartridge remanufacturers, component suppliers and cartridge collectors in North America” - addressed its complaint to the Global Electronics Council (GEC), which is responsible for managing the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) registry, calling out HP for “greenwashing” and false labeling.

In the letter, Judge wrote: “[HP] has made a mockery of the EPEAT registration process,” citing firmware issues and company morales over manufacturing and production concerns.

HP greenwashing
Judge specifically points at criterion 4.9.2.1 of the EPEAT, which requires “documentation that product does not prevent the use of non-manufacturer cartridges and non-manufacturer containers.”

However, despite its various EPEAT-certified printer models, HP’s Dynamic Security update  and HP+ subscription each have been recorded blocking anything other than the company’s own ink, blatantly neglecting the above criterion.

While HP does promise to recycle cartridges in over 60 countries and territories globally (assuming that Instant Ink subscribers stick to returning empties), the fact that tens of other manufacturers recycling their cartridges cannot sell them for use in HP models is of significant environmental importance. Not forgetting the likely price hike that comes with using OEM ink for consumers.

The complaint calls out tens of individual business printer models on pages 8 and 9, including the LaserJet, DesignJet, and OfficeJet families, on the grounds of the Dynamic Security firmware update. It also highlights models like the DeskJet, Envy, LaserJet, and OfficeJet on the grounds of HP+.

HP did not immediately respond to TechRadar Pro’s request for comment on the matter.

Check out the best hybrid working tech for supporting office-based and home-based working

Good

*More like HP's attitude. If a printer was purchased with a set of features and it worked out of the box with a set of third party cartridges and I don't mean the ones enrolled with the ink subscription then leave those printers alone.