Millions hit by home printing block

Millions of homes across the globe will no longer be able to use cheaper ink cartridges after HP released an update that blocks unofficial printing.

HP has caused uproar by releasing a firmware update that instantly disables printers if they don't have official ink cartridges installed.

Opting for cheaper and unofficial alternatives is hugely popular with consumers as they can cost half the price of own-brand accessories.

However, it appears that HP is now putting a stop to this practice and anyone placing an unlicensed product in their printer will be left without any ink on paper.

The update first began being released back in March but, as reported by The Telegraph, many users are only just discovering that their printers will no longer work if they don't buy HP-labelled cartridges.

The tech giant says it has changed its rules "to maintain the integrity of our printing systems, and protect our intellectual property."

The unpopular update affects any device that uses a technology called dynamic security. "Dynamic security equipped printers are intended to work only with cartridges that have new or reused HP chips or electronic circuitry," HP explained. "The printers use the dynamic security measures to block cartridges using non-HP chips or modified or non-HP electronic circuitry."

The update hasn't gone down well with owners with many heading straight to HP's forum pages to complain.

One HP user, named Joe, said: "Hi, we just bought an ISY brand (non-HP) ink cartridge for our HP 6950 inkjet. The printer is refusing to print with a non-HP cartridge installed. I cannot believe that it's legal for you to do this, and I'm assuming this is a mistake."

Whilst another user said he "felt like throwing the printer out the window" after the change.

To try and soften the blow, HP does offer a monthly "Instant Ink" subscription plan which it says can save customers 70% compared with buying single cartridges.

Prices start from 99p which lets users print 10 pages per month - the firm states its most popular option is 100 pages for £4.49 pe month.

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