HP previously released a security update for its printers. It blocked the printers from using third-party ink cartridges. Now, the company has announced a new firmware update to get things back in order. HP might have been prompted by the consumers' outcry.
Consumer Backlash
HP received backlash for its previous firmware update. Apparently, it also prevented printers from operating with a number of recycled cartridges. The company is now saying that it was just protecting its users. Furthermore, HP stated that it wanted to provide the best possible experience.
According to Tech Crunch, that did not seem to be the case. HP issued the update back in March. However, a feature activated six months later caused printers to stop working with cartridges, which previously did not have issues. Consumers were warned of this possible issue..
The Electronic Frontier Foundation even called out the company. It was an evident anti-consumer behavior. The foundation even urged the users to sign a petition. HP was asked to apologize and restore the previous printer functionality. Activist Cory Doctorow went as far as stating that HP intended to activate the printer ink's digital rights management (DRM).
The new feature violated the trust of HP's customers. Consequently, the petitions and outcry caused the removal of the feature from HP printers.
HP's Defense and Another Update
HP's Chief Operating Officer, Jon Flaxman, released a statement on its official blog. He said that only a number of customers have been affected. He indicated that only one customer having a poor experience is one too many.
Flaxman admitted that there is a confusion in the market regarding the update. There should have been better communication about the authentication procedure to their customers. HP has essentially called itself out.
According to CNET, the company will issue an optional firmware update within two weeks. The new update will remove the controversial dynamic security feature.
