The HP printer printed a warning message reminding the user that printing would no longer be possible until they installed the HP application. This has angered consumers.
This issue was reported by user X named Schappi. According to an image shared by this person on social networks, HP's printed notice label states: "The HP printer must be set up using the HP Smart application. Go to 123.hp.com, download the app, and follow the setup instructions. Please complete.”
Schappi claimed that HP required the installation of unnecessary software, essentially “crapware,” to use HP printers, and lamented that users should return to Officeworks, an office supplies manufacturer. of Australia.
Responding to a direct message from HP support asking for a detailed report on the issue, Schappi said: “Instead of prompting customers to install the driver, HP product managers decided to forcing customers to install annoying software with the sole priority of making a profit. Now, even though the printer still works fine, it's actually broken unless you install unnecessary software. Fire that product manager.”
Although HP still asked users to send messages directly, Schappi flatly refused.
This issue has been around since at least 2022, and if you search for the warning mentioned above, users will also find the message on HP's official forums. One protesting user said in November 2022: “I don't want to do that. Why force me to install such software when I just want to use the printer? Is this right?".
Schappi's post also became a hot topic on social news site Hacker News, and in response to a question about why they forced users to install the app, Schappi said: "I guess if you force users to install app, they will register to buy ink."