UPDATE: HP UK says there is no UK release date for the HP PhotoSmart Premium with TouchSmart Web just yet, but it looks likely we’ll be seeing it on these shores at some point.
The HP PhotoSmart Premium with TouchSmart Web is a landmark gadget for two reasons. Not only is it the first printer in the world to hook up directly to the internet, it’s also the first to offer its very own app store. For, you know, printing apps. No, seriously.
Mobile phone companies have been rushing to get app stores out the door of later, but HP’s trying to open up a whole new market with the HP PhotoSmart Premium with TouchSmart Web. It’s a printer with web connection and a 4.33-inch capacitive touchscreen with printing widgets that’s even capable of video streaming, though for what reason is beyond us.
The HP PhotoSmart Premium with TouchSmart Web promises to be a useful tool for anyone who finds themselves using their printer for the same tasks regularly (printing directions on Google Maps for instance) and has to boot up the PC every time.
The beautiful part though? HP is opening up the API so along with the included widgets, (Google Maps, coupons, recipes and more), you’ll be able to make your own apps for it and sell them on the HP Apps Studio from later this year.
Is HP ahead of the curve here, or has it just fallen off the track? We’re not quite sure. The HP PhotoSmart Premium with TouchSmart Web will go on sale in the US this Autumn for $399 (£245), and we’re chasing HP for a UK release date and pricing as we speak, so flick through these official photos while you wait.
Out TBC | £TBC | HP
