HP: We will block non-HP cartridges in the future again, firmware update only temporary solution

The firmware update that unblocks non-HP cartridges is only a temporary solution, according to HP. The printer manufacturer will block non-HP cartridges again in the future but will be more transparent about it.

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A HP spokesman told the Dutch website Hardware.info that the company made a mistake in its communication about the rejection of non-HP cartridges. In the future the company will block non-HP cartridges again but the change will be better communicated, according to the spokesman.

Earlier today we reported that HP released a firmware update for Officejet, Officejet Pro and Officejet Pro X printers that allows them to accept non-HP ink cartridges again. The firmware is a bit hidden indicating the printer manufacturer prefers users to stay on the current firmware that doesn't allow non-HP ink cartridges.

HP previously stated it rejects non-HP cartridges, " to protect its intellectual property, innovation and to protect the communication between the cartridge and the printer."

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The entire soap started when on the 13th of September several HP printer types started to reject non-HP ink cartridges. An online ink retailer found that HP pre-programmed a date in its firmware on which private label, non-HP ink cartridges would no longer be accepted. HP first stated it wouldn't fix the issue but after a lot of press attention the company apologized and decided to release a firmware update that would make non-HP cartridges work again. This update was released today.

It appears the soap will continue in a later stadium when HP will release a new firmware update that will reject non-HP cartridges again but will be more transparent about it. The issue isn't the communication, but the fact that HP printer owners will be forced to buy more expensive official HP ink cartridges.

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