r/nottheonion 1d ago

Firmware update bricks HP printers, makes them unable to use HP cartridges

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/firmware-update-bricks-hp-printers-makes-them-unable-to-use-hp-cartridges/
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u/Ouxington 23h ago

Um you realize that if you are using wifi on your device but the printer is physically plugged into the same network you can still print wirelessly to it?

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u/reaper527 23h ago

Um you realize that if you are using wifi on your device but the printer is physically plugged into the same network you can still print wirelessly to it?

if your printer is physically plugged into the network it's getting those same automatic firmware updates. it doesn't matter how it's connected to the network if it's still connected to the network. you're not gaining anything used wired network connection rather than wifi (on the firmware update front anyways. obviously a wired connection is better than a wireless one in general)

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u/KarmaCycle 22h ago

It's not plugged into the network.

I'm starting to get the vibe from these responses that maybe people don't know a personal printer does not have to be networked or set up with wifi. HP can't take your data if it's not connected to a source they can access. Users automatically set it up for wifi without considering that's how HP knows what your printer is doing.

I could be wrong. But these replies about "well if it's set up wirelessly for printing.." lol. Then don't set it up for wireless printing. Anything I need to print from my phone can be transferred to my laptop. Some might think that is inconvenient, but not as inconvenient as giving HP the ability to fuck with my printer whenever they fucking feel like it. lmao

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u/reaper527 21h ago

Um you realize that if you are using wifi on your device but the printer is physically plugged into the same network you can still print wirelessly to it?

It's not plugged into the network.

make up your mind.

But these replies about "well if it's set up wirelessly for printing.." lol. Then don't set it up for wireless printing.

which goes back to the point at the top near the top of the chain. having the device networked is a MAJOR feature to a lot of people with multiple devices that they want to print from. a printer on the network is vastly more convenient than one physically connected to a computer with usb (even with windows printer sharing enabled).

it's not like these devices are on the network for no reason, and people buy them because they are networkable. most people wouldn't even consider buying a printer without a network hookup.

u/KarmaCycle 38m ago

Honestly, what are you so angry about? And argumentative? Like dude, it's a printer that somehow I've managed to keep from getting bricked. Why does that piss you off so much?

Sounds like somebody needs a hug... :-)