A new vulnerability was recently discovered in a widely used print server that is installed by default on many Linux and Unix-based systems with a graphical user interface. The primary attack vector for the vulnerability is the CUPS (Common Unit Printing System) print scheduler, specifically cups-browsed, and has the potential to execute code remotely with zero user interaction required.

The vulnerability has reportedly been given a CVSS score of 9.9 by RHEL and Canonical, although this score is hotly debated, with some arguing it should have a lower score, because, although code can be remotely downloaded to the system, it cannot be executed without user intervention. Fortunately, there is no evidence of the vulnerability having been exploited, although the disclosure was leaked online ahead of a planned private reveal in October, prompting the developer that discovered the vulnerability to post the full explanation in a write-up on their blog. This being the case, the vulnerability could very well start being exploited by malicious actors.

Epson today introduced an expansion to its SureColor V-Series UV printer line and its first UV desktop printer - the SureColor V1070. Designed to bring the power of UV printing to small businesses for an exceptional value - at less than half the cost of comparable desktop flatbed UV printers - the new A4 desktop printer is easy to use and maintain, features a compact, space-saving design and prints high quality output on a variety of materials.

"Epson is dedicated to making cutting-edge UV printing technology accessible to everyone and simplifying the process for customers starting their own business or just beginning to explore the possibilities of UV printing," said David Lopez, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc. "This powerful, yet affordable, desktop UV printer brings all the incredible technology of Epson's large format UV printer into a compact design that can fit into most places, allowing for high quality printing on almost anything from virtually anywhere."

HP Inc. and its subsidiaries ("HP") announced fiscal 2024 first quarter net revenue of $13.2 billion, down 4.4% (down 4.9% in constant currency) from the prior-year period. First quarter GAAP diluted net EPS was $0.62, up from $0.47 in the prior-year period and within the previously provided outlook of $0.60 to $0.70. First quarter non-GAAP diluted net EPS was $0.81, up from $0.73 in the prior-year period and within the previously provided outlook of $0.76 to $0.86. First quarter non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net EPS excludes after-tax adjustments of $186 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, related to restructuring and other charges, acquisition and divestiture charges, amortization of intangible assets, non-operating retirement-related credits and tax adjustments.

"Our Q1 results reflect continued progress against our Future Ready plan," said Enrique Lores, HP President and CEO. "We are bringing terrific innovation to our customers while driving disciplined execution across every facet of the business. As a result, we delivered solid earnings growth this quarter and we are well positioned to accelerate as the market recovers."

Microsoft has revealed that it will phase out support for third-party printer drivers utilized by printing devices on Windows operating systems, thankfully this is not getting limited to Windows 11. Their update document states that: "the release of Windows 10 21H2, Windows offers inbox support for Mopria compliant printer devices over network and USB interfaces via the Microsoft IPP Class Driver. This removes the need for print device manufacturers to provide their own installers, drivers, utilities, and so on. Device experience customization is now available via the Print Support Apps that are distributed and automatically installed via the Windows Store."

A streamlined Windows print platform will be welcomed by folks who have had to deal with unreliable third-party drivers, operating system updates causing printers to stopping working, and getting older models to communicate with modern versions of Windows. Microsoft appears to be confident in their improved solution—the implementation of native support via updates has resulted in: "the end of servicing of the legacy v3 and v4 Windows printer drivers. As this is an impactful change, end of servicing will be staged over multiple years." Techradar has highlighted that the migration will not cause a complete lockout of legacy devices: "it's important to note that even when the switchover is complete, buyers will still have access to any existing third-party drivers. This means your old printer that's still kicking won't be rendered useless once support ends and only first-party drivers are updated."

Today at the Amplify Partner Conference, HP Inc. announced the new HP Color LaserJet 4200/4300 and the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise 5000/6000 and X500/X600 printing solutions for businesses of all sizes. All new HP Color LaserJet series printers are powered by HP's next generation sustainable toner, which delivers up to 27 percent reduced energy use and up to 78 percent less plastic in the packaging. HP's high-performance printing solutions are built to help growing businesses maximize productivity and minimize disruptions for today's hybrid workstyles.

"Flexible work arrangements are here to stay with companies of all sizes using it as a way to attract and retain top talent. However, distributed workforce productivity is top of mind for businesses," says Xavier Garcia, Global Head & General Manager, Office Print Hardware at HP. "The Color LaserJet 4000 series was designed for small businesses to maximize productivity with easy, reliable, and professional printing. As our customers grow, our Color LaserJet Enterprise 5000/6000 is ready to enable productivity and scale."

Dedicated to deliver value and convenience for the ideal printing experience, Epson America, Inc., the global leader in refillable Supertank technology, announced today that it will be expanding its EcoTank line of cartridge-free printing solutions to include Epson's most affordable EcoTank model. The EcoTank ET-2400 All-in-One Supertank printer, exclusively sold through Target and Walmart this holiday season, is designed for easy, everyday home printing at a lower price point so families can worry less about running out of ink.

"As the holiday season falls upon us, it is a joyous time filled with beautiful memories to capture and hold for a lifetime," said Kao Mei, product manager, Consumer Inkjet, Epson America, Inc. "By providing families with an EcoTank solution that delivers hassle-free printing at a lower, more affordable price point, we're opening up new opportunities for families to discover a new type of printing experience - all from the comfort of the home."

As many of you are aware, Microsoft's Windows 10 operating systems have been infected with the recent PrintNightmare vulnerability, where the Windows Print Spooler service would perform improper file operations, and attackers had room to exploit that behaveour. As the vulnerability allowed SYSTEM-level (admin) privileges, the users would be left with a vulnerable PC that an attacker could access remotely and perform malicious code execution. Back on Tuesday of last week, Microsoft has issued the patch that attempts to stop this exploit from happening, however, it seems like the fix has broken the Network Printing functionality of Windows-based machines.

According to the BleepingComputer report, the Tuesday patch for Windows has left a number of PCs with a broken Network Printing functionality, where the OS is reporting different types of errors each time the request for Network Printing occurs. It is important to note that the issue affects only printers that are attached by a USB connector, and mainly HP, Konica Minolta, and Canon models are in trouble. So far, Microsoft has not fixed this issue so users are left to wait for another patch round.

HP Inc. today announced the new HP DesignJet T830 24-Inch Multifunction Printer, an ultra-compact, versatile large format printing solution for architects, engineers and construction teams to seamlessly collaborate onsite and across sites by printing, copying, scanning and sharing plans with a single device. The 24-inch T830 printer joins the HP DesignJet T830 Multifunction Printer Series creating a portfolio that can handle any size project, yet offering the same HP DesignJet quality and reliability in what is now the most compact MFP device available in the market.

"HP multifunction printers open new ways to help professional teams communicate and collaborate using a single device. Our customers are increasingly demanding solutions that enable them to share easily, including agile transitions from digital to hard copy and back," said Guayente Sanmartín, General Manager and Global Head, HP Large Format Design Printing, HP Inc. " It's amazing to bring the most advanced HP printing technologies to support the teamwork of architects and engineers designing and building the future."

HP has gone and done it once again: they've re-issued a firmware update that locks printing for users who make use of non-original HP ink cartridges. This move by the company isn't new; in September 2016, they did just that, through a seemingly dormant "time bomb" implemented in new printers' firmware that stopped their operation should a non-original ink cartridge be detected. Businesses who were looking to save some money on expendables that are usually more expensive than liquid gold and who had started using non-original ink cartridges for their printers saw their activities on hold - and that likely costed them more than original cartridges ever would.

Later on, in October 2016, and facing considerable backlash due to its actions, HP reversed the built-in firmware lock with a software update that forced users to look up the appropriate software manually on HP's website and then install it on their printers. Original cartridge authentication is done through an original HP security chip, which is checked against security systems embedded on the printer so as to confirm the cartridge's authenticity. The company itself admitted that "A cloned product with an original HP security chip will work," and that "HP's dynamic security recognizes refilled and remanufactured supplies that contain the original HP security chip." HP apologized, at the time, for what it called "miscommunication" on their part. Their apology, however, has been thrown at the weeds by now; we here at TPU did say that users should "(...) remain wary of any eventual future update that might break non-original cartridge compatibility - again."

HP today announced an organizational realignment to improve performance and drive profitable growth across the entire HP portfolio.

As part of this realignment, HP's Imaging and Printing Group (IPG) and its Personal Systems Group (PSG) are joining forces to create the Printing and Personal Systems Group. The combined entity will be led by Todd Bradley, who has served as the executive vice president of PSG since 2005.

Vyomesh Joshi, executive vice president of IPG, is retiring after a highly accomplished 31-year career at HP. Under Joshi's leadership, IPG has grown revenue from $19 billion to $26 billion, and doubled its operating profit to approximately $4 billion.

HP today unveiled the world's first web-connected home printer: The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web. HP is bringing the power of the web directly to the printer and combining it with HP's TouchSmart technology to give people quick, easy, touchscreen access to popular digital content.

Designed for the digital generation and connected households, the HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web features an entirely new web-based printing platform with HP applications (apps). Similar to other Internet-connected devices, these apps, which are viewable on an extra-large, intuitive-to-use TouchSmart panel, allow people to connect instantly with fun, informative and personal content.

In addition to receiving apps preloaded on the printer, people can download new ones as they become available at the HP Apps Studio to suit their interests and needs. With the sweep of a finger, users will be able to browse and view popular web destinations and simply touch the app of their choice to launch a web page where they can customize and print content on demand in an easy-to-read format.

Microsoft Corp. and Lexmark International, Inc. signed a patent cross-licensing agreement that furthers the development of each company's product lines and will expand technological innovation to enhance the overall customer experience.
The patent cross-licensing agreement covers a broad range of products, including Lexmark printers and multifunction products, and Microsoft software products. The agreement allows greater mutual access to each partner's respective patent portfolio. The terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

Have you ever broken a small plastic part off of something and wished you could just replace that one piece rather replacing the whole item? In three to five years you may be able to do just that and, better yet, from the comfort of your own home. Three dimensional printers, also called rapid prototypers, once cost around 100,000 USD and could only be seen in industrial design shops. Soon, however, they will begin making their way into consumer's homes. Desktop factory, a company started by IdeaLab, will start selling its first printer this year for around 5,000 USD. It will be compact enough for home offices, measuring 25 by 20 by 20 inches and weighing only 90 pounds. In theory, this would allow you to download plans from the internet for whatever part you might need and print it within a short period of time.