Funai Electric Open Facility After Buying Lexmark Inkjet Side

The Japanese company will employ 50 people after acquiring the inkjet technology of the Lemxmark's last year.

Lane Report reported on the move by Funai Electric to the Lexmark campus in Lexington, which will see the company employ up to 50 staff with an average salary of $100,000. The company based at the site will be called Funai Lexington Technology Corporation, and will be a subsidiary of the global technology company.

The company purchased Lexmark’s inkjet technology assets in April last year, and the site will "support research and development in the inkjet and microfluidic technologies", with an investment said to be worth around $4.2 million to the state of Kentucky.

In return, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority "preliminarily" approved tax incentives for Funai worth around $1.2 million through its Kentucky Business Investment program, a performance-based incentive that allows companies to "keep a portion of their investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credit and wage assessments".

Kentucky Governer Stever Beshear stated: "This is a prime example of an innovative company teaming up with an innovative and high-tech workforce. Kentucky’s reputation for employing educated and skilled workers is gaining the attention of companies around the world. We are very excited to welcome Funai to the commonwealth, and we look forward to seeing Funai Lexington Technology Corp. grow into a global leader."

Kiyoshi Chinzei, Officer and General Manager of Funai Electrics' Office Solution Business Unit, added: "Funai Lexington Technology Corp. is a critical development resource for the Funai Electric Company Limited. This new company will continue research and development in the inkjet and microfluidic technologies."

"We expect this company will lead great success for us to be one of global leaders in the new business opportunities. We are pleased with the technology resources available in Lexington and the support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky."

In turn, Bob Quick, President and CEO of Commerce Lexington Inc. noted: "Lexington is excited to welcome Funai Lexington Technology Corp. to our technology community. Lexington was recently ranked in the top 25 high-tech hotspots in America, and Funai's decision to locate in our city is a testament to our educated workforce, low cost of doing business and innovative spirit."

Visit www.priceless-inkjet.com for OEM and Earth-Friendly compatible and remanufactured printer supplies

Source: Funai Electric to open facility in Lexington after buying Lexmark inkjet technology

Printer on Water Instead of Ink Invented

Like any ordinary printer, this machine ingests a blank page and spits it out covered in print. But instead of ink, it uses only water, and the used paper fades back to white within a day, enabling it to be reused.

A team of chemists claims their "water-jet" technology allows each page to be reprinted dozens of times, a money-saving and tree-saving option in a digital world that still relies heavily on hard copy.

"Several international statistics indicate that about 40% of office printouts are taken to the waste paper basket after a single reading," said Sean Xiao-An Zhang, a chemistry professor at Jilin University in China, who oversaw the work.

The trick lies in the paper, which is treated with an invisible dye that colors when exposed to water, then disappears. The print fades away within about 22 hours at temperatures below 35 degrees as the water evaporates – quicker if exposed to high heat, Zhang and a team wrote in a paper describing their invention in the journal Nature Communications.

The print is clear, claim the designers, and the technology cheap.

"Based on 50 times of rewriting, the cost is only about 1% of the inkjet prints," Zhang said in a video on the Nature website. Even if each page was re-used only a dozen times, the cost would still be about one-seventeenth of the inkjet version. Sean said dye-treating the paper, of the type generally used for printing, added about 5% to its price, but this is more than compensated for by the saving on ink.

Crucially, the new method does not require a change of printer but merely replacing the ink in the cartridge with water, using a syringe. "Water is a renewable resource and obviously poses no risk to the environment," said the study.

Previous work in the quest for a disappearing ink has tended to yield a low-contrast print, often at a high cost, and sometimes using hazardous chemicals. Zhang and his team used a previously little-studied dye compound called oxazolidine, which yielded a clear, blue print in less than a second after water was applied. They have managed to create four water-printed colors so far – blue, magenta, gold and purple – but can only print in one hue at a time, for now.

The next step is to improve both the resolution and the duration of the print. They are also working on a machine that will heat pre-printed sheets of paper as they are fed into the machine, fading the pages instantaneously for re-printing.

At 70 degrees, the color disappears within about 30 seconds.

Zhang said the dyed paper was "very safe" but toxicity tests are underway to be sure.

Source: Scientists create printer that uses water instead of ink

OfficeMax Misused Customer’s Personal Information

NBC Chicago reported on the letter sent to Mike Seay, whose 17 year old daughter Ashley died in a car crash in April 2013 in Antioch, Illinois, and to whom the office products retailer sent marketing material addressed to Mike Seay and "Daughter Killed in Car Crash" on the address label of the envelope.

The letter was received by Seay last Thursday, and he asked friends how to handle the situation, eventually deciding to contact the company"s call center, who told him "it was impossible" and that "this can't be happening", before NBC contacted OfficeMax, who have "blamed it on a third-party mailing list provider".

Seay stated to NBC: "Why would they have that type of information? Why would they need that? What purpose does it serve anybody to know that? And how many other types of information do they have if they have that on me, or anyone else? And how do they use that, what do they use that for?"

OfficeMax later sent a statement out from its corporate affairs office, saying: "We are deeply sorry that Mr. Seay and his family received this mailing from us, and we are reaching out to Mr. Seay to convey our sincerest apologies on this unfortunate matter. This mailing is a result of a mailing list rented through a third-party provider. We have reached out to the third-party mailing list provider to research what happened. Based on a preliminary investigation today we believe this to be an inadvertent error; and we are continuing the investigation."

Entrepreneur.com in turn discussed how the company had "failed on the PR front … twice" by having "mishandled customer service" by meeting Seay’s queries with "incredulity rather than an apology, let alone sympathy", and by then "immediately blaming a third-party vendor"; in this site’s view, the fact is that "the letter bore OfficeMax’s brand, so the public does not care who erred".

The site went on to note that customer service is the "front line of public relations", and that "by failing to manage and assure quality" in terms of the third-party company, OfficeMax "fumbled its brand protection … blaming the vendor does nothing to absolve OfficeMax of that responsibility". It also dismissed privacy concerns by stating that the error "was more mundane", and that it was "not the existence of this data that was a problem, but rather its use" by the company.

Source: The Recycler, NBC Chicago, Entrepreneur.com

We at Priceless Inkjet Cartridge Company are committed to protecting your privacy. We use the information we collect about you to process orders and to provide a more personalized shopping experience. Your personal information will never be, under any circumstances, released, sold or rented to any third party. Guaranteed!

Mobile Printer Market is Expected to be Worth $11 billion

A new market report from Reportlinker, titled Global Mobile Printers Market Forecast & Opportunities 2018, discusses the mobile printing market's future growth, with expectations that it will reach a value of $11.87 billion by 2018 across the globe.

The site states that the mobile and portable printer market "came into existence in 1985", and that by 1990 the machines were "widely available and were being extensively used in retail, transportation and hospitality" industries, with "initial adoption" seen in the North American and European markets.

The industry started with dot-matrix machines, but with "various technological advancements" inkjet and thermal machines are "widely used", with the thermal-based devices using a "special type of thermal paper instead of ribbon or cartridges", which "reduces the replacement or refilling costs" of the devices.

In terms of regional markets, Reportlinker believes that the Asia-Pacific market will be the "highest revenue generator" before Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa, as with the "growth of online retailing, the need for a mobile workforce has increased exponentially", in turn resulting in a growth in demand for such devices.

Source: Mobile printer market to be worth $11 billion worldwide by 2018

“There is No Reason to Not Use” Remanufactured Printer Cartridges

Wiles Greenworld’s Tony Robins noted that remanufactured cartridges are a "stand-out" opportunity for businesses to save the environment.

An interview with E2B Pulse saw Robins, Sustainable Development Director at office supplies and services company Wiles Greenworld, discuss the options businesses based in London have to cut down their environmental impact, with remanufactured cartridges among the options he believes are obvious for London-based businesses to take up, and one of the "most popular" green products that the company provides to businesses.

Robins stated that toner cartridges "are the other opportunity within offices that stands out", as "frankly, there is no reason to not use remanufactured toner cartridges. All the relevant parts, the selenium drums and springs are replaced and it's just reusing the plastic case".

He also mentioned that "sometimes there's an issue with brand awareness and confidence and a default to thinking that an HP brand or a Canon brand is a guarantee that the product will work", but in terms of cost savings "it’s very significant to move to remanufactured cartridges and quality-wise, there is no reason for there to be an impact".

Robins notes that the company's attitude has "been to promote and supply products with the least environmental impact as the preferred option”, and that many companies in office supplies "might put out a global tender" asking for the "cheapest place [they] can buy" recycled products, which is often said to be China, but in Wiles Greenworld’s case, Robins believes that "if it's for the UK and that product is then shipped 5,000 miles, a product from a sustainable source provided locally may well have a lower environmental impact".

Source: Environmental office company claims “there is no reason to not use” remanufactured cartridges

The price of Gas versus Printer Ink

The price of Gas versus Printer Ink
All these examples do NOT imply that gasoline is cheap, it just illustrates how outrageous some prices are. You will be really shocked by the last one! (At least, I was...) Compared with Gasoline... Think a gallon of gas is expensive? This makes one think, and also puts things in perspective.
Diet Snapple 16 oz $1.29 - $10.32 per gallon	Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19 - $9.52 per gallon
Gatorade 20 oz $1.59 - $10.17 per gallon	Ocean Spray 16 oz $1.25 - $10.00 per gallon
Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15 - $33.60 per gallon	Vick's Nyquil 6 oz $8.35 - $178.13 per gallon
Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85 - $123.20 per gallon	Scope 15 oz $0.99 - $84.48 per gallon
And this is the REAL KICKER...
Evian water 9 oz $1.49 - $21.19 per gallon for WATER and the buyers don't even know the source! (Evian spelled backwards is Naive.)
Ever wonder why printers are so cheap? So they have you hooked for the ink. Someone calculated the cost of the ink at (you won't believe it... but it is true!!!) $5,200 a gallon (five thousand two hundred dollars)
So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope, or Whiteout, Pepto Bismol, Nyquil or God forbid, Printer Ink!

Save Money Using MPS

Mike Stately told of how his company was over-spending on printer ink, explaining that while it prints its "fair share" of documents, it was "not nearly enough to warrant what we were spending. We had to find a new way to do business".

As a result, Stately turned to MPS provider Pacific Office Automation, which he said shared "very revealing" information, particularly that printers use up ink for maintenance purposes even when not engaged in printing. Pacific Office Automation’s Doug Pitassi explained: "There had been an investigation done by Consumer Reports that showed how inefficient most ink brands are […] so when Mike Stately called, we let him know this information and made some suggestions as to how to alleviate his concerns."

Stately decided to invest in an MFP to help save on the cost of printer ink, with the device able to provide data on who is printing and how much to further manage the costs of printing. Using an MFP also means that many documents no longer need to be printed as the device allows documents to be shared via the network database.

Commenting on the new printing strategy, Stately said: "It has been incredibly helpful. Our printing costs are down, and we are spending so much less on ink. It is much more efficient than anything else we have used in the past. Our employees save time and unnecessary effort, and we save on costs. It’s a win-win for everyone involved."

You can also save on printer supplies by purchasing Earth Friendly remanufactured ink and toner cartridges. Visit www.priceless-inkjet.com and start saving.

Source: Company saves money with MPS

Smartphone Instant Printer from Fujifilm

Fujifilm's Instax Share SP-1 device will be able to print photos from phones on the spot.

Gizmodo reported that the machine, the latest in the company's range of Instax instant printers, can "approximate that level of satisfaction" and "wonderful feel" of photos "a Polaroid used to spit out", with the machine's built-in Wi-Fi radio allowing it to become a hotspot as well as a printer.

The machine works through the Instax Share iOS and Android applications on smartphones, with a connection made to the printer and the photo produced on a two-by-three inch film sheet. Gizmodo added that the printer also has a "print again button" for those who've "taken a photo of a group and would like a souvenir", with dates and times added to photos if chosen as an option.

The site also noted that it "loves the idea that you can turn your photo into a memory" with the machine, which is also battery-powered for mobile and on-the-go use, and will be available in the US market in April for $200.

Source: Fujifilm launches mobile phone instant printer

Make Your Office Greener

It's much easier being greener at home, but what about in your work place? There are a few tips to make your office greener and help saving the environment.

Remanufactured inkjet cartridges and laser toner supplies
Each year more than 375 million empty ink and toner cartridges are thrown away, with most of them ending up in landfills or in incinerators. You can help to reduce this harmful waste by recycling your toner and ink cartridges and by purchasing re-manufactured ones. We at Priceless Ink & Toner offer Earth friendly recycled printer supplies for almost all printer brands and models.
According to recent statistics from major supplies' retailers, using a remanufactured toner cartridge can keep about two pounds of metal and plastic out of landfills and save nearly a half-gallon of oil. Many retail stores offer incentive programs if you bring in your empty inkjet cartridges and toner cartridges for recycling. Consider refilling your old ink and toner cartridges yourself to realize substantial savings.

Reduce paper usage
According to The Economist's article from 1980, the average American uses the paper equivalent of nearly six 40-foot trees each year. Despite the increased use of electronic communication, the average American office worker goes 10,000 sheets of paper every year, according to statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency.
You can reduce paper usage by using online office tools to share documents. Or if you need to print your document, make double-sided copies or print on the back of old documents. Recycle unused backs of paper that come to your office in the mail or as flyers for use as notepaper for your office.
Guide books and manuals could be e-mailed to the employees instead of printing a copy to each of them. You can also cut down on paper bills and junk mail.

Reuse products and supplies packages
Most packaging can be re-used several times. When you get a package delivery, save the box, bubble-wrap and cardboard to use in your next shipment. What can't be reused -- recycle

Save on electricity
Use laptops instead of desktop computers whenever practical. Laptops consume five times less electricity. When you set desktop computers to go into automatic sleep mode during short breaks, it can cut their energy use by about 70%.
Shut off lights when you leave a room. Shut off all lights when leaving the building. Purchase Energy Star-rated light bulbs and fixtures which use less energy and last up to 10 times longer before burning out. Consider installing motion sensors or timers on entrance ways.
Make use of natural light whenever you can by opening curtains and blinds during the day.

Get rid of the plastic cups and plates
Encourage staff members to bring their own water bottles and coffee mugs instead of the disposable ones. Provide filtered drinking water for employee use.
Place recycling bins in high-traffic areas of your office and post clear instructions about what can and cannot be recycled in them.

Save on transportation
Think about ways you can cut down on the environmental impact of transportation costs for your staff members -- encourage car-pooling.
Use teleconferencing to reduce travel expenses. Help employees to arrange carpooling or offer incentives for using public transportation to and from work.

Source: Practical Steps for a Greener Office

With the End Comes a New Beginning

Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday Season

Wide-format Market grows in Fourth Quarter

IDC’s latest overview saw the sector grow by 6.2% , with 77,000 units shipped in 3Q 2013.

The latest version of the Worldwide Quarterly Large Format Printer Tracker presented the market's growth, which is the first growth period "since the first quarter of 2011 where both units and shipments achieved year-over-year gains", according to the analysts.

The total market value for the third quarter of 2013 came to $802.8 million, which was an increase of 6.2% from the third quarter in 2012, with growth said to have been "fueled" by "solid demand" from both the United States and Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) (APeJ) markets, with the USA seeing a unit increase of 16.5% and value increase of 8.4%, and the APeJ region seeing a 20.9% unit increase and 8.4% value increase as well.

Breaking down the wide-format industry into technical and graphic applications, the former segment grew by 5.7% to 45,900 units shipped, with a 59.1% share of the total market, "unchanged" from the previous year. Seven of eight regions saw growth in technical printing, with the MEA (Middle East and Africa) first with 23.8%, followed by the USA with 15.4% and Japan with 12.7%.

The graphics application segment also saw a unit increase of 6.9% to 31,800 units, a 40.9% share of the total market, with the APeJ and US markets among the four regions that saw growth in comparison to 2012, with 19.8% and 18% increases respectively. In turn, both Japan and the MEA saw increases over the results from 3Q 2012.

In terms of OEM share, HP remains first, with a share of 39.1% and 30,500 units shipped, a decline of 1.4%, though it saw growth in four regions, including the APeJ and US markets with 15% and 13.4% respectively. Epson ranked second, with a growth of 13.5% to 16,600 units shipped – a 21.4% market share, with double-digit growth in the US of 51.4%, the APeJ of 34.2%, Japan with 22.4%, and the MEA with 16.8%.

Canon placed third with unit increase of 12.4% to 16,400 units and a 21.1% share, with all regions growing except Western Europe, with Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), APeJ and Canada each seeing an increase of 46.7%, 35.5 percent and 17.3% respectively. Roland held fourth place with 20.9% growth and 2,700 units shipped, with gains everywhere but Europe, including the MEA with 50 percent, APeJ with 45.7%, and Latin America with 45.1%.

Finally, Ricoh held fifth position, with two thousand units shipped for a share of 2.6%, with shipments increasing by 22.1% to make it the "best year-over-year performance", with growth in all regions except Latin America, including a growth of 3.8% in Japan, 45.1% in the US and 20.4% in the APeJ.

Phuong Hang, Programe Director for Worldwide Large Format Printer Tracker at IDC, stated: "Epson was one of the main growth engines in the APeJ market. The password encryption on Epson print heads benefited Epson itself, as well as Roland, Mimaki and Mutoh who OEM from Epson. The encryption was established in December 2012 and helped to prevent other Chinese brands from using Epson print heads to develop their own machines."

The Recycler previously reported that the global wide-format market is set to be worth $12.5 billion by 2016.

Source: Global wide-format market sees growth in final quarter

Epson Plans to Enter Ecommercial 3D Printing Market

President of OEM says Epson is to move beyond its traditional product range and is developing 3D printers for commercial applications.

The Age reported on an interview conducted by Fairfax Media in which Epson President Minoru Usui spoke of striving for originality and looking into new types of products, as he reportedly stated that other technology companies such as Apple and Samsung lack "originality".

Usui used the two companies' smartphone models as an example, commenting that "if you take them apart then you'll find that they're basically all using the same displays, they're using the same batteries, the same condensers, the same parts".

He then went on to assert that Epson plans to focus on "actual originality" and on creating "things that other companies simply cannot", listing wearable technology and 3D printing as areas of interest for the company.

In terms of 3D printers, Usui explained that Epson would be focused on commercial applications for large-scale production environments rather than models aimed at the consumer market, which he described as "niche" and "very limited" due to the types of materials they can use to create objects. He added that he did not expect the consumer 3D printing market to become "all that big" and believes that interest in the market would be "temporary", claiming that it had been encouraged by a speech made by US President Obama in February in which 3D printing was mentioned.

Usui also talked about Epson"s foray into the wearable technology market, which he said would be "a big area of expansion" for the company. "We’re aiming to create products that will be able to illustrate what’s happening inside your body […] so you can track changes over time," he said. "As far as I’m aware there are no products on the market today that can achieve this by simply just using sensors."

Lightweight, augmented reality headgear is another area that Epson is focused on, with Usui claiming that "the scope for products like this is immense in various applications".

Usui said: "I don’t want Epson to be just known as a printer maker or projector maker […] I want to take it to be a company [that] understands [what] people in different areas of the world want."

Source: Epson to enter commercial 3D printing market

"Dream Printer" for Children from Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta announced its "dream printer" project under the "Giving Shape to Ideas" concept. The new video features children telling a unique printer what they dream of becoming in the future. Magically these children are able to see what they could look like if they follow their dreams.

"We wanted to encourage children by showing them that the more you imagine, the more your dreams take shape," said Yuki Kobayashi, General Manager of Konica Minolta’s CSR, Corporate Communications & Branding Division. "Children dream about what they want to be when they grow up, but they eventually lose sight of those dreams. Konica Minolta believes that children can realize those ambitions by imagining their dreams and focusing on them specifically, so we decided to help children shape their dreams, based on the idea "The more you imagine, the more your dreams take shape." We are happy to celebrate children, and to take it a step further to help them visualize their dreams with the "dream printer."

In the video, filmed in Gantry Plaza State Park in New York, while children run around and play, the children meet with the "dream printer." Watch the surprised faces of the children, as the printer asks them what they imagine themselves being in the future. Within minutes of telling the printer their dream, the children receive an illustration that depicts this, showing them that their dream can come true. As night falls, the printer"s true self is revealed.

Konica Minolta has implemented a variety of projects that embody the concept of "Giving Shape to Ideas," with the "dream printer" and accompanying video as the newest initiative. The Group understands the problems customers face from the customer's perspective and creates new values by bringing ideas into shape. Konica Minolta will continue to create innovative products, services and solutions that bring joy, give surprise and stir emotions for businesses and everyday lives across the world.

Source: Konica Announces ‘Dream Printer’ Project for Children

Printers Were Sent from Hell!

Epson releases Google-linked device

Consumer Electronics Net reported first on the US release of the Epson Expression Premium XP-610, a "small-in-one" inkjet machine that can wirelessly connect to Google Chromebook laptops for printing, scanning and other functions. The machine, set to be exclusively available at US retailer Best Buy, also offers cloud functionality.

The printer is the "first […] to integrate" with Chromebooks in such a way, with Epson America’s Patrick Chen, Product Manager of Mobile Connectivity, stating: "Working closely with Google, we've made it easier than ever to setup and then print from your Chromebook no matter where you are. Chromebooks are one of the fastest growing segments of the PC industry and expanding wireless printing convenience directly enhances creativity and productivity for home, school and business users."

Manila Standard Today meanwhile reported on the launch of two Epson wide-format sign printers in the Philippines, both of which utilize 1.5 litre high-capacity ink tanks. The SureColor SC-B6070 and SCB7070 feature sizes of 44 inches and 64 inches respectively, and are said by the OEM to be used for "high quality indoor signage printing" using its dye-based inks.

The tanks "can be refilled even while the printers are in operation", Epson notes, and "represent a superior solution to third-party ink tanks that are not made by the original printer manufacturer". The OEM has also noted that "there is no warranty coverage for their installation or else when non-original inks cause damage", with both machines utilizing Epson’s Micro Piezo thin film printhead.

Other features included in the two machines are a print resolution of 1440 x 1400 dpi, as well as print speeds of up to 69.5 square metres per hour. The ink tanks also feature filters "to prevent contamination of the printhead", and the machines also utilize a "low ink level warning system" to prevent misprints. The SC-B6070 and SC-B7070 are available for Php 340,900 ($7,793) and Php 799,900 ($18,270) respectively.

Source: Epson releases Google-linked device and new wide-format machines

Okay, let's see who got it right this time?

Sharp and HP are Likely to Enter Copier Manufacturing Partnership

Sharp is rumored to possibly get an OEM deal with HP to make copier machines. The two OEMs are said to be planning to also work on toner and other copier supplies.

Chicago Tribune reported on the rumors from "a source familiar with the matter", which outlined that Sharp "may get" an OEM (original equipment manufacturing) deal to manufacture copier machines under HP’s brand.

The source noted that "supply of copiers to [HP] could begin as early as the second half of the current business year" ending in March 2014, and declined to be identified "because a formal deal had yet to be signed" by the two OEMs.

The rumors come after Samsung’s attempts to co-opt Sharp’s printer and copier businesses with its own, starting with it becoming Sharp’s largest shareholder and buying a stake in Sharp. Sharp rejected the offer from Samsung to buy both its printer and copier units before calling off the fledging joint copier business plans that Samsung had suggested.

Further more Japan Times reported on potential details of a partnership between Sharp and HP. The new details include the provision set by Sharp that "some of its digital copiers" manufactured for HP would be "for sale under its name", as well as Sharp "consider[ing] working with HP on toners and other supplies".

Sharp reportedly aims to "expand production of copiers to make up for its losses in the liquid crystal business", whilst HP "seeks to enhance its product line-up by adding Sharp’s copiers", which can print up to A3-size in comparison to HP’s A4-size devices.

Source: The Recycler Magazine

HP Releases New Version of Consumables App

The third version of the SureSupply app allows mobile users to search for replacement cartridges.

IT Business reported on the release of the newest version of the application, which is free for mobile users and allows them to search for and order new consumables "on the go". The app was previously called eSupplies, and has been rebranded after two years to "make it easier for HP customers to identify the cartridges they need for their printers, and to place an order right away".

Whilst the app does not allow for in-app purchasing, it "does show different prices from the list of resellers", and once a consumer decides what they want, they are "transferred to the reseller’s website and can then finish the transaction from there". The HP’s developers noted that the app has been redesigned to simplify the process for marketers "to send special offers to existing HP customers", with the ability to download the app, connect it to the printer over a wireless network, and then "get a read on when their printer is running low on different colors" or cartridges.

Customers in emerging markets that might be concerned as to the legitimacy of the cartridges they buy can also utilize the app, which allows them to scan a QR code on the side of the cartridge to check that it is an HP original. The OEM added that the app also makes it easier for customers to "search for a cartridge type simply by typing in a number, pulling up a list of resellers who carry that specific cartridge, and are located within a user’s country".

The app will be made available in 29 countries and 38 different languages, and is available in both Apple’s app store and Google’s Play store, with a beta set to be released at the end of November.

John Groden, Director of Supplies for Digital Assets at HP, stated: "The app allows for seamless repurchasing of ink and toner [and] with the ease of repurchase, it allows us to work with our existing global reseller base."

Source: HP releases new version of consumables app

Who will get the Cash?

Canon and Epson help relief efforts in the Philippines

Canon and Epson donate money to help relief efforts in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan.

Both OEMs have expressed their condolences to those affected by the recent typhoon in the Philippines, which struck on 8 November and resulted in the loss of over 10,000 lives and the destruction of homes; with the companies donating money to help relief efforts being undertaken in the area.

Canon stated that it will donate ¥10 million ($100,359) to the cause, while ¥2 million ($45,903) will be donated by Epson through Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), a local NPO.

A statement from Canon read: "We at Canon extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this catastrophe and our thoughts go out to the victims and their families. Although the road to recovery will be challenging and take time, we hope that the region will soon be able to begin the rebuilding and healing process".

Epson meanwhile stated: "Epson wishes to extend its sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, and hopes for the speedy recovery of the areas damaged by the disaster". The OEM added that it "will consider extending further support when the full effects of the typhoon are known."

Source: Canon and Epson support typhoon relief efforts

Veterans Day 2013

Anti-fraud Laser and Ink Technology Developed

Lasers can be printed onto variety of surfaces using an inkjet printer to help detect fraudulent products.

HNGN reported on the new anti-fraud technique developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge, involving the printing of "liquid-crystal lasers" onto products to help tackle the issue of counterfeit goods, with the team able to "meticulously control" the laser’s color and pattern combinations using an inkjet printer.

"The detector takes advantage of this by shining a second, laser pulse on to the printed one," the university explained in a press release. "It then reads the wavelength of the light emission from the printed laser through a dedicated software, and reproduces that reading as a pattern on a spectrograph."

Fake currency and fraudulent pharmaceuticals are among the objects that the technology could potentially be used to detect; although it is claimed that the printers are able to be used on a wide range of products "because it is applicable on almost any surface".

Dr. Damian Gardiner, a researcher on the project, explained the reasons behind the development of the technology: "Every year, hundreds of thousands of people are sold fake pharmaceuticals under the mistaken belief that they will help them, while counterfeit products cost companies hundreds of billions of pounds […] We think that our printed lasers could be used to protect both products and people." Source: Anti-fraud laser technology developed

Thanksgiving Day Weather Contest

HP InkJet Cartridges Looking Like Chanel Perfume

Celeste Watson redesigned the packaging as a response to the environmental, ethical and financial issues she has with HP’s inkjet ink.

Complex reported on the redesigns by communications designer Celeste Watson, who has produced packaging for HP inkjet cartridges as if they were Chanel perfume. The boxes feature criticisms of the manufacturing methods, testing and composition of the inks on the back, with the remainder of the design a spin on Chanel’s No 5 perfume.

Watson stated that she came up with the idea as "a response to how absurdly priced household printer cartridges are", adding that "this project aims to resolve the current discrepancy between the price of the product and its packaging". The website notes that the packaging depicts how it would look if HP told consumers "what was in the printer ink", as well as how "it had been tested on animals and the effects the ink had on the environment".

Complex adds that Watson’s design "forces the consumer to consider the cost of such supplies" in terms of "environmental, ethical and financial" impact, and notes that by "refocusing the packaging to keep up with the cost of the liquid inside, the discrepancies are made bare in an ironically ornate fashion".

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Source: Designer rebrands HP inkjet cartridges as Chanel perfume