HP Smart

HP Smart. HP Smart is a proprietary application developed by HP Inc. designed to facilitate the setup, management, and usage of HP printers and scanners from various devices. It serves as a central hub for printing, scanning, and copying documents and photos, often integrating with cloud storage services and mobile workflows. The application is a key component of HP's modern printing ecosystem, emphasizing wireless connectivity and remote access.

Overview

The application functions as a comprehensive tool for interacting with supported HP hardware, allowing users to perform tasks without relying on a traditional computer connected via USB. It is prominently promoted for use with HP Instant Ink, a subscription-based ink replenishment service. The software is available across major platforms, including Microsoft Windows, Apple's macOS and iOS, and Google's Android operating system, ensuring broad accessibility. Its development reflects a strategic shift by HP Inc. towards service-oriented models and the Internet of Things.

Features

Primary functionalities include wireless printer setup, which guides users through connecting devices to a Wi-Fi network. Users can print documents and photos directly from their smartphone or tablet, and scan physical documents to save as PDF or JPEG files. The app often provides access to ePrint, a service that allows printing via email, and integration with services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive. Additional features may include ink level monitoring, printer health checks, and access to promotional offers from the HP Store.

Compatibility and requirements

HP Smart is compatible with a wide range of HP printers and All-in-one printers released in recent years, particularly those with support for HP Wireless Direct or connectivity to local networks. The application requires a device running a supported version of iOS, Android, Windows 10, or macOS, along with an active internet connection for full functionality and initial setup. Some advanced features, such as remote printing, necessitate the printer and the mobile device or computer to be on the same network or linked through an HP account.

History and development

The application evolved from earlier HP utilities like HP ePrint and the HP All-in-One Printer Remote software, consolidating functions into a single, cross-platform experience. Its development accelerated with the consumer adoption of smartphones and the decline of PC-centric printing. Major updates have focused on improving the user interface, expanding cloud service partnerships, and deepening integration with the HP Instant Ink program. The rollout has been closely tied to marketing campaigns for new printer series like HP Envy and HP OfficeJet.

Reception and criticism

Reviews from publications like PC Magazine and TechRadar have noted the app's convenience for basic mobile printing and scanning tasks, praising its streamlined setup process. However, common criticisms include occasional connectivity issues with certain printer models, a perceived necessity to create an HP account for full use, and privacy concerns related to data collection for the Instant Ink service. Some users have reported frustrations with the app's performance on older operating system versions or with printers not on the same subnet.

Category:HP Inc. software Category:Printer software Category:Android software Category:IOS software Category:Windows software Category:MacOS software