Question Is it good to update the firmware of HP Smart Tank printers?

[Wing901]

After updating the firmware (about 4 years ago), my Epson xp-600 cannot recognize compatible ink cartridges.

What is the catch of updating firmware of printers?

Thank you.

 

[kanewolf]

After updating the firmware (about 4 years ago), my Epson xp-600 cannot recognize compatible ink cartridges.

What is the catch of updating firmware of printers?

Thank you.

You are saying that for the last four years, your printer won't recognize ink cartridges ? Is it genuine Epson cartridges or only second source ?

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

After updating the firmware (about 4 years ago), my Epson xp-600 cannot recognize compatible ink cartridges.

What is the catch of updating firmware of printers?

Thank you.

Hey there,

Well, you've already found out exactly the downside.

With that said, not all companies deploy firmware updates that can brick your printer.

The benefits I guess, are the same as any firmware upgrade in any other piece of hardware eg. Phones, PC Bios, TV, BD-Players etc. They can bring enhancement, stability, better end product.

 

[Wing901]

You are saying that for the last four years, your printer won't recognize ink cartridges ? Is it genuine Epson cartridges or only second source ?

Compatible means not made by Epson.

 

[kanewolf]

Compatible means not made by Epson.

Epson added something to the firmware to prevent second source ink. It is not uncommon.
Epson will say it is to protect the rest of the printer from poor quality ink.
Epson also sells the printer at low or zero profit to make money on ink sales.
I left inkjet printers many years ago. I don't print that much and I was wasting a ton of money on ink that dried out before use. I only buy color laser printers. Laser printers don't degrade from being unused. If I really need a photo printed, I send it to a photo printing service.

 

[Wing901]

Hey there,

Well, you've already found out exactly the downside.

With that said, not all companies deploy firmware updates that can brick your printer.

The benefits I guess, are the same as any firmware upgrade in any other piece of hardware eg. Phones, PC Bios, TV, BD-Players etc. They can bring enhancement, stability, better end product.

Since HP smart apps connect my printer to its server(of course they can control my printer but not vice versa), update process will be running automatically. But I block the connection with Windows firewall. I am considering if it is needed to allow it through or keep blocking. You know, the price of compatible ink is only one-third of the original one. Another issue is security, they can get my information through the connection because my computers and printers connect to the same router.

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

Epson added something to the firmware to prevent second source ink. It is not uncommon.
Epson will say it is to protect the rest of the printer from poor quality ink.
Epson also sells the printer at low or zero profit to make money on ink sales.
I left inkjet printers many years ago. I don't print that much and I was wasting a ton of money on ink that dried out before use. I only buy color laser printers. Laser printers don't degrade from being unused. If I really need a photo printed, I send it to a photo printing service.

This the exact reason I frequently buy printers. My printing needs are minimal. Some basic prints, the odd scan here and there. I buy a printer (they are often on sale and maybe 50-100$£€) and use them until the ink runs out. It's then cheaper to just get another printer than to buy bespoke cartridges. I know this doesn't suit everyone, but for me it works. Ink cartridges are a rip off. How those companies do that, leaves a real bad taste. And they ALL do it.