Internal notes point to cloud connectivity woes for older OfficeJets, though company denies systemic issue
This issue is emerging as companies increasingly push users towards subscription services and cloud-connected devices, leveraging firmware for control and planned obsolescence.
This highlights the growing tension between hardware ownership and vendor control, raising concerns about consumer rights, product longevity, and the hidden costs of 'smart' devices.
Consumers face increased risk of diminished product functionality and forced upgrades, while manufacturers gain more control over the product lifecycle post-sale.
- · HP (short-term sales)
- · Cloud service providers
- · New printer manufacturers
- · HP (long-term brand trust)
- · Consumers
- · Independent repair shops
More customers experience forced obsolescence or reduced functionality of their 'smart' devices due to vendor-controlled firmware updates.
An increase in consumer advocacy and regulatory scrutiny regarding product lifecycles, 'right to repair' movements, and transparency in firmware policies.
This could accelerate a market bifurcation where some consumers actively seek out 'dumb' or open-source hardware to avoid vendor lock-in and forced obsolescence.
This signal links to a primary source. Continuum Brief monitors and indexes it as part of the live intelligence stream — we do not republish source content.
Read at The Register