Cloud-based operations have represented a significant step forward in technology in recent years, and one of the features which has proven to be most useful to consumers is cloud printing. This technology means that there is no longer any need for physical connections between a home PC and a printer, or for printer specific drivers to be downloaded.
Two industry giants, Google and Apple, are competing cloud printing services, which has led to inevitable comparisons being made.
Google Cloud Print v/s Apple’s AirPrint
Google’s cloud printing service is called Cloud Print, and was first released in 2010. It works best with cloud ready printers, however one of the advantages of this service is that it can actually be used with any printer. Setting up a Google Cloud Print account and connecting a printer to it is remarkably simple, and once completed documents can be printed using a range of different applications across a variety of devices including Mac or Windows PCs, Android tablets and mobile phones, and even Apple iOS devices. Cloud Print is not restricted to Google’s Chrome browser, but works in any HTML 5 capable browser, including Apple’s Safari on iOS.
This all-encompassing strategy is incredibly convenient for consumers, and highlights the fact that Google is known as a service provider rather than a hardware manufacturer. Apple naturally took a different approach with their AirPrint cloud printing service, also launched in 2010. Their service can only be used with AirPrint compatible printers, of which there are currently over two hundred available. Printing can only be done from Apple devices, such as the iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch, using iOS 4.2 or above, but the process is very user-friendly. In general, the simplicity and convenience of cloud printing have made it more important than ever to find great deals on ink cartridges and refills.
It could be argued that Google Cloud Print’s cross-platform functionality is an advantage over Apple’s iOS dependent AirPrint service. Another important point is that Google allows Cloud Print users to share printers easily and securely, which is a feature that is not available with AirPrint. Sharing printers work in much the same way as sharing a Google Docs document, and is just as convenient. Printer access can be managed with just one click directly from a Google account.
Conclusion
There are certain notable differences between these cloud printing services, but both perform the important function of allowing easy wireless printing over the Internet. There is no question that Apple AirPrint has been popular with the millions of iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch owners around the world, but the versatility of Google Cloud Print means that it is open to a greater number of people. The important fact, however, is that the printing needs of consumers are being met, resulting in easier printing and a greater need to find great deals on ink cartridges and refills.
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