Samsung is putting Android in yet another piece of hardware – printers. And not just any printers, these bad boys are made for businesses willing to pay a hefty premium for the ability to print stuff directly from the web and select apps.
A total of 10 different Smart MultiXpress printers have been announced, all sporting Smart UX Center running on top of the Android OS. The official pitch goes like this:
The new Samsung Smart MultiXpress series of MFPs each feature a 10.1-inch full touchscreen panel that enables users to search and print from web browsers, emails, maps, images and other types of content – without the need to connect to a PC or server. The touchscreen also offers the ability to preview documents, as well as editing and annotating capabilities.
And if that’s not easy enough for you, there’s the optional Samsung NFC Pro accessory that allows remote printing with a smartphone.
Samsung has been pushing hard to bring its Android products and services to the enterprise environment. Beyond its Samsung KNOX solution, which will be a part of the upcoming Android L release, the Korean company has been acquiring companies all across the board to make Android more appealing to the business community.
One recent acquisition is all about cloud printing; with the acquisition of PrinterOn, Samsung is looking to bolster its mobile cloud services. Said company — based in Ontario, Canada — develops technology that allows users to print stuff using their smartphones by connecting to printers through the Web. PrinterOn claims that its solutions have been used in more than 120 countries at offices, hotels, universities and libraries. The company has printed more than 80 million pages since its inception in 2000.
After the deal is closed, PrinterOn will continue to operate as wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Canada.