Epson to expand mobile and cloud printing services

31 August 2011 - Epson today announces it is expanding its mobile and cloud printing services for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The new and expanded services will include original Epson solutions collectively known as Epson Connect, to be launched in autumn 2011. Epson’s expanding portfolio of cloud and mobile services provides customers with greater freedom by allowing them to print documents and photos directly to their Epson printers*¹ from a mobile device. In recent years, increasing numbers of people have used smartphones and tablets to send electronic mail, browse web pages, and create presentations and documents. However, it has been difficult for these users to print out their work because mobile devices have not been equipped with a printer driver. The widespread use of these devices has also increased demand for printing services for people on the go who want to print documents when they are outside the office or the home. To meet these needs, Epson has launched original mobile services known as Epson Connect, which includes the Email Print and Epson iPrint solutions. Email Print is a service that allows customers to print out electronic mail and file attachments by simply sending an e-mail from their smartphones or other mobile device to an enabled Epson printer. By using this service, people on the move can check mail on mobile devices, and print out essential e-mails and attachments such as documents, presentations and tickets on Epson printers in their home, office, and other locations. Epson iPrint is a print application for the latest iOS- and Android-based devices. By downloading the Epson iPrint application and connecting to a Wi-Fi enabled printer, customers can print out a wide range of contents ranging from photos and documents to recipes, coupons, and web pages. Epson has also declared its commitment to supporting mobile solutions provided by other companies. These will be announced separately, with initial services to be available from September 2011. By supporting these solutions, Epson hopes to provide a platform by which customers can print out documents regardless of their location and without a printer driver. “Epson is delighted to announce the launch of Epson Connect,” says Ian Cameron, general manager responsible for global communications at Epson. “We are thoroughly committed to exceeding the expectations of our customers, and firmly believe that Epson Connect and other cutting edge mobile and cloud services provide enhanced options by allowing enterprise and other customers to connect with Epson devices wherever they may be.” Epson Connect outline 1. Email Print (planned launch autumn 2011) This allows customers to print electronic mail and file attachments by sending them to an e-mail enabled Epson printer. If it’s possible for you to send an e-mail, then its possible to print your document. 2. Epson iPrint (version 2.0 for iOS launched June 2011, Android version launched from August 2011*²) This is a printing and scanning application for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch (iOS-based) terminals and Android terminals. It can be used with Epson printers on a local area network connected via Wi-Fi. Going forward, Epson will continue to answer customer needs by expanding its range of products and services that will enable customers to freely print documents and other contents without being restricted by location or the need to install a printer driver. *1 Dedicated printers only *2 Launch date varies by region. Notes These services are not available with all Epson printers or file formats. Please check with your local sales companies for details.