Google Introduces Mobile Printing For Gmail From iOS Devices
by Matt Rome
January 24, 2011
Have you ever been in one of those pesky situations where there's a document file on your iPhone, but you need a hard copy, and fast? Well Google is rolling out a solution for you.
Today, Google announced that they're in the process of enabling Google Cloud Print from Gmail on iOS and other mobile devices. Essentially, this gives people the ability to print email and email attachments on-the-go, directly from their Gmail account to any printer linked to Google Cloud Print.
How is this different from AirPrint, you ask? Well for starters, Google Cloud Print is compatible with most printers attached to your PC, as opposed to the small handful currently AirPrint-ready. Additionally, Google Cloud Print lets you print from anywhere, so you're not restricted to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. Imagine being able to print a document to your employer's office all the way from across town while you're stuck in traffic (please don't print and drive).
Unfortunately, there is a catch-22 at the moment. Google Cloud Print is currently only compatible with Windows-based computers, so if you're on a Mac, you're out of luck for now. Thankfully, Google has plans to bring their Cloud Print to both Linux and Mac in the near future.
Do you see yourself using Google Cloud Print on your iOS device? Let us know in the comments.
How is this different from AirPrint, you ask? Well for starters, Google Cloud Print is compatible with most printers attached to your PC, as opposed to the small handful currently AirPrint-ready. Additionally, Google Cloud Print lets you print from anywhere, so you're not restricted to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. Imagine being able to print a document to your employer's office all the way from across town while you're stuck in traffic (please don't print and drive).
Unfortunately, there is a catch-22 at the moment. Google Cloud Print is currently only compatible with Windows-based computers, so if you're on a Mac, you're out of luck for now. Thankfully, Google has plans to bring their Cloud Print to both Linux and Mac in the near future.
Do you see yourself using Google Cloud Print on your iOS device? Let us know in the comments.
