Google has opened up its cloud printing beta to users of its web and mobile applications that currently support cloud printing.
Google’s cloud printing service has been in closed beta for several months as internal testing vetted different approaches. Recently cloud printing was opened to the users of the Chromium notebook trial program.
The cloud print service has been specifically intended for the Chromium-based laptops, as users of the web-browser OS will not be able to print via the normal methods. However, cloud printing has the same benefits for anyone trying to print from a mobile device. Apple has also taken note of this issue, and recently released its AirPrint service to provide similar functionality.
Google’s one flaw is its claim that the system requires installing no software to enable the service. You do need to install the Chrome web browser and enable the cloud printing connector inside Chrome. Last time we checked, Chrome falls under the classification of “software”.
Regardless, it will be interesting to see how cloud printing evolves as others like Apple and now Cloud Engines’ Pogoplugs come onto the cloud printing scene.
The full announcement is available on Google’s mobile blog.