Google Cloud Print lets you print emails and photos from your phone and tablet. Here's how to print on the move. Produced in association with Kodak.
Google Cloud Print lets you print anything, from any device, to any Google Cloud-connected printer. Your files are securely sent over the web or via email to your printer: whether you’re in the same room as your printer, or in another county. Best of all, it doesn’t matter whether you’re on a desktop, laptop, tablet or phone, if you can connect to the web or email, you can print.
To use Google Cloud Print, all you need is a printer, and a Google account. If you use Gmail, Google Calendar, or any other Google service, you'll already have an account. But don't worry if not, it's free to sign up.
Google says that Cloud Print can work with any printer, but suggests that it is easier with a Google Cloud Print Ready model. Cloud Ready printers are ready right out of the box, and register themselves directly with the Google Cloud Print service over your home or office's wireless network. This means they’re always available, and they'll keep their drivers and firmware up to date without requiring your intervention. You don't even need a PC.
Pretty much every printer we get through the PC Advisor Test Centre these days is Cloud Print ready, but most people will be using a conventional non-cloud printer. No problem, you can get started today - you just need a PC that is connected to the web, and the Google Chrome browser.
Simply log in to your user account on the Windows or Mac computer, and open Google Chrome. Click the 'customise and control' icon on the browser toolbar - it looks like a spanner. Then select Options, or Preferences if you are on a Mac. Choose the Under the Hood tab, scroll down to the “Google Cloud Print” section, and click Sign in to Google Cloud Print.
In the window that appears, sign in with your Google Account to enable the Google Cloud Print connector. You should find that a printer confirmation message appears, aftwer which you click Finish printer registration.
You'll see a confirmation that Google Cloud Print has been enabled, and that's it: you're good to go. Of course, it's much easier with a Cloud Enabled-printer, such as our Kodak Hero 7.1.
Simply make sure your printer and computer are connected to the same network, download and install the latest version of All-in-One Printer Software and follow the on-screen instructions, including accepting the prompt to upgrade the firmware. Open your Kodak Home Center Software, then click Cloud Printing Setup. Then follow the on-screen instructions to register your printer with Google Cloud Print.
If you want to print by email, when you've completed the preceding steps, return to the Online Printer Management Tool and wait until you see "Registration Successful" for Google Cloud Print. Then' click Get Email Address for KODAK Printer'. Follow the on-screen instructions, and the KODAK Email Print Service website will open in another window, assigning an email address to your printer.
Click Enable next to your printer name and, assuming you have paper in the printer, a page will be printed that includes the email address of your printer.
Now you can print from your Chrome browser, and a growing number of apps on Android and iOS. Or you can simply email to print. Take a photo on your phone and send it to print at home to show your partner where you are, for instance. Or if you are working on the way to the office, you can send ammended files ahead and they'll be on the printer when you arrive.
Sharing your own printer allows your friends and family to send things to you. The possibilities are almost endless, and Google is committed to adding Cloud Print capabilities to an increasing number of apps and servies. Indeed, it says its aim is to allow everyone to print wherever they are and whatever they are doing.
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