Chrome OS to Print Through Cloud
Drivers, be gone.
Google wants to use cloud computing to make the Chrome OS independent of local printers.
In the official Chromium blog, Google is of the mind that local printer connections and installing individual printer drivers are no longer feasible for the mobile user community. For the exclusively Web apps in what the search engine maker calls their "Web-connected platform," Google has come up with a new design that makes printing from anywhere to any printer possible.
Chrome OS grabs at the cloud: the Google platform wants to make devices independent of printer drivers with their Google Cloud Print service.
The Google Cloud Print concept is based on all devices and platforms being connected to the Web, although Google calls it the "cloud" instead. Every app should be able to send data to any printer, no matter if it's a Web, mobile or desktop app. The concept doesn't depend on drivers, but on a not so clearly defined cloud service to which users submit print jobs. The service should take care of sending the print job with its selected parameters to the respective printer.
The Google blog attests that Google Cloud Print is still under development. However, code for a first cut of a Cloud Print Proxy implementation is already available, along with documentation. APIs are to come next. The declared goal is to get the community involved as soon as possible. One open debate is what open standards to use for true Google Cloud Print consistent functioning.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.
-
Budgie 10.10 Scheduled for Q1 2025 with a Surprising Desktop Update
If Budgie is your desktop environment of choice, 2025 is going to be a great year for you.
-
Firefox 134 Offers Improvements for Linux Version
Fans of Linux and Firefox rejoice, as there's a new version available that includes some handy updates.
-
Serpent OS Arrives with a New Alpha Release
After months of silence, Ikey Doherty has released a new alpha for his Serpent OS.