Are you a Google Cloud Print user? If so, you are probably aware that Google Cloud Print is no longer supported, as of January 1, 2021. Migrating to a new service sounds daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Read on to learn more about Google Cloud Print, its depreciation, and why Star Micronics’ CloudPRNT technology is an ideal Google Cloud Print alternative.
About Google Cloud Print
According to Wikipedia,
“Google Cloud Print is a Google service that lets users print from any Cloud Print-aware application (web, desktop, mobile) on any device in the network cloud to any printer with native support for connecting to cloud print services – without Google having to create and maintain printing subsystems for all the hardware combinations of client devices and printers, and without the users having to install device drivers to the client, but with documents being fully transmitted to Google. Since July 23, 2013 it also allows printing from any Windows application, if Google Cloud Printer is installed on the machine.
Google Cloud Print integrates with the mobile versions of Gmail and Google Docs, allowing users to print from their mobile devices. Google Cloud Print is listed as a printer option in the Print Preview page of Google’s Web browser, Google Chrome, in Chrome 16 and higher. Printers without built-in Cloud Print support, often referred to as ‘legacy’ or ‘classic’, are supported through a ‘Cloud Print Connector’ integrated with Google Chrome versions 9 and higher.”
The End of Google Cloud Print
In November 2019, Google officially announced that Google Cloud Print will no longer be supported starting on January 1, 2021. Why the change? Google has claimed that improvements in native Chrome OS printing, as well as a wide market of comparable print solutions has contributed to its decision to terminate Google Cloud Print.
Google recommends that all users find an alternative print solution and migrate print services prior to the end of the 2020 calendar year. To learn how to disable your Google Cloud Print services, please click here.
CloudPRNT as a Google Cloud Print Alternative
If you’re a software provider who uses, or is looking to use, Google Cloud Print with receipt printers, don’t worry; Star Micronics has an easy cloud printing solution (or replacement) for you. Star Micronics CloudPRNT technology is not just a Google Cloud Print alternative, but an even better solution.
About CloudPRNT
Quick to integrate. Easy to deploy. Scalable.
Star Micronics’ CloudPRNT is an innovative technology enabling users to print to Star printers directly through a cloud service. The CloudPRNT printer retrieves and prints orders and data from any web-based point of sale (POS) system integrating Star’s communication protocol.
CloudPRNT works with web-based applications to store and create print jobs, and communicate status with the printer. Cloud POS services post information using a JSON format, while the Star CloudPRNT printer pulls this information on a defined interval. CloudPRNT is built on the solution provider/ISV’s server, in the preferred language and architecture.
Star’s CloudPRNT technology provides benefits to businesses of all types by eliminating the need for an extra tablet to send information to the printer. Instead, the web-based POS is able to communicate directly with the printer. As an added benefit, businessowners and service providers do not need to maintain an SSL certificate for the CloudPRNT printers since they communicate with the server as a client.
By adopting web-based POS systems, organizations can embrace the latest technology, boost efficiency, and more. Using CloudPRNT, cloud-based POS systems have a new and easier solution to offer businesses, allowing them to seamlessly integrate online transactions into their operations.
Key Features
- CloudPRNT printer communicates directly with the server
- The server can control peripherals connected to the printer (e.g. cash drawer, scanner, digital display, buzzer/sounder)
- Multi-interface supporting POS (native) and web-based POS systems (cloud)
- Hosted by the solution provider/ISV – can be built in desired language/ architecture
- Suitable for any business using web-based applications
- Labels
- Orders
- Receipts
- Ticket
- Scheduling
- And more
CloudPRNT Compatible Printers
CloudPRNT is compatible with a variety of Star Micronics printers, including 2” and 3” thermal receipt printers, thermal label printers, impact kitchen printers, and 4” wide-format thermal printers.
3” thermal receipt printer
Bluetooth, USB, Lightning, LAN
IPX2 splash-proof design
Peripheral device connectivity
Fast charge and communication via USC-C® power delivery port
SteadyLAN® technology
2” thermal receipt printer
Bluetooth, USB, Lightning, LAN
Sleek, compact, connected
Easy setup
Guillotine auto-cutter
SteadyLAN® technology
3” thermal receipt printer
Swappable interfaces: serial, parallel, USB, LAN
High reliability and performance
High-speed printing of 60 receipts per minute (300mm/s)
External power supply included
Compatible with PromoPRNT
Repositionable, liner-free thermal label solution
Improves order accuracy up to 99%
Liner-free yields 60% more labels/roll than diecut
80mm and 58mm paper support
High reliability and performance at a low cost
Optional vertical stand
Reliable kitchen printer
Apple MFi Certified Bluetooth, serial, parallel, USB, LAN
Internal power supply
High-speed throughput: 13 receipts/tickets per minute
“Drop-In and Print” paper loading
All accessories included (except cable)
3” receipt and label printer
Apple MFi Certified Bluetooth, serial, parallel, USB, LAN
Up to 0.15mm paper thickness
Black mark label support
Rear paper feed
Vertically mountable
4” wide-format thermal printer
Apple MFi Certified Bluetooth, serial, parallel, USB, LAN
Ultra high speed: 37 receipts per minute (180mm/sec)
Wide paper format: 4.4” (112mm)
“Drop-In and Print” paper loading
Barcode capabilities