Netgear offers wireless printing to USB printers via app
updated 12:23 am EDT, Tue May 8, 2012
Genie makes printers AirPrint compatible
Networking accessory maker Netgear is now offering a free app called Genie that allows USB printers on the users' home network to used as an AirPrint printer, making it possible for them to print wirelessly from iOS and Android devices. The mobile app works with a variety of Netgear routers, and a companion home program provides users with other home-networking utilities such as diagnosing and fixing network issues and more.
For printers connected directly to a Mac or Windows machine, the free companion OS X or Windows app is available. Otherwise, the printer need only be on and connected to one of the supported Netgear routers in order to be able to print wirelessly. The printer model does not have to be specifically AirPrint-compatible, and the company says the program should work with any model USB or networked printer.
The mobile app for iOS comes in two versions, a regular app for the iPhone and iPod Touch, and a separate "HD" version for the iPad. The Android version is available from the Google Play store, and the Windows and Mac apps are obtainable from the Genie web page.
