Why has HP removed the "Printer Settings" interface in the HP Smart app?!

[pchristophor]

I opened the HP Smart app today to set the paper orientation on my printer and I could not find the setting in the app anywhere. I researched on the web and sure enough, I found an older post in a forum with a screenshot of the app, and there it was, big and grey: Printer Settings -> I proved to myself that I wasn't hallucinating, and that the HP "Smart" app actually once HAD the settings I am now unable to find. I then think to myself "ok, maybe I have to sign into the app, since the app already recognizes the printer". I signed in, still no 'Printer Settings'.

I demand to KNOW, why has HP removed this from the app?!!! With 'Printer Settings' gone, 40% of my printer's functionality has been removed as well!!!!!!!!

[edit]

[edit] the only thing that made the app useful):

[Repairatrooper]

HP has not removed the printer settings tab, perhaps your installation is corrupt and you need to reattach the printer. I just added a brand new printer to my Smart Dashboard and as you can see, the Printer Settings are available.

[pchristophor]

Hello and thank you for responding.

I wish you were right, but:

1. I already re-installed the HP Smart app (using it on macOS 13.5.2.). Printer Settings is still missing.

2. Our app versions seem to differ based on your screenshot unless the app on macOS has a different layout. The version of the app I have is:

4. There is no toggle or categorie listed for 'Printer Settings'

Can you please let me know what version you have on Windows? Or is the build version numbering not cross-platform?

I have now re-attached the printer in the app after "hiding" it and then adding it again with the "Complete Now" option since my printer was already registered on my network. Printer Settings still missing...

Please tell me I'm just dumb and am not doing something right [edit]

[Repairatrooper]

Not sure if version numbers are synced or not.

As you did not include your computer type in your original post I would have no way to know. I can confirm this on my MacBook tonight and post back

[pchristophor]

Thank you for checking. Please let me know what you see on your MacBook when you get the chance, I'm really hoping something is wrong on my end..

[Repairatrooper]

I downloaded Smart on my Macbook last night and my screen looks like yours. Rather than assume that HP is purposely trying to sabotage Mac users, I am leaning to an error in the latest release. I have escalated this post in the hopes someone can let us know what is going on. Keep in mind that this would not be the first time Apple forced a software vendor to remove features from a program for perceived "IP violations".

[pchristophor]

Thank you for confirming. I would really like to give HP the benefit of the doubt, but it's impossible as things stand:

1. An hour ago, an update was released, which did not restore Printer Settings. Yesterday the last update was 6 days ago. So at least six days they did not fix the issue (if it even is an issue and not a feature).

2. If Apple forced them to remove the one feature that the app needs to have to be useful for managing the printer (HP rendered my printer unmanageable on Mac), then why do they not provide the installer separately on their site to their customers?

3. It seems that removing Printer Settings is a final decision and NOT an error in the release, as the new screenshots of the app in the app store no longer include Printer Settings:

[edit]

Thank you for the help, and if by some miracle you receive clarification from HP, please let me know, although I doubt this is a mistake or error...