Even though mobile device computing has come a long way in a very short time, devices like iPhones are limited by their inability to download and  install the necessary printer drivers needed to print from your mobile device to a printer. Apple introduced AirPlay/AirPrint support with its latest iOS version that can enable an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad to handle a number of tasks such as streaming music and movies wirelessly to compatible products. Frees up your device from being tethered to your primary machine.

With the exception of HP and Epson, companies have only licensed the AirPlay technology thus far to do the fun stuff. Now Canon has announced that its new line of PIXMA Series wireless printers will have the AirPrint technology built in for direct printing from an iOS device connected to the same local network. The MG8220, MG6220, and MG5320 will all allow users to wirelessly print photos, emails, web pages and other documents without the need to install device drivers, saving time and making for a seamless user experience.

According to the press release, the 8220, 6220, and 5320 are listed at approx. $299, $199, and $149 respectively, and can support any iOS Device (iPhone, iPad, and 3rd generation or later iPod Touch running iOS 4.2 or later. Now there are ways to use your current network printer to print emails, images and the like from your iOS device. I have tried both an AirPrint PC hack and a mobile app using a computer that has to be always on and always connected to a printer. They both work fine, but there is nothing like native capabilities that are easy to setup, use and troubleshoot…especially if you like to wait til the last minute to print out an important business document sent in an email that is on your iPhone.

For more info, check out the Canon AirPrint page