>visit hp.com/plus-support for additional setup help
My guess is that the person in question bought a model/sku that operates not as a typical printer (ie. you pay for the machine and its consumables), but as a printer as a service model[1] (ie. you pay per pages printed). In that case it does make sense that you need to install the app (presumably to connect the printer to the internet and to connect to your account) for the service model to work. I don't see the issue with this as long as this was clearly disclosed on the box when the printer was purchased.
> This printer is intended to work only with cartridges that have a new or reused HP chip, and it uses dynamic security measures to block cartridges using a non-HP chip. Periodic firmware updates will maintain the effectiveness of these measures and block cartridges that previously worked. A reused HP chip enables the use of reused, remanufactured, and refilled cartridges.
I've recently successfully talked someone out of buying a HP printer precisely because of shady practices like this. I believe more people should do the same
The picture shows model number M110w, which has an optional "instant ink" (toner) add-on service. According to HP, only model numbers ending in "e" are Printing As A Service and have ink/toner subscriptions required.
My guess is that the person in question bought a model/sku that operates not as a typical printer (ie. you pay for the machine and its consumables), but as a printer as a service model[1] (ie. you pay per pages printed). In that case it does make sense that you need to install the app (presumably to connect the printer to the internet and to connect to your account) for the service model to work. I don't see the issue with this as long as this was clearly disclosed on the box when the printer was purchased.
[1] https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/hp-plus.html