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HP promises fix for printer software that barred outside ink

HP Inc. has apologized to customers for cutting them off from ink cartridges from other companies and says it will fix the problem.

The printer maker had issued a software update that made some of its printers incompatible with competitors' ink cartridges. It says it was trying to protect customers from counterfeit or unauthorized cartridges that might affect printing quality.

But the update led to complaints that HP was interfering with its customers' right to choose ink suppliers. Critics also warned that customers would be less likely to trust future security updates.

HP in a Wednesday statement apologized to customers for not explaining what it was doing. It promises another software update that again lets customers use non-HP inks.