The shortage of chips around the world is becoming a major problem for many companies and also for consumers, who in some cases are receiving their vehicles without certain technological components.
Now, in the absence of chips, printer maker Canon was forced to sell cartridges without the chips that control certain functions, including the system used to discourage customers from using non-genuine cartridges.
Consequently, the Canon started to inform users about this absence:
We value you as a customer and a constant user of Canon products. Due to a persistent global shortage of semiconductor components, Canon is currently experiencing supply issues with certain electronic components used in our consumables for our multifunction printers (MFPs).
These components carry, for example, functions such as detecting the remaining toner level. To ensure a continuous and reliable supply of consumables, we have decided to supply consumables without semiconductor components until normal supply is restored.
Using consumables without electronics does not adversely affect print quality, but some additional functions, such as toner level detection, may be affected.
Canon also explains to users what to do when they receive a warning message for using unofficial cartridges. The instructions seem to be straightforward as all you have to do is close the message.
So it looks like Canon doesn’t block the use of third-party cartridges, as they just ignore the warnings that pop up.
HP’s system is clearly more restrictive as not only does it block ink that doesn’t carry a DRM chip, but the ink is region blocked.