Rescuing old printers with an in-browser Linux VM bridged to WebUSB over USB/IP
printervention.app
April 7, 2026
9 min read
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53/100
Summary
A Canon SELPHY photo printer was acquired in exchange for an old 3D printer. The printer was purchased on eBay with paper and ink for less than their combined value.
Key Takeaways
- The author acquired a Canon SELPHY photo printer and successfully set it up to work with Linux using CUPS and Gutenprint, enabling printing from Macs and iPhones via AirPrint.
- The author developed a web app called printervention that allows users to print from older printers without needing to install software, utilizing WebUSB and an emulated Linux environment in the browser.
- The web app uses the v86 emulator to run Alpine Linux with CUPS and Gutenprint, enabling compatibility with various printers by automatically detecting their make and model.
- The project aims to prevent older printers from being discarded by making them accessible to a wider audience through a user-friendly web interface.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- Using a Linux box as an AirPrint server for older printers opens up new possibilities for users, enhancing the longevity of existing hardware.
- The approach of bridging WebUSB to a Linux VM offers a creative solution for accessing legacy devices, potentially simplifying user experiences with outdated technology.
Concerns
- Relying on LLMs to find relevant drivers or rewrite code may overlook simpler, more efficient solutions that don't require complex frameworks.
- The reluctance to open-source the project raises concerns about accessibility and collaboration within the community, which could hinder innovation.