An information processing apparatus includes a controller. The controller changes, in accordance with an order in which images related to devices that have been identified are linked to each other, an order of priority in which one or plural cooperative functions that use functions of the devices are displayed.

An image forming apparatus includes: a hardware processor that: executes processing corresponding to an instruction input via an external device; sends a first notification to the external device according to a completion of execution of the processing; and upon estimating that the execution of the processing is not completed before a timeout time, sends a second notification different from the first notification to the external device. The external device sets the timeout time for the first notification.

Output devices or systems, such as televisions, speakers, projectors, or output controllers, are herein disclosed and enabled for wirelessly receiving digital content from a digital content service or from an information apparatus. The disclosed output device includes wireless communication circuitry and an interface. To set up the output device for receiving and playing the digital content, the output device first receives, via the interface, security information, and then establishes a wireless local area network connection. Subsequent to having established the wireless local area network connection, the output device connects to a server over a network, using the wireless communication circuitry, for downloading and installing software applications or components for upgrading or modifying capabilities of the output device. Thereafter, the output device is setup for receiving the digital content from the information apparatus and from the digital content service using the downloaded and installed software applications or components.

An image processing system includes a processor configured to present all functions provided by plural image processing apparatuses connected to one another on a network, the plural image processing apparatuses providing different functions and receive, as shared setting information, settings of functions to be used by all the plural image processing apparatuses among all the functions presented.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a communication apparatus capable of preventing a decrease in the speed of communication with an external device due to execution of a handover when the communication apparatus is connected to the external device, and also directed to a control method and a recording medium. A communication apparatus provides, by using a first communication portion that uses a first communication method, communication information for performing communication based on a second communication method to an external device, and causes a second communication portion that uses the second communication method to connect with the external device using the second communication method, and performs control in such a manner that, in a case where the second communication portion connects with the external device, the first communication portion is used to provide communication information to no other external devices.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a communication apparatus capable of preventing a decrease in the speed of communication with an external device due to execution of a handover when the communication apparatus is connected to the external device, and also directed to a control method and a recording medium. A communication apparatus provides, by using a first communication portion that uses a first communication method, communication information for performing communication based on a second communication method to an external device, and causes a second communication portion that uses the second communication method to connect with the external device using the second communication method, and performs control in such a manner that, in a case where the second communication portion connects with the external device, the first communication portion is used to provide communication information to no other external devices.

An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus may determine whether encrypted data may be transmitted or received between the image forming apparatus and one or more external devices, and determine a defect in security set to the image forming apparatus based on the determination.

An image processing system includes a processor configured to present all functions provided by plural image processing apparatuses connected to one another on a network, the plural image processing apparatuses providing different functions and receive, as shared setting information, settings of functions to be used by all the plural image processing apparatuses among all the functions presented.

Printing devices (or output controllers) supporting printing over air or wireless network printing or Internet printing, are herein disclosed and enabled. The printing device may include wireless communication chips or chipsets supporting part of IEEE 802.11 standards for (1) connecting to a wireless local area network (LAN) to establish communication with a client that is in the wireless LAN; (2) transmitting device information related to the printing device from the printing device to the client; and (3) receiving print data from the client over the wireless LAN for printing at the printing device. The print data is based on the device information transmitted to the client. A printer driver specific to the printing device may or may not be necessary for printing to the printing device. The printing device may require registration with a service over a network prior to providing printing services to the client.

Mobile device or mobile software configured for wirelessly managing or wirelessly setting up an output system are herein disclosed and enabled. Examples of mobile devices include smart phones and information pads having a touch sensitive screen. The mobile software, which is executable at the mobile device, causes the mobile device to: wirelessly discover the output system that is within physical proximity to the mobile device; receive, via the touch sensitive screen and from a user, selection of an item related to the wirelessly discovered output system; establish a wireless communication link between the mobile device and the output system; and wirelessly transmit security information or authentication information to the output system for setting up the output system for service. The mobile software may further facilitate management of settings of the output system and may further wirelessly drive or control the output system over the wireless communication link.