I tried to leave a review on the Play Store, but there is an “unexpected error” and it won’t let me. Judging by the fact all recent reviews are 1-star, I suspect Google has blocked reviews until they figure out what to do.
So, since I can’t leave a review there, here’s my review. The review is about this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hp.android.printservice&hl=en_GB, which was installed as part of the Android 4.4 Kitkat update.
I don’t own a HP printer. HP and Google have just upset me with this unwanted app. Now, I will never own a HP printer.
It’s unclear what effect it will have, but you can disable this plugin (at least on a Nexus 7 (2013)) by going to Settings, Apps, All, HP Print Service Plugin, Disable. It then doesn’t try to update either.
Nexus 7 is supposed to be pure Android. Adding a propriety app that most users don’t need is annoying. IMO, it’s adware, advertising a service that you don’t currently use. A trojan is something unwanted that you get in addition to something you want. This is therefore a trojan. Bad Google!
If Google later gives a rationale for including this in 4.4, explaining how non-HP owners get a benefit, then I will change my review. If it’s simply because “you may want to print from an HP someday”, then we can expect the same from Canon, Lexmark, and the rest, and Android will be a bloatfest.
CBits Tech Support 
Should imagine you want not be able the send to a HP printer that’s all.
Google probably use HP hardware internally . As your u say though it isn’t really acceptable on a “pure” device its more remimistant of the competitions way of doing things.
Its First I’ve heard of this. Then again I don’t have a Nexus 7 or a 4/5 handset.
I’ll probably get 4.4 at somepoint but at this time I can’t imagine I will be in a hurry
Thank you for putting this online,now atleast I can put the darn thing to sleep, it drains my battery like crazy. My phone is a brand new Motorola Moto G 16 Gb by the way.
Thank you both for your comments.
Jessy, I’m glad you found this post helpful. Your reply might help me too, as my wife bought the same phone as you at the weekend. If she has battery issues I will know what to look at. However, I just checked and I can’t see the HP service in particular, not that it’s a problem; she used 29% (71% left) after 16 hours and 20 minutes. She hardly uses her phone, often she doesn’t even return my calls 🙂
I’ll actively hate on HP for ever and tell people that they kill puppies and children.
Stupid HP.
Thank you! This has been driving me potty. It is on my Samsung tablet
I’m glad to help, Grumpy Granny.
Sorry for the delay in approving your comment.
Colin.