Amazon recently announced a new single-purpose Internet-connected device dubbed “Amazon Dash.” The device lets customers quickly reorder common items such as coffee pods, razor blades and laundry detergent. Many ended up taking Amazon Dash as an April Fool’s joke but the company has confirmed that the Amazon Dash Buttons are real and will begin to roll out to select Prime members in the near future.
The device is roughly the size of a pack of gum and features a large button for sending out orders to Amazon’s online store via Wi-Fi. Customers use their smartphone to hook up Dash Button to a local Wi-Fi network, allowing them to select which product each device is in charge of ordering. After its setup, pressing the button automatically places an order for delivery. Furthermore, the buttons can be mounted on most surfaces using reusable adhesive tape and hooks for easy access.
Upon pushing the button, an order is placed and a confirmation is sent to a customer’s smartphone where they can cancel if needed. Importantly, Dash Buttons only respond to an initial press that resets once a product is delivered. This mechanism helps to safeguard it against accidental mass orders.
As of right now, several major brands seemed to have signed on board the service, including Clorox, Cottonelle, Gillete, Glad Huggies, Tide and more. Still in limited release, Amazon Dash Button is only available to Amazon Prime members by invitation only. The free units seem to be shipped out in batches meaning that each user will be provided more than one device in an effort to help facilitate the ordering of multiple products.
Those of you interested in watching a video about the unit can do so below:
What’s more important is that the Dash Button appears to be a small part of Amazon’s Internet of Things plan. One of the more interesting side projects is called the Dash Replenishment Service (DRS) that allows device manufacturers to integrate automated ordering buttons into their machines. What’s even more compelling is that the device can employ sensors to monitor supply levels and automatically place an order when the stock runs low. Whirlpool and Brita are among the companies signed up for DRS products already.
We’ll have to wait and see what comes next. In the meantime, what do you think of Amazon Dash Buttons and Dash Replenishment Service? Share your thoughts below!
Source: Amazon (Dash Button) (Dash Replenishment Service)
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