Amazon has a new Alexa-enabled gadget in store, aiming to make things easier and more convenient around the kitchen: meet the Dash Wand.
The new gadget is Wi-Fi enabled and allows users to scan the barcodes of various grocery items, but it's more than just a barcode scanner. It also allows users to convert units for measurements, order household items from Amazon, and more, using their voice. The new Amazon Dash Wand also borrows some features from the Amazon Echo smart speaker, leveraging the power of Alexa to support voice commands for a number of tasks.
Amazon Dash Wand With Alexa: What Can It Do?
"Groceries have never been easier. All new Amazon Dash Wand with Alexa helps you find recipes, convert cups to ounces, buy and reorder essentials, find nearby restaurants and more," Amazon touts.
The Dash Wand takes Amazon's original Dash barcode scanners to the next level, adding extra functionality and a new design. The new Dash Wand is made of black and white plastic and designed to sit comfortably in your hand, or magnetically attach to the fridge when not in use. Unlike the original Dash scanners, the Dash Wand no longer requires users to check out via Amazon's site when shopping for items. Ordering household essentials from Amazon is now as easy as pressing a button.
Alexa is ready to help with recipes and other information. For instance, you can use the Dash Wand to ask Alexa how many ounces are in a cup, get a recipe, order the necessary ingredients, and so on. It can even dim the lights for you, provided they're compatible with Alexa.
Amazon Dash Wand Price, Perks And Freebies
Amazon is selling the new Dash Wand for $20 and it offers $20 credit upon registering the device, making it essentially free. Customers can then use that $20 credit to order things from Amazon.
The company is further sweetening the deal with 90 days of free AmazonFresh for Prime members, allowing them to order various groceries and get them on the same day or the next day. AmazonFresh typically costs $14.99 per month, so a 90-day free pass allows for significant savings.
Once the free 90-day period expires, customers can either drop the service, or start paying to keep enjoying the perks of the AmazonFresh home grocery service.
The Dash Wand eliminates the need for having separate Dash Buttons for various household items so you can quickly reorder them, and it also offers Echo functionality without the higher price of an Amazon Echo speaker.
Amazon is pitching the gadget as a kitchen assistant and making it essentially free makes it an attractive proposition, especially for those who already rely on Amazon to get their household essentials.
For now, the new Amazon Dash Wand is available only to Amazon Prime members in the United States, but it should expand its availability later on.
To get a better idea of how the new Amazon Dash Wand works and what it brings to the table, check out the company's promo video below.
