Amazon has introduced what it is calling the "Dash Button," which is essentially a physical button that allows users to simply press a button to order an item.
Dash Buttons are tied to specific items such as Tide detergent. If a user were to press the button, Tide detergent would instantly be ordered.
"Keep Dash Button handy in the kitchen, bath, laundry, or anywhere you store your favorite products," said Amazon in a blog post. "When you're running low, simply press Dash Button, and Amazon quickly delivers household favorites so you can skip the last-minute trip to the store."
The buttons themselves are battery-powered and connect to Wi-Fi for order placement. Amazon has even childproofed the buttons, only allowing for one order of the item to be placed at a time unless a user sets it differently, which is perfect for families that might have mischievous children. Users will also get a smartphone notification that they have ordered an item once the button is pressed.
The Dash Button is free for Amazon Prime subscribers, however, it is on an invite-only basis. Invitees will reportedly be selected based on order history, and they will be able to choose three buttons at a time.
Amazon will also be opening up an auto-ordering system that it is calling the Dash Replenishment Service, which is the service that users will rely on to automatically order products.
Seventeen brands will contribute to the program at launch, including the likes of Bounty, Tide and Huggies. Amazon has also launched a developer program so that companies can create Dash Buttons for themselves. Amazon will reportedly launch the program in the fall.
Amazon is clearly buying into the idea of the connected home, which has been growing in popularity over the past few years. As one of the leaders in e-commerce, it makes sense that Amazon is trying to capitalize on this, although the idea seems a little over-the-top.
The news comes after Amazon recently launched Home Services, which is centered around the idea of being able to easily order services from maintenance to oil changes.
Amazon is certainly making waves in the Internet-of-things market, and it knows how the growing concept could affect its business. The more easily users can order items, the more likely they are to order items. As Amazon continues to offer more connected services, it is likely that it will continue to gain market share over more traditional brick-and-mortar stores and services.
