Amazon recently unveiled a new product called the Dash Button, which is a simple hardware button that makes it easy to order specific products.
While it may certainly make it easier to order products, could the new device actually take off?
The button may seem like somewhat of a joke considering the timing of its release, but in reality, it is part of a much bigger plan for Amazon. The company has been making increasingly large waves in the connected home and Internet Of Things market, and the Dash Button is simply another way for Amazon to enter the home.
Users of the Dash Button simply stick the button to a convenient location, and connect it to the home Wi-Fi network, allowing them to push it when they run out of a certain product. Buttons can only be used for one particular product from one brand, but regular users of home items such as Tide laundry detergent could find benefit from this.
One of the first problems that spring to mind with the device is the fact that it could be extremely easy for users to accidentally press the button. Thankfully, however, users get a smartphone notification right away upon the order of an item, and the order can be cancelled within 30 minutes.
It's important to note that Amazon is not trying to have a button in the house for every single item that a user could want to purchase, but rather items that are needed on a regular basis and are relatively constant, such as laundry detergent and toilet paper.
"Some people will think buttons will be a silly idea, and it is a silly idea to think we will have houses full of buttons," said Amazon spokesperson Kinley Pearsall.
Amazon stands to gain a lot from making it easier to purchase items. In fact, it's been very clear that the buttons themselves are not the point, but rather the ease of use that they offer. Amazon is even offering the buttons for free to Prime subscribers.
The Dash Button is simply another small aspect of Amazon's growing Internet Of Things interest. Last year, Amazon unveiled the Amazon Echo, which is an experiment for the company. It allows users to search for information and purchase items through simple voice controls. Currently, the device is invite-only, but it also highlights the fact that Amazon is heading into the home.
It will be interesting to see what Amazon's next steps are in the Internet Of Things, but if the Dash Button is anything to go by, it seems as though Amazon will be taking small but potentially very helpful steps into the market.
