Report: Amazon's Dash gets more muscle
Amazon is taking the functionality of its branded instant order devices to the next level.
The online giant has found a way to expand the capabilities of its Dash Button, a move that enables the instant-order smart devices to order multiple items, according to The Seattle Times.
These Wi-Fi-enabled, branded devices let Amazon Prime membership to order the featured product with one-click ordering, and without opening Amazon’s website. Through a new set of software development tools, the report said that appliance manufacturers and suppliers can build a “virtual” Dash button option into their own products — but orders won’t be limited to one item.
These products will have a screen that enables customers to scroll through a menu of multiple products. This could enable an Internet-connected refrigerator to order more oatmeal or coffee from Amazon when levels get low, or for a smart washing machine to choose which detergent to order, the report revealed.
Whirlpool is among the first companies to jump on the bandwagon, announcing this week that it would incorporate Amazon’s “Virtual Dash Buttons” into future touch-screen refrigerator models. The manufacturer already announced plans to integrate Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant into its appliances, according to the report.
In addition, HP and Epson are developing printers that automatically reorder ink cartridges from Amazon. Meanwhile, Sears is developing a set of Kenmore-branded smart devices — including a refrigerator, washer- dryer and dishwasher — that order supplies when they run low. 3M is also making an air-filtration system that orders its own fil-ter replacements, the Seattle Times said.
The online giant has found a way to expand the capabilities of its Dash Button, a move that enables the instant-order smart devices to order multiple items, according to The Seattle Times.
These Wi-Fi-enabled, branded devices let Amazon Prime membership to order the featured product with one-click ordering, and without opening Amazon’s website. Through a new set of software development tools, the report said that appliance manufacturers and suppliers can build a “virtual” Dash button option into their own products — but orders won’t be limited to one item.
These products will have a screen that enables customers to scroll through a menu of multiple products. This could enable an Internet-connected refrigerator to order more oatmeal or coffee from Amazon when levels get low, or for a smart washing machine to choose which detergent to order, the report revealed.
Whirlpool is among the first companies to jump on the bandwagon, announcing this week that it would incorporate Amazon’s “Virtual Dash Buttons” into future touch-screen refrigerator models. The manufacturer already announced plans to integrate Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant into its appliances, according to the report.
In addition, HP and Epson are developing printers that automatically reorder ink cartridges from Amazon. Meanwhile, Sears is developing a set of Kenmore-branded smart devices — including a refrigerator, washer- dryer and dishwasher — that order supplies when they run low. 3M is also making an air-filtration system that orders its own fil-ter replacements, the Seattle Times said.