The Amazon Dash Button. Another automation device?

Home automation is at an all time high, with a reach into the market of even the least tech-savvy consumers. Amazon have just released a new product; but it is no Kindle. The Amazon Dash Button is a Wi-Fi-connected device that reorders a specified product with the press of a button.

I recently read an article by Noah Kagan (founder of AppSumo.com) about how he has just moved into a new place in Austin, and has been “optimising his place for maximum automation”. Kagan goes on to talk about what devices he has been using and lists no less than 14 smart items he has implemented into his new home including Amazon Echo, TVs, Bulbs, Switches, Motion Sensors, Router, Thermostat and even his water bottle. All this working together using the power of the Wink Hub.

But what was truly intriguing is his explanation for why anyone should care!

Time! 10 min vacuum from Roomba x 52 weeks a year = 520 minutes. 5 minutes getting up and turning off lights every day * 365 = 1,825 minutes etc etc. It saves you tremendous amounts of time. Over 1 year alone just those 2 things is nearly 40 hours, which makes it a full-time job for an entire week to do what could be automated in seconds.

“But what does all this have to do with the Dash button?” I hear you ask. Well, it’s to do with home automation of course! The dash button is yet another example of a way to save time via home automation, and not only that, but extends the reach of automation devices from technophiles to the average consumer.

It is only a matter of time before it becomes normal for a household to be fully smart. With the imminent release of Google Home, the main competitor to Amazon Echo, a more comprehensive smart connected home is in closer reach than it looks.

The Dash button is available now to buy for £4.99 for Prime Members, with a £4.99 discount after the first press.