Skip to main content

Amazon opens Dash buttons to developers with its AWS IoT

amazon digital dash buttons button top down
Brad Jones/Digital Trends
When Amazon released the Dash Button last year, it was the real life manifestation of Staples’ “That Was Easy” button. A true danger for the compulsive buyer and an indulgence for every couch potato in the world, the $5 plastic device allows you to re-order anything you want with nothing more than a push of a button. But now, Amazon is looking beyond products and towards services, introducing a limited release of the new Amazon Web Services Internet of Things Button. Because there’s absolutely no shortage of things a button can do.

Related: See here for more Amazon Dash button options

aws_iot_button_short-930x700
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The programmable button, Amazon explains, is based upon the same hardware used in Dash Button, but with one key difference — the Wi-Fi enabled device is actually designed for developers to work with AWS IoT, AWS Lambda, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon SNS, and other Amazon Web Services without writing device-specific code.

Essentially, it gives users the opportunity to use the button for tasks rather than purchases.”You can code the button’s logic in the cloud to configure button clicks to count or track items, call or alert someone, start or stop something, order services, or even provide feedback,” Amazon states. Moreover, the retail giant notes that your AWS IoT button can “unlock or start a car, open your garage door, call a cab, call your spouse or a customer service representative, track the use of common household chores, medications or products, or remotely control your home appliances.” Why press more than one button when you can just … press one?

There’s really no end to Amazon’s (or developers’) imaginations when it comes to the possibilities afforded by an IoT connected button. From a remote control for Netflix to a light switch to a pizza delivery service, this might just be the button you never knew you needed.

So if you’ve got $20 to spend and some time to tinker, this may be the product for you.

Editors' Recommendations

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
How to format the microSD card on Tapo security cameras
The Tapo C120 out in the rain.

One of the most compelling features of Tapo products (like the Wire-Free 2K Outdoor Cam and Indoor/Outdoor Cam) is support for local storage. Many Tapo security cameras let you install a microSD card, so you don't have to rely on cloud storage to save all your videos – instead, they're neatly stored right on your camera. Before you can start using local storage, however, you'll need to format your microSD card. Tapo has some pretty strict requirements for how this works, but the process itself is remarkably simple.

Ready to start saving all your video clips locally? Here's how to format the microSD card on your Tapo security camera.

Read more
Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro: Which is the best security camera?
The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro on display the 2023 Amazon Fall Devices and Services event.

The Blink Mini 2 is one of the cheapest security cameras you can buy. It's pretty well-rounded too. It's capable of filming in HD and offering support for outdoor use when paired with an optional accessory, making it a great choice for shoppers on a budget. That makes it wildly different from the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro, which carries a hefty price tag and supports both indoor and outdoor use right out of the box without the need to purchase a secondary accessory.

But is the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro a better investment than the affordable Blink Mini 2? From pricing and video resolution to the installation process and additional features, here's a look at the Blink Mini 2 and Ring Stick Up Cam Pro to help you decide which is the best choice for your home.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more
Apple’s Vision Pro headset can now be used to shop at Best Buy
Screenshots from Best Buy's new shopping app for the Vision Pro.

Previous

Next

Read more