Amazon has quietly announced a new gadget that should make it easier on AmazonFresh shoppers to purchase goods. Called Amazon Dash (opens in new tab), it's essentially a barcode scanner that is 6.375 inches long, 1.125 inches wide and features wireless connectivity so that customers can add to their shopping list on the fly.
"Every member of the family can use Dash to easily add items to your AmazonFresh shopping list," reads the product page. "Keep it on your kitchen counter or hang it on the refrigerator. Did your kids just eat the last of the cereal? Conveniently refill and restock your home's everyday essentials, and have fun doing it."
Amazon's Dash has two input modes: microphone and scanner. The microphone allows users to simply say what they want to order by pressing the microphone button and speaking into the built-in mic. "It's a voice search that actually works," reads the product page, which is what Amazon said about the just launched Fire TV set-top-box. Could they use the same voice tech?
To scan a barcode, users merely hit the scan button and point it at the product box. Users can scan in a week's worth of groceries in mere minutes. According to the company, Dash recognizes millions of items available on AmazonFresh and Amazon.com.
"Dash connects to your home Wi-Fi network and works directly with your AmazonFresh account," reads the product page. "Say or scan items into your Dash, and then view the list on your desktop or mobile device to purchase and schedule delivery."
Unfortunately, Amazon Dash can only be acquired by invitation. Even more, AmazonFresh is currently only available in Southern California, the San Francisco area, and the Seattle area. Still, with the launch of both Fire TV and Amazon Dash, it's clear that the company wants customers to stay at home to get their blockbuster movies and popcorn from one online source.
AmazonFresh provides same-day and early morning delivery of a huge selection of items, including fresh grocery and local products. This service provides doorstep delivery and attended delivery, the latter of which means the customer schedules a 1-hour appointment to personally accept the delivery. For Doorstep Delivery, customers choose a three-hour window, but they are not required to be at home.
"We're branching out as fast as we can while being careful not to sacrifice the quality and convenience our customers expect from AmazonFresh," reads the AmazonFresh FAQ (opens in new tab).