Amazon opens Dash buttons to developers with its AWS IoT

By Lulu Chang Updated April 26, 2022

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

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.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…

Smart Home

Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: which is the better video doorbell?

The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Ring and Nest are responsible for some of the best video doorbells available. With easy-to-use smartphone apps, simple installation processes, and the ability to customize your motion alerts, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Nest Doorbell have quickly established themselves as two of the best video doorbells money can buy.

But what exactly is the difference between these two popular gadgets? And which is better for your smart home?

Smart Home

The best Apple HomeKit devices for 2023

A person unlocking the Aqara U100 smart lock with their phone.

While not as widespread as Google Home or Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit remains one of the most popular smart home ecosystems of 2023. The software plays well with iOS devices, and several other gadgets such as smart lights, smart locks, thermostats, and cameras can be controlled using the fancy technology. If you’re looking to build your smart home around Apple’s ecosystem, here are the best HomeKit devices available today.
Locks

HomeKit doesn’t have the largest selection of smart locks, but that doesn’t really matter when you have something as well-rounded as the Aqara Smart Lock U100. Not only does it offer full HomeKit support, but you’ll even gain access to Apple home keys -- allowing you to unlock your door with your iPhone or Apple Watch. There’s also the standard keypad for entering a passcode, along with a fingerprint sensor that can store several dozen fingerprints (so your whole family can enter the home without worrying about forgetting their password or smartphone).

Smart Home

Secure your home with Ring Floodlight Cam Plus and save $80

Ring Floodlight Camera placed on a wall outside.

Best Buy has one of the best security camera deals at the moment with $80 off the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus Outdoor Wired Surveillance Camera. Usually priced at $200, it's down to $120 for a limited time only so if you're fast enough, you'll save a lot of cash. If you're looking to secure your home, keep reading while we tell you all about the advantages this security camera offers.

Why you should buy the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus
Considered to be one of the best floodlight cameras for someone seeking a hard-wired solution, the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus Outdoor Wired Surveillance Camera is a highly effective home security measure.