Amazon Dash is now live; automatically reorders your supplies

Gone are the days of logging onto your laptop or unlocking your smartphone to navigate to that website you saved to click “purchase.” Why? Because the future has arrived: Amazon Dash is now live.

Household appliances are getting smarter. Think printers that re-order ink when you’re low, and washers that know to dispense the right amount of detergent, then automatically order more before you run out. This is what Amazon’s Dash Replenishment-powered devices, such as Brother printers, a GE washing machine, and the Gmate SMART blood glucose monitor, promise.

It's been nearly 10 months since Amazon introduced new initiatives around in-home shopping, so there are customers out there who have already purchased devices that are compatible with Amazon Dash Replenishment, but haven’t been able to take advantage of the feature. This is changing, so those with supported devices will now be able to activate Dash Replenishment using the company’s website or app, depending on how the manufacturer configured access to the program. 

Brother printers are one of the first devices to be Dash-ready. Image source: Gizmag.

According to Amazon, the Brother printers are Dash-ready, and the other devices will be equipped with the working feature by the end of this month. In the case of the Brother-connected printers that measure toner or ink levels, customers are instructed to sign-up for automatic re-ordering through the Brother website. For customers buying these printers new, the sign-up will be part of the printer’s set-up instructions.

Although ink replenishment programs aren’t anything new, the difference here is that instead of buying inks from the manufacturer directly, Brother’s connected printers are placing Amazon orders on your behalf. Currently Brother has over 45 models that are compatible with Amazon’s service.

GE’s new washer works in a similar manner. Its smart technology knows how much detergent to use per load and dispenses it for you, and it also knows when you need to order more. And it's not just based on the number of loads, but also on what customers enter in the associated mobile app as their preferred pre-order amount.

As for Gmate’s SMART blood glucose monitor, which connects with a smartphone for its blood sugar testing service, it also includes a feature that sends you more testing strips and lancets when your supplies need to be restocked. 

Amazon's Dash Replenish program also sells buttons for common household items. Image source: TechCrunch.

The Dash Replenishment service was originally in a private beta period until January of this year, meaning Amazon’s APIs are now available to any company that wants to use them in their own device(s), and can do so by visiting Amazon’s website to begin implementation. The process is simple, consisting of 10 lines of code using simple HTML containers and REST API calls.

Amazon has previously announced deals with a number of device makers, including Brita, Samsung, Obe, Oster, Petnet, Clever Pet, Sutro, Sealed Air, and Thync. The company is also in the talks with companies such as Whirlpool and Purell-maker GOJO.

But it doesn’t stop there, of course. Amazon’s Dash Replenishment program also sells cheap Dash buttons associated with SKUs for common household items such as paper towels, trash bags, gum, and diapers. All it takes is that one press of a button for Amazon to place the order for you. 

Now, is this genius or too invasive? Let us know your thoughts — leave a comment below.

Source: TechCrunch