This article was published on April 4, 2014

This is Amazon Dash, a voice-enabled scanner for creating AmazonFresh shopping lists


This is Amazon Dash, a voice-enabled scanner for creating AmazonFresh shopping lists

Mere days after Amazon launched its Fire TV media streaming set-top box, the retailer is back with another device, this time to draw people into its AmazonFresh grocery service.

Called Amazon Dash, it’s essentially a Wi-Fi and voice-enabled barcode scanner. So as your cupboards begin to look a little bare, the idea is that you pick it up and start scanning all the tins, boxes and bottles that you need restocked.

They’re automatically added to your Amazon shopping list, so you can then finalize and submit the order online at any time. Now if you’re anything like me, you often throw something out, leave the kitchen and then forget that you need to order more. In these instances, given that you won’t have a barcode to scan anymore, Amazon Dash also supports voice input. Just hold down the microphone button, say what you need and Amazon will add the relevant product to your online shopping basket.

AmazonFresh is only available in Southern California, San Francisco and Seattle at the moment, so the target market for Amazon Dash is pretty small. The company is clearly unveiling it now, however, to get some early feedback before AmazonFresh is rolled-out further in the US. The device is currently free, but invitation-only – you can register your interest here.

Amazon Dash (via Android Police)

Get the TNW newsletter

Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.

Also tagged with