Amazon has rolled out a new gadget dubbed Amazon Dash, a remote control device that allows users to buy groceries and household goods using the company’s Amazon Fresh service.
Amazon’s new black-and-white 6-inch Dash will be available in Southern California, San Francisco and Seattle, where Amazon Fresh service is available.
Amazon Fresh, launched more than 5 years ago, offers fresh groceries, packaged goods and other items for next-day delivery service only in these three locations.
According to the product’s page, the device will be provided free of charge during the trial period and is available by invitation only. The trial of the device is reported to be through the Amazon’s $299 Prime Fresh unlimited delivery program.
An Amazon spokeswoman said to the Wall Street Journal, “Once we learn more from our customers about their experience we will consider expanding the trial.”
The new hand-held wand-shaped remote-control device, automates the task of creating a shopping list. It features a microphone, speaker and a bar-code reader and works directly in association with the online retailer’s Amazon Fresh home grocery delivery service.
Users can add products to their shopping list by either scanning the packaging or by simply speaking the name of the desired item. The device automatically connects to user’s home Wi-Fi network to enable the voice search and its put-items-on-list capabilities.
Amazon’s latest move marks expansion of its “Fresh” online grocery business, one of the largest retail sectors yet to be explored. The company is planning to expand Amazon Fresh service, to roughly 20 more urban areas in 2014, including some outside the United States.
