Amazon Dash Button • Hacker News Board

Re: Amazon Dash Button

#441

Post by mikeash » Tue, Mar 31, 2015, 7:03 PM UTC

TaylorAlexander wrote: post #431

mikeash wrote: post #211

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think it's ridiculous just because it clearly involved a lot of effort to solve a problem that doesn't really need solving. The choice isn't between a button and the massive hassle you describe. The choice is between a button and ordering the product on your smartphone in ten seconds, or picking up the product at the grocery store the next time you're there. How often do you need laundry detergent? Every two weeks?…

The product is designed for the future, not for the past. In the past, people were always going to the grocery store, so you could grab what you need "when you're there". I live in silicon valley where all these new delivery services are being tested, and I almost never go to the store. Google Shopping Express delivers non-perishable groceries to my home within 24 hours, Instacart delivers fresh groceries within 2 ho…

I totally understand delivery for everything. I want it.

What I don't understand is button-for-delivery for uncommonly ordered items.

You want to order detergent online? Great! Me too! But why do you need a specialized button that only does that? That's the part that makes no sense.

Re: Amazon Dash Button

#442

Post by ysekand » Tue, Mar 31, 2015, 7:03 PM UTC

This is clearly an April fools campaign. This approach is simply not the most viable. How many buttons are you going to have in your household? How are you going to protect it from kids etc!

Re: Amazon Dash Button

#443

Post by raldi » Tue, Mar 31, 2015, 7:05 PM UTC

untog wrote: post #82

tonyhb wrote: post #15

It's not just a physical button — it's an API. If you develop a hardware product you can apparently integrate with Dash to order supplies from the embedded controller. Information is here: https://www.amazon.com/oc/dash-replenishment-service Apparently, Whirlpool washing machines and Brita water filters will be using it. This doesn't help for basics like paper towels, but it would work for paper towel holders (if it'…

Great, so now when I buy a Whirlpool washing machine it'll be hardcoded to use products with its reorder button. Gross, gross, gross.

So buy a brand of washer that partners with multiple detergent companies, including the one you like.

Re: Amazon Dash Button

#444

Post by mikeash » Tue, Mar 31, 2015, 7:05 PM UTC

zenogais wrote: post #371

mikeash wrote: post #211

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think it's ridiculous just because it clearly involved a lot of effort to solve a problem that doesn't really need solving. The choice isn't between a button and the massive hassle you describe. The choice is between a button and ordering the product on your smartphone in ten seconds, or picking up the product at the grocery store the next time you're there. How often do you need laundry detergent? Every two weeks?…

You're asking people to abstain from something that requires less work than what you're recommending. For most people the incentives just aren't in the direction you're arguing.

I'm afraid I don't understand your comment. What am I asking people to abstain from?

Re: Amazon Dash Button

#445

Post by tedks » Tue, Mar 31, 2015, 7:06 PM UTC

gravity13 wrote: post #391

na85 wrote: post #312

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you really think that ordering something online from the comfort of your couch, in your underwear, is so inconvenient that you need a magic button to press when you run out of laundry detergent? You buy the big jug of high-efficiency stuff that's good for something like 100 loads, that means you need new detergent what, 5 times a year? Or are you just being hyperbolic? I don't know about you, but I make a trip to…

The future is gonna happen whether you're a part of it or not.

Nail on the head.

Re: Amazon Dash Button

#446

Post by hyloguy » Tue, Mar 31, 2015, 7:06 PM UTC

gravity13 wrote: post #280

mikeash wrote: post #211

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think it's ridiculous just because it clearly involved a lot of effort to solve a problem that doesn't really need solving. The choice isn't between a button and the massive hassle you describe. The choice is between a button and ordering the product on your smartphone in ten seconds, or picking up the product at the grocery store the next time you're there. How often do you need laundry detergent? Every two weeks?…

| but I can't help but scream "why??" Because it's a tangible reminder that you need to buy new X and it removes all the barriers entirely to that. It's wildly convenient. Might I remind you: - Locate mobile device - Swipe/Unlock mobile device - Locate Safari App/Amazon app - Tap and wait for Safari to load - Access amazon.com - Type in 'X' - Locate results and click on option - Press 'one click purchase' for irony v…

Half of those steps would be eliminated if Amazon would simply add a "favorites" or "regular items" panel to their mobile app, where all the "buttons" for the items you regularly need would be displayed, and you could just tap on one to re-order it. Given the fact that people almost always have their smartphone with them now, having a separate external button for every product is ridiculously redundant.

Re: Amazon Dash Button

#447

Post by endymi0n » Tue, Mar 31, 2015, 7:07 PM UTC

April fools leaked early or is this for real?!

Re: Amazon Dash Button

#448

Post by detaro » Tue, Mar 31, 2015, 7:07 PM UTC

It being so extremely single-purpose makes me think it is a joke.

But it could easily be made real: Add a camera and you could have something to either scan a bar code or recognize the product label. Press button, hold the item in question still for a second, done. No need for 2 rows of buttons in the kitchen ;)

(I've actually seen something like this for shopping list creation as a DIY project somewhere, years ago)

Re: Amazon Dash Button

#449

Post by sb057 » Tue, Mar 31, 2015, 7:07 PM UTC

dogma1138 wrote: post #159

kristofferR wrote: post #144

This makes me envious of you Americans. Here in Norway online shopping involves finding an online store that sells what you need (there's no site that sells everything, like Amazon, here), going through a cumbersome sign-up/payment process, paying a lot of money for the shipping costs, waiting several days and having to go to the post office unless the package is really small (or if you're willing to pay even more fo…

I'm pretty sure most Americans will give up amazon for free education, health care, paid maternity and paternity leave and the many other social benefits Norway provides to its nationals.

"free" education, health care, paid maternity and paternity leave and the many other social benefits

Re: Amazon Dash Button

#450

Post by ChikkaChiChi » Tue, Mar 31, 2015, 7:09 PM UTC

Showing this around the office, the best answer I heard was "Someone made the Staples Easy Button a real thing"

This extends the 'Subscribe and Save' model to products that people are unsure about how often they will need it. You put a Dash button on the shelf where you store toilet paper, and you know precisely when to hit it.

This seems like a small thing, but it's not. There are metrics that measure easily measure how much you forget simply by moving between different rooms in your house.

I love it. The IoT just got a killer application!