Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Amazon Dash

fresh.amazon.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

21–30 of 262 posts

Re: Amazon Dash

#21

Post by patja »

asnyder wrote: post #2

I wonder if this will lead to showrooming of groceries, like Amazon's done with books. The only thing preventing this is the wifi requirement, but of course one can already do this with their phone. Though it does make it even easier.

I'm not sure that would help them. Amazon Fresh doesn't have a great record for beating grocery store pricing. See http://www.cnet.com/news/amazonfresh-vs-supermarket-a-hands-... which matches my personal experience when I've compared baskets of products my family commonly purchases.

I will say when we used it, the produce quality was very good which was one of my concerns. Seems like they went above and beyond to address the fear of not picking your own apple.

I can't see ever paying the $299 special prime membership they are requiring in some markets though.

Re: Amazon Dash

#22

Post by ztratar »

ngoel36 wrote: post #10

I see absolutely no reason why this couldn't have been a mobile app with a bar code scanner and voice recognition...

Looks like there is also a mobile app.

I bet they built custom hardware for a couple reasons: 1. Custom hardware sitting around reminds you of Amazon and your ability to order. Having a new device feels more futuristic, which does seem logically odd. 2. Durability. While cooking etc, you dont' want to touch your phone. This looks very easy to clean/throw around. 3. Barcode scanner speed. Apps with cameras are much, much slower at recognizing barcodes than this. This removes a lot of interface. Just scan it and you're done -- no hassle switching apps, holding the camera just right, etc. I bet this feels more natural.

Re: Amazon Dash

#24

Post by Haywain »

ngoel36 wrote: post #10

I see absolutely no reason why this couldn't have been a mobile app with a bar code scanner and voice recognition...

This product keeps your personal Amazon shopping account out of the hands of the rest of your family. With Dash, it seems, your 7 year old can add items to your shopping list without being able to Checkout... or, your wife can add items to your weekly grocery list without seeing what you've got in your shopping cart for your upcoming anniversary.

It gives everyone "Add" ability without having to log them into an Amazon account on everyone's smartphone.

Though... I guess this could be solved with a token... but in general the more I think about it, the more it seems to be considered in terms of keeping your family connected without them being "too" connected.

Just a guess, though. Playing devil's advocate here. :)

Re: Amazon Dash

#25

Post by Cyph0n »

rb2k_ wrote: post #12
ngoel36 wrote: post #10

I see absolutely no reason why this couldn't have been a mobile app with a bar code scanner and voice recognition...

Probably because nobody wants to use mobile apps with bar code scanners. Related: http://picturesofpeoplescanningqrcodes.tumblr.com/

Genius. I've always wondered how many people actually take the time to scan QR codes on posters and such. I mean, don't companies track QR code scan-through rates?

Re: Amazon Dash

#29

Post by opendais »

donretag wrote: post #4

"Dash ... works directly with your AmazonFresh account" Which means it is only available in three locations (SoCal/SF/Seattle).

SoCal is too big of an area to claim. It only works in a handful of zipcodes in So Cal.

Source: I live in So Cal.

Re: Amazon Dash

#30

Post by chintanp »

rb2k_ wrote: post #12
ngoel36 wrote: post #10

I see absolutely no reason why this couldn't have been a mobile app with a bar code scanner and voice recognition...

Probably because nobody wants to use mobile apps with bar code scanners. Related: http://picturesofpeoplescanningqrcodes.tumblr.com/

No posts on above tumblr as of now.
Post reply on HN