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Amazon Opens Virtual Dash Buttons to Third Parties

Until now, virtual Dash Buttons have only been available via Amazon's mobile app, website, and the Echo Show.

 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

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Amazon's virtual Dash Buttons are poised for a breakout, as third parties can now offer virtual Dash Buttons on their screened devices.

Amazon this week also announced an expansion of its Dash Replenishment program, which enables connected devices to automatically order supplies before you run out.

Virtual Dash Buttons, first introduced last January, are digital versions of the company's physical Dash Buttons, which let Amazon Prime members quickly reorder products they use often—everything from toothpaste, hand soap, and tissues to peanut butter and cat food. Until now, virtual Dash Buttons have only been available via Amazon's mobile app, website, and the Echo Show. Now, thanks to the Virtual Dash Button Service SDK, third parties can integrate them into their devices as well.

For example, Illy launched a Dash Replenishment-integrated espresso and coffee machine that tracks capsule usage for easy reorders while Petcube is now selling an HD pet camera and treat dispenser that lets you interact with pets by giving them a treat when you're away and will automatically reorder the treat of your choice before you run out.

"Coffee is a must-have for many homes and offices so running out can be very inconvenient," Illy's Barry Sheldon said in a statement.

HP, Kenmore, 3M's Filtrete brand, Epson, and Blustream have all signed up for the Dash Replacement Program, Amazon said. HP and Epson are, for instance, developing printers that can automatically reorder ink and Kenmore is making several smart home appliances—including a refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, and water softener—that automatically reorder supplies.

3M is developing Filtrete Smart Air Filters that automatically order a replacement when it's time and Bluestream is leveraging the service to let its devices automatically reorder humidity remediation products when they need replacing.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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