Amazon partners with appliance makers for integrated online shopping capabilities

Wednesday, October 7, 2015 - 13:18 by Graham Miller

Earlier in the year, Amazon unveiled the Dash button, its latest gadget which, with a single press, can place an order for a particular product via safe shopping online. And now it looks like this functionality is going to appear as a native feature of the latest home appliances, according to the Financial Times.

Many of the world’s biggest names in consumer electronics have confirmed that they are working with Amazon, to bring Dash functionality to things like washing machines, fridges and other items you might find in the kitchen, store cupboard or utility room.

The idea is that when an item runs out, people will be able to place an order for it directly from the device which stores it or uses it. This could mean ordering more washing powder, milk or other consumables with the press of a button, while also avoiding the need to splash out on Amazon’s separate Dash buttons.

For those who are intending to buy a new appliance in the near future anyway, the promise of integrated Dash functionality will be an added advantage, meaning that previously unconnected items will be able to have a small degree of internet access, to make them that little bit smarter.

People who are not looking to invest in new kit for their homes in the near future will still have the option of buying the Dash button range, although for the time being, it has yet to make its way over to the UK from the US.

Various technologies are coming together to make homes smarter, although there are competing companies attempting to capitalise on this market and Amazon’s power in the world of safe shopping online makes it a sensible partner for the likes of Samsung and General Electric.