A worker prepares packages for delivery at an Amazon warehouse (Photo : Sean Gallup / Getty Images)
Amazon's new AWS IoT Button allows users to do almost anything besides just ordering items from their massive online store.
The buttons have been introduced last year and it has helped people to reorder specific items such as toilet paper or a laundry detergent. Now, the company is repurposing the Dash Buttons to have more capabilities.
Amazon is now calling the new Dash Button, the AWS IoT Button. As expected, it stands for Amazon's Web Services. IoT is the Internet of Things, which is a hint that it will be used with connected devices on the cloud.
The new AWS IoT Button is programmable depending on what the user wants. Amazon said that it can be a trigger for IoT devices as well such as smart light bulbs or even a way to hail a taxi, CNET reported.
Basically, the new repurposed item from Amazon is a "Do Anything" button. It can be used to do almost anything as long as the developer or the user knows how to program it properly.
For instance, it can even be a key to a smart home. With a press of a button, a user can open the gates and unlock doors.
It can also be used to suddenly turn down the temperature or turn it up when it becomes too chilly. However, there is a limit.
Amazon's new AWS IoT button can only be used for about 1,000 presses. The irreplaceable battery inside will die by then and users would have to get another one.
For roughly $20, users can purchase the new AWS IoT Button, WIRED reported. They are expected to be in stock by May 15 on their online store, but Amazon CTO Warner Vergels has already announced that they have been sold out.
"You can click the button to unlock or start a car, open your garage door, call a cab, call your spouse or a customer service representative, track the use of common household chores, medications or products, or remotely control your home appliances," said Amazon.
Amazon does not have an ETA on when the AWS IoT Button will be back in stock. The sudden surge in demand has left others unable to buy the all-purpose button.
