Amazon has ended the sale of its physical Dash Buttons, the one-press gadgets which enabled users to automatically re-order household items.
The small devices, which were first introduced in 2015, were tied to branded household products and allowed users to link them to their Amazon account.
The online retail giant said a shift in user behaviour towards virtual versions of the buttons was behind its decision to cease selling them, but confirmed it would continue to support those already in use.
The buttons can also be used in digital form on the Amazon website and in the firm’s app, as well as through voice commands given to virtual assistant Alexa on its Echo line of smart speakers and smart home hubs.
“Since the introduction of the Dash programme, we’ve continued to work on making the shopping experience convenient and easy, and in some cases even disappear for customers,” the tech giant said in a statement.
“With Dash Replenishment, we’ve launched hundreds of devices globally that automatically re-order essentials so customers don’t have to think at all about restocking.
“And we introduced virtual Dash Buttons, which are available digitally – whether online or in the Amazon app.
“We’ve also seen customers increasingly using programmes like Alexa Shopping, which provides a hands-free shopping experience, and Subscribe & Save, which lets customers automatically receive their favourite items every month.
“With this in mind, we’ve decided to shift the Dash programme focus – as of 28 February, Dash Button devices will no longer be available for purchase on Amazon globally.
“Existing Dash Button customers can continue to use their Dash Button devices. We look forward to continuing support for our customers’ shopping needs, including growing our Dash Replenishment product line-up and expanding availability of virtual Dash Buttons.”
