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All About the Amazon Dash Wand

This Alexa-enabled device lets you scan and restock

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Amazon is continuing its expansion of devices to help you shop with ease. Amazon now has what it calls the Dash Wand. Here it is in a nutshell:

The Wand is a different product than Amazon's Dash buttons, but it also helps you restock your kitchen or pantry. It includes the Alexa voice assistant, though it can't play music. Because it's mobile, it's potentially more convenient than a Dash button. Has a few tricks up its sleeve.

Chances are you've seen or heard of Amazon's Dash buttons. These small hardware items work as shortcuts for ordering your favorite, go-to essentials from the online retailer, with the advantage of at-your-fingertips convenience. For example, if you frequently need to reorder laundry detergent through the site, having a Dash button for your preferred item can cut down on the time it takes to replenish your supplies.

Well, considering that Amazon's always forging a path forward in technology — where it's the Alexa voice-controlled Echo and Dot speakers or its selection of consumer tech devices like the Kindle — it shouldn't surprise you that the company offers another item in the Dash lineup, a tool that aims to provide a shortcut for keeping your kitchen and pantry well stocked. Keep on reading to get the lowdown on the Amazon Dash Wand.

The Dash Wand Basics

Available for around $20 on Amazon (as of publish time), the Dash Wand is essentially a tool for shopping on Amazon. com. It's equipped with Wi-Fi and a barcode-scanner. To use it, you simply point it at an item's barcode, and if the wand recognizes the item, it will make a noise, flash off the light, and add the item to your Amazon cart. It boasts integration with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, letting you complete tasks such as reordering previous purchases by voice command in addition to pulling up recipes from Allrecipes. And if you scan a barcode and the Dash Wand doesn't recognize an item, Alexa will tell you it couldn't find that particular product.

To back up for a moment, Alexa is Amazon's answer to Apple's Siri and Microsoft's Cortana, a voice-based assistant that responds to your requests and questions on everything from the current weather to pulling up a song on Spotify. Beyond enabling plenty of practical tasks, the speech-driven service has plenty of playful applications.

Clearly, driving more business is the focal point (at least from Amazon's perspective, we can assume) with this product. However, the company does build in some additional features that are useful for you, the consumer. These include the ability to use Alexa to convert cups to ounces, for instance, and the voice assistant can also help you look up recipes.

Other things to know about this little gadget? Well, you'll need an iPhone or an Android smartphone to register it, and it's magnetic so it can stick to your fridge. The device requires two AAA batteries to operate, and it sports one large button that you'll press to accomplish pretty much any task it's capable of, whether you're initiating a task with a voice command or not. The other main feature is the barcode scanner, which you can use to scan items in your home that you wish to reorder through Amazon.

Also note that Amazon bills the Amazon Dash Wand as "essentially free," since even though it costs $20 to purchase it, you'll get a $20 credit in your shopping cart following your purchase.

The Convenience Factor Trumps Dash Buttons

One of the top selling points is a streamlined purchasing process. Not to say that having to log in to your Amazon account and reorder the products you need is a particularly unwieldy experience, but these physical devices make it possible to avoid the step of searching through past orders to track down what you previously bought and adding it to your cart again. Plus, while the Dash Wand does include Alexa voice controls, if that's the feature you're most interested in, you'd probably opt for the Echo or Dot speaker over this gadget anyway, since the scanner wand has a pared-down list of Alexa functionality (more on that below), so the purchasing angle is the one that makes this device stand out from other Alexa-equipped products.

One potential criticism of these types of devices is that they make it too easy to accidentally order something you didn't intend to — which is why you should be happy to learn that using the Alexa voice-control assistant or the scanner to add items to your cart doesn't actually cause the order to go through and have your account charged. Instead, anything you ask to be added will be in your cart, waiting for you to manually complete the purchase. So you can bypass a few steps in the process without having to worry too much that you might misspeak and accidentally order five dozen bananas through Amazon Fresh (or something significantly more expensive).

Dash Wand Tricks

If you already have one of these gadgets and want to make sure you're utilizing it to its full advantage, or if you've decided to order one and want to get a head start on familiarizing yourself with its features, here are some tips to cover your bases and get your money's worth:

Remember to check the price, and cons > Don't expect full Alexa capabilities — While the Dash Wand does offer Alexa integration, letting you use voice commands to add items to your cart and look up recipes, among other things, don't expect to be able to do all the same things you can accomplish on the Dot and Echo speakers. For instance, it can't play music (not that you'd get the best sound quality from the tiny device anyway). Unfortunately, you can't use the device to set timers or alarms, either — which is really too bad, cons > Leverage the Allrecipes integration — As a device made to live on your fridge, the Dash Wand helpfully pulls in recipes from Allrecipes, letting you access step-by-step guides and ingredient lists by using Alexa commands such as "Ask Allrecipes for a snickerdoodle recipe."

Bottom Line

The Amazon Dash Wand is yet another nifty gadget from the e-tailer that makes ordering from the online store quick and easy, and it goes beyond the relatively basic Dash buttons thanks to integrations with Alexa and other services. For those who are already fans of Alexa, the voice-control features are a nice touch as well, and the ability to look up recipes makes this a useful tool in the kitchen. Hopefully this article has helped clarify just what exactly this device does, and shown you how to get the most out of its features once it has a place in your kitchen or pantry.

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Amazon Dash Wand Review - Dash Wand Amazon Alexa

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Friendly Review of the Amazon Dash Wand 2.0 with Alexa (http://amzn. to/2s5Y1fA). Verify to see if the $20 credit is still available for when you register the device - Prime Member Exclusive. I had issues getting the Dash Wand registered. It wasn't an issue, but I was confused by the instructions stating to go to amazon. com/dashsetup and the Dash Wand told me to go to amazon. com/wandsetup. I believe both will work. eventually. I also noticed that after failing a number of times, it will show you the instructions for the Dash Wand 1 which has two buttons on it. The review goes over the features and gives some examples. The bar code reader is used, and the voice ordering. I also have a little fun asking it questions.

DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission if you click on the link or purchase the product to help support the channel. We really appreciate the support!

Amazon Unveils an Alexa-Enabled Dash Wand

“Say it. Scan it. Ask Alexa.”

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Originally released back in 2014, Amazon‘s Dash Wand — a little device that let users scan barcodes and use voice controls to add items to their Amazon shopping carts — is the subject of a much-needed update, joining Jeff Bezos and company’s Alexa-enabled stable. Simply dubbed Dash Wand with Alexa, the new design works much like its predecessors with the added bonus of Amazon’s personal assistant. The new version — which is Wi-Fi-enabled and magnetic so you can stick it to your fridge — can also bypass the Amazon cart, allowing users to instead purchase items directly from the Wand itself. Best of all, though? It’s only $20 USD and Amazon will issue Prime members in the U. S. a $20 USD credit if they pick one up — effectively making it free. Purchasers even get a free 90-day trial of AmazonFresh.

Prime members can pick up the new Dash Wand online now.

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Amazon’s Dash Wand Now Comes With Alexa Onboard

As cool of a tech as Amazon’s original Dash was from three years ago, it didn’t enjoy the same success as the outfit’s Echo line of products. While we’re not entirely sure for the reasons behind that, it could very well be a matter of the device not being a vehicle for Alexa, Amazon’s very popular digital assistant. If that’s the case, then there should be no reason for the Amazon Dash Wand to enjoy a healthy level of success.

An updated version of the Dash, the device takes on the same size and form factor as its predecessors, allowing you to either set it down on a table or hang it on a hook. This time around, they even threw in magnets on the body, so you can snap it onto the kitchen fridge for easy access every time you notice you’re getting short on supplies. It’s even water-resistant, so there’s no danger of getting it wet in the kitchen.

Similar to the first two versions, the Amazon Dash Wand comes with a barcode scanner, so you can simply scan empty packages to add a new one to your order list, along with an integrated mic for simply reciting your orders. Unlike it, however, the new device comes with an integrated speaker, along with Amazon’s Alexa on board, so it can hold interactive conversations on top of taking all your orders. It supports all of Alexa’s functions, complete with downloadable skills for extending its capabilities to your liking.

Available now, the Amazon Dash Wand is priced at $20.

Let us take a closer look at the device to see if this updated version of the Dash wand is worth a buy or not. Design and Build Quality – This updated version of the Amazon Dash wand is essentially a smaller redesigned version of the old device. The device is 50% smaller than the original. It has a cylindrical shape that is about 5.6inches flat and it weighs in at around 31 grams. The design of the product is quite attractive and rugged. The device is water resistant as well. The build also seems quite sturdy. A hook present of the top of the device can be used for hanging purpose. On the back of the Amazon Dash wand, you can find some magnets that come in handy while sticking the device to the fridge. The device lacks multiple control buttons. There is only a single button present on device surrounded by a LED ring that can be used for activating Alexa.

Device Setup – The process of setting up the Amazon Dash is simple and straightforward. In the box of the device, you can find a card that has a URL listed on it. The URL will provide you some information on how to set up your Amazon Dash by making use of the Amazon App for Android and IOS. Then you are required to download the Amazon App so that you can start the setup process. Once downloaded, open up the application and navigate to “Your Account “, now click on setup a new device under the Dash buttons and Devices option. After this step, choose the dash wand option and the Dash wand setup screen will greet you. This screen will provide you step by step instructions on how to get your device going.

Voice Control – This upgraded Amazon Dash Wand comes with Alexa Built in. This allows it to work just like most other Amazon echo devices. Alexa can be enabled by using the button on the front of the device, once enabled you can ask it any question or inquire about any fact just like other full-blown echo devices. This device is good for home automation as well as it is capable of controlling Alexa-compatible smart home devices. It can perform thousands of first party and third party Alexa tasks.

There are certain restrictions however. The device is not capable of playing music and setting up timers and alarms currently. This may well be just a software issue that will be sorted out with updates. With this device, Amazon has tried to make something that will make your shopping process a breeze. This device is aimed more towards the shopping niche, less towards other areas of functionality. Ordering a product from Amazon has never been easier. You can tell the device the product you would like to add to your cart and it will immediately respond. The product informs you about the pricing, what you are ordering and then asks for the permission to complete the order.

Barcode Scanner – The barcode scanner is one of the most useful features of the Amazon Dash wand. It is incorporated into the tip of the device. When you press the button to activate Alexa, the scanner also automatically becomes activated. You can point it towards any barcode to scan it and order the product mentioned on the barcode with blazing fast speeds. Once you use the Dash Wand to scan the barcode on the back of your required product, it will automatically add it to your buying cart on Amazon. As long as the product you are scanning is available on Amazon, it will add it to your cart. If some product is not available on Amazon, it will share some similar products with you. If it is unable to find a specific product by its barcode, it will inform you about it. If the scanner does not work well for you, you can always go back to the voice control for help in ordering the product.

Thanks to the Amazon integration, the device is capable of searching and ordering a wide variety of products. It is capable of ordering products from the Amazon Fresh service as well.

The Scanner also comes with a nice security feature that turns the scanner off if you intentionally or non-intentionally point the sensor towards your eyes. The dash wand makes use of built-in sensors to check for the angle at which the device is being pointed.

Battery Life – The battery life of the device is quite good. Unlike most modern tech gadgets, the device does not come with a rechargeable battery. Instead, two AAA batteries power it. It is both a good and bad thing. Good thing because AAA batteries are cheap and readily available, bad because these AAA batteries tend to last less than rechargeable batteries in most cases.

Extra Features – The Amazon Dash Wand comes with many useful features. The device comes with magnets that allow it to be attached to any magnetic surface such as Refrigerators. If you do not have any magnetic surfaces in your kitchen, then you can make use of the included hook with double-sided tape to hang the device anywhere. The barcode scanner up front can also be used as a flashlight when required. The scanner has a strong RED light that can help you find your way in the dark.

Price – The Price of this device is the most interesting bit about it. It sells for around 20$ on Amazon. With this product, you get tremendous value for money. It is basically a fully-fledged Alexa enabled device just like the more expensive echo devices. For only 20$, you are getting a home automation device, a barcode scanner and a personal shopping assistant.

However, this is just half of the story. Once you buy the device for twenty dollars and register it, you get 20$ off from your next eligible purchase from Amazon. You are essentially getting this gadget free if you are an Amazon user, which most of us are.

Conclusion – Taking all the Pros and Cons into consideration, the Amazon Dash Wand is a great update to the original that is worth the asking price. A gadget like this deserves a spot on the buying list of every Amazon customer. The small size, included magnets and hook allow it to be used anywhere in the house. This device makes the buying process much more streamlined. The device comes with a plethora of features. It has multiple personalities as well. You can use it as a standalone barcode scanner. You can also use it as an Amazon Alexa device to control your home and perform thousands of different tasks although the Alexa features are limited, as the device currently does not allow music playback or support for alarm and timers. You can also use it as a personal shopping assistant and a kitchen companion.

For a mere 20$, you cannot ask for more. The device has its flaws but the pros outshine the cons. This little gadget is a great buy for anyone who wants a budget-friendly Alexa enabled device mainly for shopping purposes.