Amazon introduced $5 dash buttons in 2015 to let consumers purchase regular items such as washing powder by simply pressing a button. Some people hacked them for other purposes, for instance as WiFi logging buttons, but the company eventually stopped selling the buttons in February 2019 and fully killed those at the end of August.
Seeed Studio is bringing back Amazon Dash button to life in some ways, with the Seeed IoT Button For AWS Wi-Fi-based, programmable button that deploys the AWS IoT 1-Click service.
Seeed IoT Button for AWS hardware specifications:
- MCU – Dual-core MCU with 20MHz Cortex M0 and 200MHz Cortex M4F (Very likely Realtek RTL8720DN Wireless MCU)
- Storage – 4MB flash
- Connectivity – Dual-band Wi-Fi 4 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4GHz & 5GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0 LE
- USB – 1x USB Type-C port for charging
- Misc – Button good for 100,000 cycles, 3x LEDs (red, green, blue)
- Power Supply
- 5V via USB-C port
- Battery – 3.6V Li-ion 18650 Rechargeable battery (Not included, needs to be purchased locally)
- 500mA charging current
- 4 to 6 hours charging time depending on battery capacity
- Protection – Overcharge, Overcurrent, Over-discharge, and Reverse polarity protection
- Dimensions – 92 x 32 x 25mm
The button supports firmware update over the air (FOTA) and is fully compatible with the official AWS IoT 1-Click app for iOS and Android. Three types of clicks are supported: single, double, and long presses. The button also comes with a stickable bracket that allows you to wall-mount the button, and take it out like you would for a remote control.
Here’s how Amazon describes its AWS IoT 1-Click service:
… enables simple devices to trigger AWS Lambda functions that can execute an action. AWS IoT 1-Click supported devices enable you to easily perform actions such as notifying technical support, tracking assets, and replenishing goods or services. AWS IoT 1-Click supported devices are ready for use right out of the box and eliminate the need for writing your own firmware or configuring them for secure connectivity. AWS IoT 1-Click supported devices can be easily managed. You can easily create device groups and associate them with a Lambda function that executes your desired action when triggered. You can also track device health and activity with the pre-built reports.
Some practical applications include home control, one-click to order takeout button, events logging, Netflix pause button, and more. The Wiki explains how to get started with the button using the mobile app.
Seeed IoT Button for AWS is sold on Seeed Studio for $19.90 including a user manual and stickable bracket, but remember you’d have to purchase the battery separately.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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