Summary of Teardown: Amazon Dash Button keeps you connected
Amazon's Dash Button teardown examines the tiny, adhesive-backed Wi‑Fi device that places Amazon orders with a single press. The article describes packaging, physical dimensions, LED and DSN identifiers, initial setup requirements (Wi‑Fi SSID/password and product selection), and hints at internal hardware and privacy-related markings like QR codes and UPCs. It questions how Amazon subsidizes unit cost relative to future consumable sales.
Parts used in the Amazon Dash Button:
- Plastic enclosure with adhesive backing
- Push button
- Status LED
- Printed circuit board (PCB)
- Wi‑Fi radio/module
- Battery (coin cell)
- QR code and DSN labeling
- UPC/product label
- Quick-start guide (packaging insert)
Amazon’s Dash Button, which I previously mentioned back in late May 2015, is the ultimate in consumer convenience (or, if you prefer, consumerism gone crazy). Simply press a button on the inconspicuous adhesive-backed device (perfect for attaching to your washer and dryer, refrigerator, counter, or cabinet), and your Amazon account is charged for the purchase while the corresponding product gets automatically ordered and shipped to you.
Initially unveiled on April 1, 2015 (therefore explaining why I at first thought the announcement was an April Fools’ joke from the company), they cost only $4.99, and Amazon more recently announced that it’d even refund the purchase price after your first associated-consumable order. How much hardware was Amazon able to squeeze into such a diminutive bill-of-materials budget, or perhaps more accurately, how much are Amazon and its consumable-supplier partners subsidizing the initial hardware cost in the hope of plenty of future generated profits? Let’s find out.
To begin, here are some views of the packaging for the particular unit I ordered, which is associated with Gatorade sports drink:
On the last one, you’ll note that (for privacy-preservation reasons) I’ve blurred out both the UPC and alphanumeric sequence associated with my unit’s DSN (Dash Serial Number). This code, as its name implies, is device-specific; in conjunction with your pre-configured Amazon account information, it indicates to Amazon’s servers what class of product is being ordered (Gatorade sports drink, versus any of the other items on the already-numerous and steadily growing list of consumables that the Dash Button service supports) and who’s ordering it.
Still to be configured upon initial product setup are your residence’s wireless network SSID and encryption password, and exactly what product you’re interested in button-press ordering (Gatorade flavor, for example, and packaging size and quantity). Stay tuned for more details on how both objectives are hardware-accomplished.
[Sponsored Teardown: See inside Schneider variable speed drives.]The packaging is Apple-like (or, come to think of it, Amazon-like, keeping in mind past products from the company that I’ve also used) in its simplicity:
The only thing inside the box aside from the Dash Button itself is a diminutive quick-start guide. Here’s what my Dash Button (3.2×1.2×0.6 inches; 1 ounce) looks like after removal from the box:
Note the small LED above the button, used both when initially setting up the Dash Button and subsequently as visual feedback of a successful order submission. Note, too, the mysterious hole above the Gatorade logo, whose function will be explained shortly:
The DSN is replicated on the unit’s backside, along with a QR code, both of which I’ve again obscured:
Read more: Teardown: Amazon Dash Button keeps you connected
- What does pressing the Dash Button do?
Pressing the Dash Button charges your Amazon account and orders the associated product for shipment. - What information must be configured during initial setup?
You must configure your residence wireless network SSID and encryption password and select the product details associated with the button. - How is the device identified to Amazon?
The device is identified by a device-specific DSN and associated account information indicating product class and who is ordering. - What visual feedback does the Dash Button provide?
The unit has a small LED above the button used during setup and to indicate successful order submission. - Why are the UPC and DSN blurred in the teardown photos?
They were blurred for privacy-preservation reasons since the DSN is device-specific and links orders to the account. - What is the physical size and weight of the Dash Button?
The Dash Button measures approximately 3.2 × 1.2 × 0.6 inches and weighs about 1 ounce. - What comes inside the Dash Button packaging?
The box contains the Dash Button and a diminutive quick-start guide. - What is the mysterious hole above the logo mentioned in the article?
The article notes the hole exists and that its function will be explained later; no further detail is provided in the excerpt.
