News

AWS IoT Button Sells Out in Less than a Week

• By David Ramel
• 05/16/2016

Just introduced last week, the limited release AWS IoT Button, designed to help developers use Internet of Things and other data-related services from Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS), is no longer available.

[Update: According to a tweet from Amazon CTO Werner Vogels, the buttons actually sold out within hours. You can go here to sign up to be notified when more are available.]

Based on the Amazon Dash Button designed to simplify the process of supply replenishment or ordering products, the IoT button is a programmable Wi-Fi device that serves as a tiny onramp to use services such as AWS IoT, AWS Lambda, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon SNS without having to resort to writing device-specific code.

"You can code the button's logic in the cloud to configure button clicks to count or track items, call or alert someone, start or stop something, order services, or even provide feedback," the device's site states. "For example, 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."

But wait, there's more!

"The button can be used as a remote control for Netflix, a switch for your Philips Hue light bulb, a check-in/check-out device for Airbnb guests, or a way to order your favorite pizza for delivery," the site says. "You can integrate it with third-party APIs like Twitter, Facebook, Twilio, Slack or even your own company's applications."

Well, that is, you could do those things if it were still available, which it isn't.

"Currently unavailable," the device's Amazon sales site now says. "We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock."

If it is restocked, the site describes it thusly:

• An easy way to get started with the Internet of Things, based on the Amazon Dash button hardware, the AWS IoT button is a developer kit that can be programmed to control internet-connected devices and services.
• This programmable Wi-Fi button is designed to help developers learn how to use AWS IoT, AWS Lambda, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Simple Notification Service and other Amazon Web Services.
• Use the button to count items, track usage, initiate a call, send alerts or start and stop a process.
• Eliminate the hassle of writing device-specific code; code in the cloud to configure your button's single, double, and long clicks.

Amazon didn't say how many buttons were initially made available or when they would be restocked.