Although it was announced suspiciously close to April Fool’s Day, Amazon Dash is a new device that is apparently intended to actually be launched by the retailer, ushering in a fresh approach to shopping online.

The Dash range is essentially a small series of branded buttons that can be stuck to a variety of surfaces and items around the home. Connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, each Dash button is associated with a particular consumable product, whether that is laundry detergent or coffee.

When a customer finds that they are running low on something, they simply need to press the Dash button and an order will automatically be placed with Amazon.

The idea is to roll out the Dash button to Amazon Prime subscribers, which of course means that delivery of the products will be free. And over 200 products from a range of big brands will be on offer in its American trial, which if successful will result in its international rollout.

Amazon Dash ties into the idea of the Internet of Things (IoT) becoming ever more popular and important. And connected buttons are just a way of upgrading older gadgets, from washing machines to coffee makers, so that they can get in on the action.

The Dash buttons can be programmed to order a predetermined amount of a product when it runs low, all in the name of convenience. Although there is an argument that having multiple products delivered separately rather than in a single online shop is not a particularly efficient way to go about things.

At this stage Dash may go no further than a trial, but as with Amazon’s earlier drone delivery announcement, this could start off sounding outlandish but quickly become a reality in some areas.