AWS IoT Button

The AWS IoT Button is a programmable, Wi-Fi-enabled handheld input device that allows Amazon Web Services (AWS) customers to automate an action in the AWS public cloud, such as deploying a virtual machine (VM), by literally pushing a button on a wireless dongle. The button is being marketed as a creative way to help AWS customers quickly understand how easy it is to incorporate Amazon cloud services in development projects.

Like Dash, its popular consumer-product replentishment counterpart, Amazon's IoT Button simplifies the front-end process for placing an order. In this case, however, the order is a web service that is configured through the AWS IoT Rules Engine. Unlike Dash buttons, which are pre-programmed to perform a single task like re-ordering a specific brand of laundry detergent, for example, IoT Buttons can be customized with AWS Lambda functions.

The button's logic can be customized with three different types of input: single click, double click or long press and associated notifications are sent wirelessly, using Amazon Simple Notification Service. Custom logic can be written using Python, Node.js or Java programming languages. Developers can also upload third-party Lambda functions to interact with other internet of things objects.

IoT Buttons can transmit status with different LED color and blinking patterns. Log-click activity is stored in an Amazon DynamoDB table and each button has its own AWS IoT certificate and key to establish a secure connection to Amazon's Web Services. Custom logic and code can be written in Python, Node.js, Java programming languages, using AWS Lambda functions.

As of this writing, Amazon IoT Buttons can be purchased through Amazon Prime for $19.95.