Have had the device for all of half an hour (at this point). Before I read the instructions, I put in the batteries (included, happily) and pressed the single big button. The Alexa voice came out of the wand, telling me I needed to set up the device.
Okay... there is a small set of instructions included, with three easy (supposedly) steps. The key step I need to do at that point was to go to www.amazon.com/wandsetup.
Hmmmm. Different setups for US vs UK. I choose US.
Now it wants to install the Amazon shopping app on my phone! <sigh> Really don't want to, but I'll play along. After doing the install, I have to login to the app with my Amazon account. <sigh> Dig into LastPass, logon to that, get the very long and completely random Amazon account password.
Now what? I search for "Amazon wand"... no joy. I look through the app menu for "wand" or "devices" or anything remotely connected to the use of this device. Nothing.
Frustrated, I go back to the beginning. Go to the www.amazon.com/wandsetup page again. Choose "US" again. This time, it opens the Amazon app directly (instead of going to download the app), which takes me directly to the (hidden) Amazon Wand page for setting up the device.
The on-screen instructions tell me to put the batteries in the wand. Well, I've already done that, so continue to the next page.
Then it wants me to press and hold the big button "until the ring turns orange, then tap Connect." I press and hold the button. Nothing. I keep holding it. A minute goes by. This is obviously wrong. Open up the battery compartment, look at it to impart some mojo, put it back together. Press the button again. First, it turns red, then turns orange (if I had color blindness, this might be difficult to see the shade difference).
Now I'm supposed to press "Connect." I look at the app. The only thing that says "Connect" are the instructions on the screen, but that doesn't appear to be a link or button. I click the "Continue" button, and that seems to work. The on-screen instructions should be fixed, the page fixed, and just make that step less ambiguous.
Now it wants to know which Wi-Fi network to use. I choose my primary, and then have to dig-up our very long WPA code. <sigh> This doesn't work the first time (don't know why... perhaps the wand has a time-out waiting for the code). I try a second time. Success.
Finally, time to scan. I scan a bar code. The device says "'I'm having trouble understanding right now." <sigh> What does that really mean? I try again. Same response. I try a different barcode. Same. Press and hold the button and ask what time it is. Same response.
Go to the Amazon wand page, and don't see "support" there (maybe I missed it?) A Google search for "amazon dash wand support" has the page I need, though it is the third result. The best suggestion I can find from Amazon is to sign out of the Amazon app on my phone, and then re-logon. So, back to LastPass to get the password and log back in.
After ALL that, the wand will scan (correctly) items, and voice recognition and voice response are functional.
Am a bit surprised that, when an item is successfully scanned, the wand doesn't provide any voice feedback of the event, and I have to go back to my phone to make any sense of it. Was hoping the item would end up in my online shopping cart. Have yet to determine if this can only be tied to a single user account, or if multiple users (Prime account) can interact with it. And don't know if the smartphone needs to be nearby for this to work. The initial setup uses Bluetooth, but would like to know if the wand it using Wi-Fi for purchases, or just linking through the phone. Insufficient info on Amazon's site as to the technical details (or if the info is there, it is difficult to find).
On the plus side, the construction of the wand seems great. Nice size and weight, one simple button, nice scanner, protected battery compartment, built-in magnet (for sticking the wand to the refrigerator). Do wish the magnet were on *both* sides of the wand, as I've tried a couple of times to attach it to the refrigerator, only to find it is oriented incorrectly.
At least the price was right.
Update: Sometimes the wand will understand right away, and other times it is still responding with "'I'm having trouble understanding right now." (more often than not). Our home Wi-Fi is solid, connection to the Internet is solid, and the wand it being used within 20 feet line-of-site from the wireless router. Living in a suburban home, with no other wireless networks interfering. Amazon has a cool product with nice design, but the implementation seems somewhat lacking.
Update 2: Am finding that some scanned items don't show up correctly in the shopping cart. Case in point: I scanned the UPC of empty box of Publix-brand one-gallon reusable storage bags. Didn't expect Amazon to have the item, but was hoping they might provide a suggested substitute. Instead, this is what ended up in my Amazon shopping cart: "Disney Vinylmation ~ John Carter ~ Princess Dejah ~ 3" Figure ~ Brand New in Box by Disney." I deleted that item from the cart, and scanned the UPC again. Same Disney items shows up in cart again.
Good thing ordering isn't automatic.
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From the manufacturer
Just press the button and say:
"How many teaspoons in a tablespoon?”
"Set a pizza timer for 10 minutes."
"Alexa, ask Pizza Hut to place an order."
"Add [item name] to my shopping list" or to my "Fresh cart."
"Reorder double A batteries."
- Dash Wand does not support playing music.
We’ve revolutionized how you shop for everyday essentials.
When you say "Order [item name,]" Alexa will tell you the price and confirm that you want to purchase it. All items ordered with Alexa ship with Prime 2-day shipping.
Just say an item name, and Dash Wand will chime to confirm it's been added to your Amazon Shopping Cart.
New: Set multiple timers with Alexa.
- Scan a barcode or say an item. It's added to your shopping cart.
- Buy home essentials or reorder previous purchases.
- Access thousands of features and skills with Alexa, like smart home devices.
- For initial setup, you'll need an iPhone or Android phone and your wi-fi password.
Just ask
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Thousands of Alexa skillsConvert kitchen measurements, get exclusive deals and more. |
Help when you need itGet step-by-step recipes and ingredient lists from Allrecipes. |
Say an itemIt’s waiting in your cart for you to checkout. |
Buy now just by askingTo buy now, say "Buy double A batteries." |
Videos
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Customer Review: Great device, amazing value!!
Katie
Videos for this product
0:44
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Customer Review: GREAT PRODUCT!! WATCH OUR VIDEO AND SEE WHY!!
Chase K
Good Job AMAZON! Walking around like Harry Potter :D
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2017
After using it more than 3 days, this thing feels like a magic wand, we don't have amazon fresh in Oklahoma yet but since amazon clinched the deal on buying wholefoods, i assume very soon we will have the best amazon fresh service around here.Before i share my experiences and thoughts on this Amazon Dash Wand, here are somethings that you guys make sure you don't forget and be aware;1- Amazon Dash Wand is not intended to replace Amazon Echo/Alexa (IT IS AN EXTENDED SHOPPING TOOL FOR AMAZON USERS)2- Amazon Dash Wand is not an Echo/Alexa device (SO IT WONT DO EVERYTHING ECHO DOES)3- Amazon Dash Wand is not an entertainment device (SO IT WONT PLAY MUSIC)4- Amazon Dash Wand is not a tv remote control (unless you have echo with anymote or logitech setup) (ITS A BARCODE SCANNER)5- Amazon Dash Wand is not a Bluetooth speaker or music player nor mp3 or video player (SO IT DOESN'T NEED A BETTER SPEAKER)6- Amazon Dash Wand is not a wi-fi router or mobile phone ( SO IT DOESN'T HAVE THE TOP WI-FI SPECS)7- I have noticed people complain about tight battery door (HEY NOBODY WANTS LOOSE FALLING A PART DEVICE THAT DROPS PARTS< PIECES)8- for $20 YOU SHOULDN'T EXPECT A SPACE SHIP! Just read what's it for and use it for its purposes!9 - YOU NEED ACTUAL ECHO/ALEXA TO BE ABLE TO CONTROL YOUR SMART HOME OR OTHER DEVICES THRU THE WAND, WAND ITSELF CANNOT PERFORM THOSE ACTIONS, NOT MADE FOR IT! IT CAN BE USED WITH ACTUAL ALEXA/ECHO TO EXECUTE THOSE SMART DEVICE/HOME COMMANDS.Here are my thoughts thru my experience;1- Bar-code Scanner, this is a killer functionality, I do not have to search for the same product anymore, just scan it and call it good!2- The wand has Echo/Alexa skills added and it doesn't require Echo/Alexa device, it is also so great that it can work with your Echo/Alexa device if you already have one by integrating with it.3- If you want to control your smart devices thru Amazon Dash Wand, you need to have actual Echo/Alexa device with skills and setups ready along with your smart home devices. I use smartthings, logitech, roku, nest and other stuff with my actual Echo device so this Dash Wand is working for me great to control devices from other rooms without yelling it!4- Alexa skills added Dash Wand gives your news, can make jokes, can read and provide recipes and help your order stuff, it does pretty much many things that Echo/Alexa can do but not the skills and fancy stuff without it. Don't expect everything echo does from wand.totally different device.5- Great shopping tool for amazon shoppers, this is a great extension tool for making your shopping easy around home or the place you set up to.6- Wand itself has a magnet into it, so you can straight stick it on your refrigerator, but that could be the reason poor wi-fi that people experiencing.Cons:1- I wish it had dual band wi-fi support, if you are 5Ghz network lover or have a whole 5ghz wifi setup in your place, this will be a deal breaker for you.2- Better wi-fi range would be nice to have, i have $500 military grade router, 3 rooms after Amazon Dash Wand struggles to operate due to operation needs internet connectivity, so the antenna or receiver in it probably very old school maybe even a recycled old model wi-fi module.3- There is magnet into the wand to hold on the metal appliances, this is possibly exposed not sealed from the wi-fi module and that's why wand has poor wi-fi issues or sometimes (rarely in my case) having hard time to understand your commands, even tho I have a high end military grade WI-FI router.---I don't know how can a manufacturer or a designer can make a mistake like that!!! You don't put wi-fi module and magnet side by side, it will interrupt the signals and signal quality will be decreased. This is basic electronic, many of us know it for sure.Conclusion;Many of buyers and some people who provided a bad feedback or talking negative about this device, they actually don't read or know about what this amazon dash wand made for, and they have too much expectations for the $20 device (even free, promo gives you $20 back when purchase something).it does what it suppose to do, bar-code scanner to have it at home to shop and order stuff thru amazon is awesome, looks like it will have a great battery life, it understands me well and don't need to stick it in my mouth to talk, it can hear and understand easily, even tho you have an accent in your English. Wi-fi capabilities are limited so it is little bit sad about it but that's okay for many users. It can be improved but really you don't need to carry the whole echo around the house or with you. Keep your home smart, but don't make your brain quit executing some tasks...Finally: I'm glad it was free, I mean the $20 dollar promotion they provide after you buy it. But the wand looks like a decent device, if you know how to handle, use electronics. But still I see many people having some issues, there are not a lot of instructions or information flowing around about how to set up what need what not need to execute other things with it as people have big expectations. It is kind of a rushed manufacturing, I bet many defective devices out there causing all these complaints, and also not enough info and instructions. Also I am sure not everyone is an IT pro or not everyone have a pro network setup and understand this and that etc etc... But definitely Dual Band wif-fi required on this wand!
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2017
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 17, 2017
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 20, 2017
Before i share my experiences and thoughts on this Amazon Dash Wand, here are somethings that you guys make sure you don't forget and be aware;
1- Amazon Dash Wand is not intended to replace Amazon Echo/Alexa (IT IS AN EXTENDED SHOPPING TOOL FOR AMAZON USERS)
2- Amazon Dash Wand is not an Echo/Alexa device (SO IT WONT DO EVERYTHING ECHO DOES)
3- Amazon Dash Wand is not an entertainment device (SO IT WONT PLAY MUSIC)
4- Amazon Dash Wand is not a tv remote control (unless you have echo with anymote or logitech setup) (ITS A BARCODE SCANNER)
5- Amazon Dash Wand is not a Bluetooth speaker or music player nor mp3 or video player (SO IT DOESN'T NEED A BETTER SPEAKER)
6- Amazon Dash Wand is not a wi-fi router or mobile phone ( SO IT DOESN'T HAVE THE TOP WI-FI SPECS)
7- I have noticed people complain about tight battery door (HEY NOBODY WANTS LOOSE FALLING A PART DEVICE THAT DROPS PARTS< PIECES)
8- for $20 YOU SHOULDN'T EXPECT A SPACE SHIP! Just read what's it for and use it for its purposes!
9 - YOU NEED ACTUAL ECHO/ALEXA TO BE ABLE TO CONTROL YOUR SMART HOME OR OTHER DEVICES THRU THE WAND, WAND ITSELF CANNOT PERFORM THOSE ACTIONS, NOT MADE FOR IT! IT CAN BE USED WITH ACTUAL ALEXA/ECHO TO EXECUTE THOSE SMART DEVICE/HOME COMMANDS.
Here are my thoughts thru my experience;
1- Bar-code Scanner, this is a killer functionality, I do not have to search for the same product anymore, just scan it and call it good!
2- The wand has Echo/Alexa skills added and it doesn't require Echo/Alexa device, it is also so great that it can work with your Echo/Alexa device if you already have one by integrating with it.
3- If you want to control your smart devices thru Amazon Dash Wand, you need to have actual Echo/Alexa device with skills and setups ready along with your smart home devices. I use smartthings, logitech, roku, nest and other stuff with my actual Echo device so this Dash Wand is working for me great to control devices from other rooms without yelling it!
4- Alexa skills added Dash Wand gives your news, can make jokes, can read and provide recipes and help your order stuff, it does pretty much many things that Echo/Alexa can do but not the skills and fancy stuff without it. Don't expect everything echo does from wand.totally different device.
5- Great shopping tool for amazon shoppers, this is a great extension tool for making your shopping easy around home or the place you set up to.
6- Wand itself has a magnet into it, so you can straight stick it on your refrigerator, but that could be the reason poor wi-fi that people experiencing.
Cons:
1- I wish it had dual band wi-fi support, if you are 5Ghz network lover or have a whole 5ghz wifi setup in your place, this will be a deal breaker for you.
2- Better wi-fi range would be nice to have, i have $500 military grade router, 3 rooms after Amazon Dash Wand struggles to operate due to operation needs internet connectivity, so the antenna or receiver in it probably very old school maybe even a recycled old model wi-fi module.
3- There is magnet into the wand to hold on the metal appliances, this is possibly exposed not sealed from the wi-fi module and that's why wand has poor wi-fi issues or sometimes (rarely in my case) having hard time to understand your commands, even tho I have a high end military grade WI-FI router.
---I don't know how can a manufacturer or a designer can make a mistake like that!!! You don't put wi-fi module and magnet side by side, it will interrupt the signals and signal quality will be decreased. This is basic electronic, many of us know it for sure.
Conclusion;
Many of buyers and some people who provided a bad feedback or talking negative about this device, they actually don't read or know about what this amazon dash wand made for, and they have too much expectations for the $20 device (even free, promo gives you $20 back when purchase something).
it does what it suppose to do, bar-code scanner to have it at home to shop and order stuff thru amazon is awesome, looks like it will have a great battery life, it understands me well and don't need to stick it in my mouth to talk, it can hear and understand easily, even tho you have an accent in your English. Wi-fi capabilities are limited so it is little bit sad about it but that's okay for many users. It can be improved but really you don't need to carry the whole echo around the house or with you. Keep your home smart, but don't make your brain quit executing some tasks...
Finally: I'm glad it was free, I mean the $20 dollar promotion they provide after you buy it. But the wand looks like a decent device, if you know how to handle, use electronics. But still I see many people having some issues, there are not a lot of instructions or information flowing around about how to set up what need what not need to execute other things with it as people have big expectations. It is kind of a rushed manufacturing, I bet many defective devices out there causing all these complaints, and also not enough info and instructions. Also I am sure not everyone is an IT pro or not everyone have a pro network setup and understand this and that etc etc... But definitely Dual Band wif-fi required on this wand!
Good Job AMAZON! Walking around like Harry Potter :D
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 20, 2017
After using it more than 3 days, this thing feels like a magic wand, we don't have amazon fresh in Oklahoma yet but since amazon clinched the deal on buying wholefoods, i assume very soon we will have the best amazon fresh service around here.Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 20, 2017
Before i share my experiences and thoughts on this Amazon Dash Wand, here are somethings that you guys make sure you don't forget and be aware;
1- Amazon Dash Wand is not intended to replace Amazon Echo/Alexa (IT IS AN EXTENDED SHOPPING TOOL FOR AMAZON USERS)
2- Amazon Dash Wand is not an Echo/Alexa device (SO IT WONT DO EVERYTHING ECHO DOES)
3- Amazon Dash Wand is not an entertainment device (SO IT WONT PLAY MUSIC)
4- Amazon Dash Wand is not a tv remote control (unless you have echo with anymote or logitech setup) (ITS A BARCODE SCANNER)
5- Amazon Dash Wand is not a Bluetooth speaker or music player nor mp3 or video player (SO IT DOESN'T NEED A BETTER SPEAKER)
6- Amazon Dash Wand is not a wi-fi router or mobile phone ( SO IT DOESN'T HAVE THE TOP WI-FI SPECS)
7- I have noticed people complain about tight battery door (HEY NOBODY WANTS LOOSE FALLING A PART DEVICE THAT DROPS PARTS< PIECES)
8- for $20 YOU SHOULDN'T EXPECT A SPACE SHIP! Just read what's it for and use it for its purposes!
9 - YOU NEED ACTUAL ECHO/ALEXA TO BE ABLE TO CONTROL YOUR SMART HOME OR OTHER DEVICES THRU THE WAND, WAND ITSELF CANNOT PERFORM THOSE ACTIONS, NOT MADE FOR IT! IT CAN BE USED WITH ACTUAL ALEXA/ECHO TO EXECUTE THOSE SMART DEVICE/HOME COMMANDS.
Here are my thoughts thru my experience;
1- Bar-code Scanner, this is a killer functionality, I do not have to search for the same product anymore, just scan it and call it good!
2- The wand has Echo/Alexa skills added and it doesn't require Echo/Alexa device, it is also so great that it can work with your Echo/Alexa device if you already have one by integrating with it.
3- If you want to control your smart devices thru Amazon Dash Wand, you need to have actual Echo/Alexa device with skills and setups ready along with your smart home devices. I use smartthings, logitech, roku, nest and other stuff with my actual Echo device so this Dash Wand is working for me great to control devices from other rooms without yelling it!
4- Alexa skills added Dash Wand gives your news, can make jokes, can read and provide recipes and help your order stuff, it does pretty much many things that Echo/Alexa can do but not the skills and fancy stuff without it. Don't expect everything echo does from wand.totally different device.
5- Great shopping tool for amazon shoppers, this is a great extension tool for making your shopping easy around home or the place you set up to.
6- Wand itself has a magnet into it, so you can straight stick it on your refrigerator, but that could be the reason poor wi-fi that people experiencing.
Cons:
1- I wish it had dual band wi-fi support, if you are 5Ghz network lover or have a whole 5ghz wifi setup in your place, this will be a deal breaker for you.
2- Better wi-fi range would be nice to have, i have $500 military grade router, 3 rooms after Amazon Dash Wand struggles to operate due to operation needs internet connectivity, so the antenna or receiver in it probably very old school maybe even a recycled old model wi-fi module.
3- There is magnet into the wand to hold on the metal appliances, this is possibly exposed not sealed from the wi-fi module and that's why wand has poor wi-fi issues or sometimes (rarely in my case) having hard time to understand your commands, even tho I have a high end military grade WI-FI router.
---I don't know how can a manufacturer or a designer can make a mistake like that!!! You don't put wi-fi module and magnet side by side, it will interrupt the signals and signal quality will be decreased. This is basic electronic, many of us know it for sure.
Conclusion;
Many of buyers and some people who provided a bad feedback or talking negative about this device, they actually don't read or know about what this amazon dash wand made for, and they have too much expectations for the $20 device (even free, promo gives you $20 back when purchase something).
it does what it suppose to do, bar-code scanner to have it at home to shop and order stuff thru amazon is awesome, looks like it will have a great battery life, it understands me well and don't need to stick it in my mouth to talk, it can hear and understand easily, even tho you have an accent in your English. Wi-fi capabilities are limited so it is little bit sad about it but that's okay for many users. It can be improved but really you don't need to carry the whole echo around the house or with you. Keep your home smart, but don't make your brain quit executing some tasks...
Finally: I'm glad it was free, I mean the $20 dollar promotion they provide after you buy it. But the wand looks like a decent device, if you know how to handle, use electronics. But still I see many people having some issues, there are not a lot of instructions or information flowing around about how to set up what need what not need to execute other things with it as people have big expectations. It is kind of a rushed manufacturing, I bet many defective devices out there causing all these complaints, and also not enough info and instructions. Also I am sure not everyone is an IT pro or not everyone have a pro network setup and understand this and that etc etc... But definitely Dual Band wif-fi required on this wand!
Images in this review
