Amazon's Dash button--Not an April Fools' joke

Elizabeth Weise | USA TODAY

Never, ever want to run out of coffee, toilet paper, razors or trash bags again? Amazon has a button for you.

The online behemoth launched Amazon Dash on Tuesday. Although that was one day before April Fools', it actually is a real product, the company says.

Dash is a small oval electronic device about the size of a pack of gum. Each one comes emblazoned with the name of a different, frequently used-up, product.

Press the button and the device uses Wi-Fi to send a message to your Amazon account, automatically ordering a new stock of whatever you're about to run out of.

The buttons mount using an adhesive strip on the back or a plastic clip.

You can set the buttons via Amazon's mobile shopping app and assign the specific products and amounts you want from each click.

That click also sends a message to your phone, giving you a 30-minute window to cancel.

However many times an inquisitive toddler or pet might click the button, only one order will be sent at a time.

"Amazon Dash is Jeff Bezos' latest 'I want it now' convenience stratagem," said Richard Doherty, director of consulting firm The Envisioneering Group.

So far there are Dash buttons for coffee, detergent, razors, toilet paper, diapers, wipes, juice, dog food, trash bags, macaroni and cheese and napkins, among other items. A full list is available on the site.

Currently the Dash buttons are being sent only to Amazon Prime members who request them, and then by invitation only.

Contributing: Mike Snider in Washington, D.C.