Sometimes, it can be hard to remember what to buy each week when out buying groceries. Hiku is here to help change that, however, and it is a small barcode scanner that lives in your kitchen.

The idea behind the device is that once you run out of an item, you scan the barcode using Hiku. The device will then add that item to an online shopping list in the cloud, which can be accessed via the user's smartphone. Hiku also has a microphone, allowing users to add items to their list through voice.

The new Hiku is actually the second generation of the device, with the first having been unveiled back in 2013. The new generation of the device also adds support for Walmart and Peapod's online service. As items are added to the list, Hiku will sort them out into those you can buy online. All you have to do is press the "buy" button, and the items will be delivered to your door.

In addition to adding support for Walmart and Peapod, the new device has a number of other subtle upgrades. For example, it will turn on instantly when the button is pressed, and it will have better voice control due to tweaks in the voice-recognition software. Last but not least is the fact that the new device will now support both iOS and Android. Hiku costs $80, however, if you buy it before the end of 2015, you can get it for $50.

The device is one of a few that have been popping up of late to help users when it comes to shopping. One of the main competitors to the device is Amazon's Dash buttons and the Amazon Echo, which allow users to quickly and easily order items straight from Amazon.

"Consumers want technology to help them, and not everyone wants to do all their shopping at Amazon," said Hiku Labs CEO Rob Katcher in an interview with CNet. "Our team created Hiku for busy families: to remember for you and shop for you, and we can work with any retailer."

Via: CNet