Hear Cool Tune, Click, Own It

Ever hear a song in a coffee shop, and reminded yourself to look it up later? Starbucks is taking the “later” out of the equation, allowing latte-sippers in New York, Seattle, and soon other cities, to log on and buy whatever they’re hearing instantly off iTunes. It’s the latest in a long line of impulse-buying technology, the Times says.

Many companies are speeding up the buying process, giving consumers less time to change their minds. Amazon introduced one-click buying, and credit card companies are turning phones into payment devices. Already, many phone carriers allow over-the-air song downloads. “It’s an instant gratification,” said Starbucks’ president, hoping hearing and downloading happens faster than the speed of doubt. (More Starbucks stories.)