Starbucks to Launch Digital Network This Fall

Good news, coffee-shop wi-fi couch potatoes: You can soon feel less guilty about wasting away inside a Starbucks all day, because the company is getting set to launch a digital network featuring free movies, music and online content. Wait, did we say less guilty? We meant more guilty, since now you’ll be wasting away all day and watching movies.

Customers will be able to access the network, which is expected to launch sometime this fall, though Starbucks’ free wireless service. The Digital Network will feature content from SnagFilms, a free documentary website.

SnagFilms will provide “themed film festivals” for the network. Caffeineheads will also be able to use the digital network to snag a free iTunes music download each week, replacing the stores’ “Pick of the Week” download cards.

Starbucks will also debut content for the network from The New York Times, AOL’s local Patch sites, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Zagat restaurant guides, Nick Jr. Boost online games and more.

Imagine how long it’ll take you to sift through all that entertainment. That’s a lotta lattes, which is probably exactly what Starbucks is hoping for.

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