Google debuts "buy" buttons on smartphones

Google is seeking a piece of the e-commerce market with its "Buy" buttons for smartphones. (Jens Meyer / AP)Google is eyeing small screens as the big future of online shopping.

The company is debuting “Buy on Google” buttons on its search pages viewed on smartphones in an effort to create seamless shopping experiences. If Google proves to be a convenient one-stop shop on mobile devices, it could pull customers away from Amazon, the giant of e-commerce.

Staples and Under Armour are among the companies that have embraced the feature, which debuted Wednesday. If shoppers tap on items promoted with Google’s “Buy” button, they can transfer to a product page hosted by Google and pay with…