Editor’s Note: Ben Easton is an eBook writer. He frequently shares his tips for writing on blogs for professional writers.
Google Reader is now gone, just in case you thought it was an April fool stunt. Following a decision earlier this year, the internet giant decided to pull the plug on its RSS reader.
Truth is the Reader was never a particularly profitable venture for Google, and as more and more people opt to get their news from live sources such as Facebook and Twitter, the Reader saw its fortunes further diminish. While Reader was certainly declining in popularity over the years, it still enjoyed a loyal following. Those followers, understandably, are looking for alternatives, and luckily there are many such alternatives on offer today.
While it is now too late to transfer your RSS subscriptions from Reader, we will look at some of the other great RSS readers out there that will help you rebuild your subscriptions.
Feedly
Now that Google Reader is gone, Feedly has taken the position as the most popular RSS reader on the market today. It’s no wonder, either, as Feedly offers users everything they would expect from an RSS feed. The design is simple and looks great, and it can be configured to even resemble Google Reader or a newspaper format. Because it is the most popular RSS reader out there, it is also guaranteed to work with the most number of sites, making it particularly useful. Feedly also works great with Apple and Android devices, making it perfect for those who want their news on the go.
The Old Reader
For those who just cannot let go of Google Reader, The Old Reader is ideal. This web-based application is designed to resemble the old Google Reader from way back. It focuses on the social connectedness that Google’s Reader used to offer, and will make an excellent transition for those who have only previous experience with Google’s program. As it is web-based, it will require a PC or laptop, meaning a good internet connection, which can be found through clear internet coverage, is ideal.
Pulse
On the other hand, if you want to take Reader’s demise as an opportunity to embrace something completely different, then Pulse is for you. Unlike other RSS readers, Pulse doesn’t attempt to mimic Google Reader or other standard RSS layouts. Rather, you receive your news through tiles of visual images, and the stories that Pulse thinks you will be most interested in are pushed to the top. Its unique and visual layout makes it an attractive alternative for those who are looking to shake things up a bit.
Digg Reader
Digg’s hotly anticipated Reader was put on rush development following the announcement of Google Reader’s shutdown. This reader is the newest on the market and resembles a more polished version of the Google Reader. It comes with some additional features, however, such as Instapaper sharing and Digg integration. It is also perfect for following news items that are popular at the moment and thus keeping up with what your friends are reading.
Google Reader was an important development in the history of RSS, but now that it’s gone loyal Reader users have no choice but to look for alternatives. Thankfully, however, the world of RSS is bigger than Google and the alternatives on offer all look great and provide what Google Reader provided and more. Any of the above RSS readers are guaranteed to fill that hole left behind by Google Reader’s exit.
