RIP Google Reader, one of the best feeds known to man. Google announced on Wednesday that it will be shutting down several services, including its well-known Google application which allows users to aggregate their web content within one location.
ad width="320" height="250" type="doubleclick" data-slot="/21868623726/site264.tmus/amp2" data-multi-size="320x50,300x250" data-multi-size-validation="false" rtc-config='{"vendors": {"prebidappnexuspsp": {"PLACEMENT_ID": "27198239"}}, "timeoutMillis": 500}'>In an age where Facebook and Twitter rule the way people consume content, the company cited declining usage as the reason for the shut down. And although the product has a loyal following, Google Reader will officially shut down on July 1.
While there is no replacing Google Reader, here’s a list of platform alternatives that will make the transition period a little easier:
Google Readers may fund the interface of this free RSS reader a bit weird, but it merges the organizational attributes of Google’s software with a newspaper feel. Gizmodo‘s Eric Limer notes “desktop-wise it runs in Chrome and Firefox via extensions and in addition to standard Android and iOS apps; you can also find it on Kindle.†This option will make for a seamless transition.
The Google Reader-esque web app is available on their site, and, for mobile users, it has an Android app and iOS versions for the iPhone and iPad. An unlimited subscription is only $1; but if you want the service for free, it’ll max out at 64 feeds.