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Topic: Cloud

Goodbye Google Reader: Here are five RSS alternatives

Summary: Google may be closing down its Reader RSS services from 1 July, but that isn't the end of the RSS party. Here are four cloud-based alternatives and one desktop option all waiting to keep you in touch with the news.

Ben Woods

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NewsBlur

NewsBlur is the newest of the cloud-based RSS aggregators in this line-up but, like its rivals, is accessible from the web or an iPad, iPhone or Android-based device.

Like Reader it takes a traditional aggregator layout, but in addition to showing you your subscriptions and individual news items, it also lets you specify between 'original', 'feed', 'text' and 'story' to dictate what is displayed in the panel. The image above shows it with the 'Feed' option displayed.

Unlike most others, NewsBlur can also be trained to help you discover new feeds and filter the content you're interested in.

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Topics: Cloud, Google

About

With several years' experience covering everything in the world of telecoms and mobility, Ben's your man if it involves a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or any other piece of tech small enough to carry around with you.

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11 comments
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  • Thanks!

    I was surprised to see the notice this morning that Google Reader was being retired. I am not very tech savvy and didn't know what the other top Reader-type services were. Before I even had time to think about it your article was posted (and featured on Google News), I signed up for Feedly and I'm good to go. Everything transferred seamlessly. Thanks a lot!
    yeceer
    Reply 2 Votes

    • feedly

      Ditto here.
      susanaii
      Reply Vote

  • Feedly seems to be best.

    Feedly seems to be the easiest to migrate to, and their format actually seems pretty good. It uses your existing account with Google, so you don't have to create a new account. And Feedly has announced they're transitioning to their own backend, so they'll continue even when Reader goes down.

    Basically, all you need is to get a Feedly reader (available as a plugin for Chrome/Firefox/Safari, or as an app on iOS/Android), login via your Google account (the one you use with Reader), and you're good to go :).
    CobraA1
    Reply 1 Vote

  • And Another Google Reader Alternative

    Rolio (http://www.rolio.com) is another alternative to Google Reader which, in addition to RSS, also supports the integration of Facebook and Twitter into your timeline for real-time updates. Rolio also supports the importing of your Google Reader feeds.
    rolio
    Reply 1 Vote

  • There is also NextGen Reader...

    Available for Windows Phone and Windows 8.
    toph36
    Reply Vote

  • Thank you!

    Ben, very happy you recommended Skimr! http://www.skimr.co

    Petr, Skimr Co-founder
    skimrss
    Reply Vote

  • NewzSocial: The next step beyond Google Reader

    If Google wants to drop Google Reader then there are other alternatives with all the Google Reader functionality and more. I would suggest checking out NewzSocial (http://www.newzsocial.com) which has better functionality than Google Reader and cool social news sharing features built in. NewzSocial also has a channel about the end of Google Reader: http://www.newzsocial.com/googlereader/
    NZContentMkt
    Reply Vote

  • Users need more than just reading

    web based readers that allow users to search and save sites as well as integrate social media feeds will be the wave of the future...

    You should add http://www.vortl.com to the list of browser based readers, it's a new site that goes one step further by being able to do a comprehensive search of sites and automatically add not only RSS, but facebook and twitter feeds of your favorites sites as well.
    xpfree
    Reply Vote

  • Alternative

    Have a look at Totally.Me if you are looking for a alternative for both Google Reader and iGoogle (shutting down on November 1). Totally.Me offers a visualized experience for all your Social Updates and News Headlines.
    Arjan de Raaf
    Reply Vote

  • Another Web-Based Option

    Another good option for web-based RSS reader is FeedBin https://feedbin.me/
    pauljmartinez
    Reply Vote

  • Nuesbyte.com

    http://nuesbyte.com

    I've made this one, would love to hear feedback about it
    7hundredand77
    Reply Vote
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