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Google the reader killer

Feedly in a browser
I am not feeling the love for Google at the moment.

I suspect the problem this behemoth of IT has, even more than Microsoft did at its zenith, is that it really doesn't care about its customers, because it gets its revenue indirectly from advertising. So it has no problem with messing its users about.

Like many people I read feeds from many blogs and the like using an RSS reader - specifically the Google Reader. I don't use it direct, I use a front end app on my Mac and phone/iPad - but behind these are the Google engine. And the big-I-am has decided to pull the plug. Much wailing and gnashing of teeth ensues.

I had hoped to stay with Reeder, the Mac-based app that I use most, as they announced pretty quickly that they would find a new back end. And they have - but it's a paying service, and that's something I am reluctant to do for this kind of facility. So it's time to head off in a new direction.

I've tried out several alternatives before settling for Feedly - it doesn't have a Mac app, but it does have a plug-in for Safari and other browsers, plus iOS (and Android) apps. It is free, quick, rather elegant and promises that it will seamlessly transfer over from the Google back end to its own when then time comes. Another essential for me - the Safari plug in has a 'save to Pocket' option, which is the captured info app I use from my reader.

It's not perfect as a replacement. With Reeder the app sat at the bottom of my screen with a little counter, showing me how many new posts there were to read. Now I have to go into Feedly from my browser before I find out. However I used to have iGoogle as my home page on my browser (something else they're giving the chop), so I've now switched over to Feedly. It's certainly a whole lot better than being dumped in the ditch by the ungrateful Google.

You rotten lot.
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Comments

  1. Laurasdad4 April 2013 at 17:46

    Brian

    Having followed and taken note of (the majority of) your computery recommendations for over 25 years now I'm pleased you've pushed me in the direction of Feedly; it seems to have several improvements over Google Reader and as far as I'm concerned it's been very easy to get into and does exactly what it says on the tin.

    Thank you.

    (I'll now go and buy your new book.)


    ReplyDelete
  2. Sue Guiney5 April 2013 at 09:05

    I knew this was coming and have been wallowing I. Despair trying to ignore it all. Thanks for figuring it out for me. I'll go join Feedly now,

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sue Guiney5 April 2013 at 11:31

    I got it. I've used it. I love it. It's perfect. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and IPad. Sue

    ReplyDelete
  4. Brian Clegg5 April 2013 at 14:00

    Glad to be of service!

    ReplyDelete

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