Google Reader - The End: Back-up data now… and what other options offer

Tomorrow (July 1) there will be no Google Reader.

For those who have been bypassing the Google window that pops up at log in, with a warning of the shut- down, back up your data now.

Google announced in March that it would shut down from July 1. 

An online petition that was launched on Change.org requesting Google to reconsider its decision to take down Google reader reached 150,000 signatures, but has in no way influenced the tech giant. 

As Google plans to go ahead with its decision, most users have already migrated to alternate RSS feed readers.

Meanwhile, dozens or more of them that have gained popularity.

We ran down a list of alternatives and found one of the most important features missing on all of them – a lack of search option.

The search option on Google reader enables you to quickly find the latest feeds on any given topic without the user having to sort through thousands of new and updated feeds.

Feedly has emerged as one of the prominent alternates for Google Reader. The interface and design is much better compared to Google Reader and has both iOS and Android apps and runs on most browsers.

Yet users have often complained about many glitches including issues with syncing, crashes and migration. Feedly has promised to look into them and is working towards resolving the errors. 

Digg Reader

Digg on Friday announced that it was opening up its new RSS Reader to the public. “After a week of testing and scaling, adding batches of users and improving our infrastructure, we’re happy to fully open Digg Reader to the public!,” the announcement on its blog said.  

Currently on the web service and the iOS app is ready. Digg says it is working on the Android app.

There is no word on versions for Windows phone or Blackberry.

News Blur

Developed by Samuel Clay it is a worthy alternate to the Reader. But to make use of its full potential users will have to subscribe the service for $24 an year.

 

The developer has described the service as a “A personal news reader that brings people together to talk about the world. A new sound of an old instrument.”

It already has an iOS and an Android app apart from web only version and a separate app for Mac users.

Pulse

Pulse is another prominent RSS News reader with an iOS and an Android app. It also has a web only reader.

 

 

Pulse the brainchild of two Indians Ankit Gupta and his co-founder Akshay Kothari both Stanford Graduates in 2010 was acquired by LinkedIn in February for about $90 million. 

It was then announced that Pulse had about 30 million users across 190 countries.

AOL Reader

The latest to join the bandwagon AOL has introduced its AOL Reader launching a beta version. 

New users are however being put on a waiting list with a message that says, “Due to overwhelming interest, we've added your account to our waiting list.

“We're activating user accounts as quickly as possible and will send you an email when your account is ready for use!”

 

 

A preview of the service point to a simple interface and design. While the web only version is ready an Android and an iOS app is on its way. AOL says it plans to keep the service free.