Google Reader Shutdown And Finding an Alternative

Introduction

When I first opened up my Google Reader this morning I receive the notice, “Google Reader will not be available after July 1, 2013”.

At first, I thought, this April’s Fool joke is a bit early, then I checked the Google blog and saw the March 13, 2013 post: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-second-spring-of-cleaning.html, which had the following to say:

“We launched Google Reader in 2005 in an effort to make it easy for people to discover and keep tabs on their favorite websites. While the product has a loyal following, over the years usage has declined. So, on July 1, 2013, we will retire Google Reader. Users and developers interested in RSS alternatives can export their data, including their subscriptions, with Google Takeout over the course of the next four months.”

It seems that it is true.

As regular readers of the Boca Bits newsletter, and this blog, know I have started posting interesting links found during the month through Google Reader. Now I will have to find something else to keep track of the 200+ RSS subscriptions I check regularly.

Google Reader Alternatives

I decided to check out some of my usual places for information about alternatives, the links to the posts found are as follows:

I am sure there are many other places to check out, the above are the result of a very quick search of some of my favorite sites.

After reading these, Feedly is the front-runner for me.

Looking for Suggestions

The feed reader I am looking for would be able to import from Google Reader, and sync with all my devices, Windows and Android, as well as having online access.

It does not necessarily need to be free or open source,but should have a free trial period to make sure it works for me.

What Do You Use In the Place of Google Reader? Leave a comment, or visit the contact page of this blog to email me directly with any useful information.