Google’s Acquisition and Subsequent Shutdown of Google Reader RSS Feed Aggregator Service
Google Reader, one of the most popular RSS feed aggregator services, was released in 2005 and became so popular that it was approximated to have countless users. After eight years of service, on July 1, 2013, Google announced it would shut down Google Reader. This decision had a significant effect, and many of the service’s devoted users were left wondering why Google shut it down.;
What is Google Reader, and Why was it Shut Down on July 1?
Summary of Google Reader.
Google Reader was an RSS reader. Google Reader likewise supplied membership services for sites, blogs, podcasts, and video channels, which provided their material to users through RSS feeds.
History of Google Reader.
Released in late 2005 as a web service, Google Reader quickly became popular among tailored news aggregators. The service was developed on top of the Google search engine, and the users could easily conserve short articles for later reading, look for text inside the posts, and share posts with good friends.
Reasons for Shutdown.
It is hypothesized that Google had decided to eliminate Google Reader due to its low use count compared to other Google products– a decision based on a cost-benefit analysis. Google Reader was a popular service; the company was not making any significant profit from its combination with Google Cloud and AdSense.
Effect of Google Reader’s Shutdown.
The shutdown of Google Reader led to a substantial outcry amongst users and considerably influenced other services, particularly mobile apps and RSS readers on web internet browsers. Some of the significant impacts are.
Effect on Mobile Apps.
The withdrawal of Google Reader substantially affected the mobile apps that used the service. Numerous mobile apps, especially those on Android, relied on Google Reader API for their backend services.
Result on RSS Readers on Web Browsers.
Most RSS readers on web browsers depend on Google Reader for synchronization. While some apps could be transferred to other synchronization services, others were far less adaptable. Readers that didn’t have exclusive feeds suffered primarily.
Result on Google Cloud Integration.
The death of Google Reader affected the few apps that integrated with Google Cloud for functions such as information storage and scalability processing. The Google Reader API allowed developers to access and manipulate feeds. Eliminating Google Reader suggested that designers had lost a vital app tool.
Google Reader Alternatives.
Completion of Google Reader did not suggest the end of RSS readers. There were many alternative services that users could move to. A few of the most popular Google Reader options are listed below:
Leading RSS Feed Aggregator Services like Google Reader.
Feedly is an excellent option for Google Reader and the most popular RSS reader after Google Reader’s death. According to revenue numbers, Feedly has 3 million paying consumers, and 15 million signed-up users, making it the most popular RSS reader. Other options include NewsBlur, The Old Reader, and Inoreader.
Google News as an Alternative to Google Reader.
Google News is a fantastic tool for content discovery and can also function as an option for Google Reader. It allows users to create customized news feeds based on subjects and keywords. The content is upgraded in real-time based on your interest. Users simply need to click on a short article, and tabs appear with posts similar to the one they’ve read exist too. Users can choose to follow their interests, track their preferred subjects or stories from various nations, and more.
Using Social Networks to Subscribe to RSS Feeds.
Social networks are another great way to subscribe to material and are considered an alternative to Google Reader. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr allow users to follow RSS feeds.
Google’s Other Services that were Shut Down.
Google Reader was not the only Google product to be closed down. Google has scrapped numerous products or services with time. Here are a few of the significant outcomes that Google phased out:
Google Labs.
Google Labs was started to showcase the newest innovation that Google was working on and permit users to check the concepts that were still being established. Nevertheless, Google Labs was shut down on July 2011. This was a significant shift because it was a platform for Google to evaluate brand-new ideas.
Google Glass.
Google Glass was a wearable innovation item that stopped in 2015 after three years of presence. The product was presented in 2012 and is considered the “next best thing” in wearable innovation. However, Google Glass didn’t achieve what it set out to do, transforming wearable technology.
Google Currents.
Another item Google killed was Google Currents, the company’s Flipboard-style newsreader and digital publications service. The service allowed clients to browse, sign up for, and check out content online or offline. Nevertheless, Google Currents was later replaced with Google Play, a better and more efficient service.
Conclusion.
Google Reader’s shutdown in July 2013 surprised many of its faithful users. However, Google had its reasons which included focusing on more essential products, for shutting down this service. It remains true that many users have not found a replacement offering the same features as Google Reader. Many Google Reader options have appeared since its shutdown, leaving users to ruin for choice. It’s great to remember that this is how the tech and online world works– it is constantly altering, and products and services reoccur. Now it’s up to you to find a replacement for Google Reader that works best for you.
