Say Happily Bye to Google Reader

Launched in 2005, Google Reader is finally going to be off the shelf soon. The official date announced by Google for retiring this popular software product is July 1, 2013. For users world wide the news was a surprise. But this also offers a chance for other software products to notch up their product offering. Here we look into some way by which Users and developers can do some contingency plan for existing RSS feeds.



WordPress.com Reader

Most WordPress dot come readers can import their subscriptions directly from Google Reader. Launched about 18 months ago, WordPress.com Reader can fit in any size screen. You can also reblog content without leaving news stream. Check more details in the official blog of WordPress. You can also import your subscriptions, by visiting the WordPress.com Reader import page;


The Old Reader

When Google removed its social elements from its reader, the Old Reader was launched. Now with original Google reader being shutdown, Old Reader is one of the strongest effective contenders for replacing Google reader. One of the reasons given by Google team for retiring their product is that number of users has declined.

For users who exactly want the same experience as Google reader, the Old Reader is probably the only and best alternative. I hope that the Old Reader developers create the mobile version soon to attract all Google reader users.

Feedly

Feedly has more similar appearance to Google Reader than any other products. With one click, users can synchronize the feed. The product was built has a standalone product. I hope that feedly technical team would be able to notch up their performance to fill the gap created by the absence of Google reader.

Flipboard

When Big brother, Google decided to shut off the nonprofit making Google Reader Flipboard probably was the most happy. Already on most mobile devices such as tablet or phone, Flipboard put content in a beautiful magazine-like layout.

With official retirement announcement by google team, the executives at Flipboard jumped into the game by announcing that users can import their Google readers feed directly into Flipboard service. The company entrusted a confidence to the unhappy Google reader users. It needs to be seen how Flipboard builds its reputation and wins the confidence of users on a regular basis for long term.

NewsBlur

A simple, fast, and close Google Reader cousin is Newsblur. You can directly user real time feeds to get stories to your machine or read any news. It is definitely a good alternative and a hidden gem in the cyber world. Newsblur is also loaded with lot of features for users who want to explore it.

There are much more Google Reader alternatives. Usage of each software depends upon each users. Here is a detailed repository "This Google Spreadsheet" prepared by the Online Journalism Blog.

Internet users interested in RSS alternatives can also export their data with subscriptions using Google Takeout.

Galaxy S4 Launch on March 14

(Credit: Screenshot by Lance Whitney/CNET) 

The Smartphone market is getting heated up. While the ongoing disputes across various world courts about Samsung and Apple is the talk of cyber-world, both companies are making no stone unturned to capture the market. The best example of aggressive marketing is the release of Samsung most successful model galaxy S4 in Apple Den at New York.
It is no more a hidden news that Samsung products are direct competing with the popular Apple iPad and iPhone products. Both the companies have a loyal base. However, with the demise of legendary Steve Jobs, it needs to be seen how apple progresses with its legacy. But for Androd fans the great is the launch of next-generation flagship Galaxy Samsung on March 14 in New York City.

The details about S4 have emerged on various tech sits. Still there is no official confirmation. At this point, the new Smartphone will have host of new features including

·         Eight-core Exynos processor

·         separate graphics processing chip

·         4.99-inch SuperAmoled display

·         2GB of memory

·         13-megapixel rear camera with 1080p video capability and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera

Besides the new Smartphone will be equipped with Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2. There is no official word yet from vendors on when we can get the new phones. So if you are in the market for new phone, wait for couple of days before sealing your decision.