Google has announced that on July 1st it’s application Google Reader will no longer be in existence. This content aggregator has been a favorite for many. The reason behind Google removing Reader is the decline in use and the opportunity this gives them to put more focus into other products and services.  Now that Google Reader will be gone, the uncertainty of which RSS feed reader remains. Even though it is going to be a big change, there are many options that exist. Below, we walk you through what we believe are some of the best alternatives.

Feedly

One of the most popular replacements is called Feedly. A main benefit of this site is that it connects with your current Google Reader so you don’t have to set up an entirely new feed. It is also fairly easy for one to navigate. The layout is very similar to that of Google Reader, which makes learning how to use the feed quick. This free alternative makes the change easier to manage.

Flipboard

Another popular option is Flipboard. This is a completely different format than Google Reader but is much more visually appealing for those that are the creative type. Flipboard allows you to search for content. It also gives you the option to format it like a magazine. It doesn’t just let you search your favorite websites, but also lets you search through your social media feeds. With over 50,000 users already, this has become a favorite for many as the Google Reader alternative.

Pulse

Pulse is owned by LinkedIn and is now another replacement option. Although, a drawback is that it no longer allows direct import from Google Reader, it has an easy to learn layout.  It has a more similar set-up to Flipboard although it is less “magazine like” and more focused on displaying multiple tiles. With such a powerful company owning Pulse, the likelihood of it sticking around is promising and is great news for the heartbroken by the loss of convenience Google Reader gives its users.

Despite the fact that some of us are still having trouble dealing with change, there are many great options out there to choose from. Since Google Reader will still be available for a few more months, now is the time to get online and look into these suggestions, or other various alternatives.  Try some out for yourself to get you into a new habit and help make the transition a little easier.

What else are people using?  Who’s starting the first Google Reader Support Group?

Photo credit: pandemia

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