Blog Tech : Google Reader Alternatives

Google Reader will be retired on July 1st. Have you found a replacement yet? If not, you still have two weeks. And to help, here's a guide with a breakdown of some of the other RSS readers out there that I've tried along with my two cents.

BLOGLOVIN'

Bloglovin' is already quite popular amongst bloggers and I signed up for a Bloglovin' account around the same time I started my blog. They've implemented a simple process which makes importing your Google Reader feeds quite easy. While I do use Bloglovin', I've never really been fully sold on it as you can't display/read full posts on there which is something I hope they'll eventually change. They offer an extension for Google Chrome as well as mobile versions for iOS and Android. If you use Bloglovin', be sure to follow rolala loves here.

FEEDLY

Feedly is alot like Google Reader only with a more visually graphic interface which you can customize to your viewing preferences. Migration is a snap. You just login to Feedly with your Google Account and it will seamlessly sync your Google Reader with Feedly, preserving all your folders and starred items in the process. It took a little getting used to but Feedly has grown on me and it's good to know that they've already upgraded their servers in preparation for July 1st. One feature I really like is that you can preview a post while in it and even leave a comment from there. Feedly offers extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Safari along with mobile versions for iOS and Android and since it's cloud-based, any changes made in one version sync across instantly. 

THE OLD READER

The Old Reader is true to it's name and resembles the old Google Reader. While less visually appealing, it gets the job done. Migration is a little more involved as you actually need to manually import your Reader subscriptions but that's actually not as hard you it sounds and I've included instructions on how to save your files below. While it retained my folders, I did lose all my previously starred items which was a bummer but I feel like I can zip through my feeds quicker on it for some reason and it's easy to organize them too. Currently web based only, they are working on a mobile version that should be rolled out soon. 

BLOGLINES/NETVIBES

Bloglines is a feed reader that's actually been around even longer than Google Reader. It's now powered by Netvibes which offers it's own feed service that is essentially the same in look and functionality. Migration is via file import which picked up all my folders but not my starred items. It starts off in a dashboard like layout but the display is customizable so I played around with it and was able to set it up to look alot like Google Reader. I like it's organization abilities as well as the fact that you can save items to read later. It is web based only which is abit of a drawback but Netvibes offers mobile versions for iOS and Android.

SMASHING READER

Smashing Reader is simple and straightforward with a Google Reader-like interface minus the sidebar. You can migrate your information by signing in with your Google account or uploading a file >While it's nice and clean looking, it's pretty much no-frills without any real customization or organizational abilities. Your feeds are listed alphabetically in a drop-down menu up top. This is a web only basic reader.

Another option worth mentioning is Flipboard ifyou like to catch up on your feeds on a mobile device. I use it on my iPad and the way it's set up feels like you're flipping through a lovely magazine. You can also stay up to date with your social media accounts on there. 

These are just the ones I've personally tried but you can find a more comprehensive list with many other options here. Feedly is my favorite of these followed by The Old Reader. I'll probably continue using them both for the time being before settling on one. I'm also interested in checking out the new reader that Digg has been developing.

No matter how you decide to follow your favorite blogs/sites after July 1, I would strongly recommend that you save a file of your Google Reader subscriptions. Here's how.

• Make sure you're signed into your Google account and go to Google Takeout
• Select "Choose Services" and choose "Reader"
• Click on "Create Archive" to save your files
• When they're ready, just click "Download" to save them as a ZIP file onto your computer. Once you extract them, the key file is the one named "subscriptions.xml" as that contains all the vital data that you will need if you switch to another reader in which you will have to import your feeds so make sure you back that file up.

I hope you've found this helpful. Please feel free to share it. I'd love to know what you're using and how you're liking it.If you're using a reader that I haven't mentioned here, please let me know. And no matter what you use, make sure you stay connected with rolala loves. And you can always follow via email, or friend me on Facebook, Google+ or Twitter as well. Thanks for reading!

Image via Feedly