Google to shut down Reader from July
Google has shocked thousands of its Reader users in a surprise announcement that it plans to shut the service down from July.
Many in the UAE who logged in to their office computers this morning were shocked to receive the news alert from Google. As they tried to log in a simple pop-up window said, “Google Reader will not be available after July 1, 2013”.
“After my emails, Reader was one of the first sites I logged into every morning. I had about 40 to 50 various news service feeds subscribed to,” says Nikhil DeSouza an owner of a construction material supply firm in Dubai.
Apart from the Reader, Google will also phase out other services such as Apps Script, CalDav API, Google Buliding Maker, Google Cloud Connect, Google Voice App for Blackberry, Search API for Shopping, and Snapseed Desktop for Mac and Windows Making the announcement this weekend Google says the usage of Reader has been declining year after year, forcing it to phase out the service. With the latest list, the number of discontinued services has gone up to 70.
Users of the services can however download a copy of their data using Google Takeout.
Meanwhile ardent fans of the Reader have started a petition urging Google to stop the shutdown.
The petition created on Change.com by Dan Lewis from New York has already attracted 120,000 signatures.
The petition reads, “Our confidence in Google's other products -- Gmail, YouTube, and yes, even Plus -- requires that we trust you in respecting how and why we use your other products. This isn't just about our data in Reader. This is about us using your product because we love it, because it makes our lives better, and because we trust you not to nuke it.”
“So, please don't destroy that trust. You're a huge corporation, with a market cap which rivals the GDP of nations. You're able to dedicate 20 per cent of your time to products which may never seen the light of day. You experiment in self-driving cars and really cool eyewear which we trust (trust!) you'll use in a manner respectful to our needs, interests, etc. Show us you care.”
“I spend more time on Google Reader (website+mobile app) than every other site combined. If it's not financially viable, roll it into a paid service. i'd pay for it.,” said one of the signatories.
Meanwhile, many others are trying to cash in on the Google announcement and trying to provide alternate services.
Digg for example made an announcement that it has already started working on a similar service and will roll out the feature by the second half of 2013.
Top Alternatives to Google Reader
1 Feedly (www.feedly.com)
2 NetVibes (www.netvibes.com/en)
3 FeedDemon (www.feeddemon.com)
4 NewsBlur (www.newsblur.com)
5 FlipBoard (www.flipboard.com)
6 The Old Reader (theoldreader.com)
ALSO READ:
Galaxy S4 launched: UAE residents tell us how often they change phones – and why
Samsung Galaxy S4: First impressions (yes, it’s an iPhone-killer)