So, How Are We Going To Replace Google Reader?

This is Very Bad News:

We have just announced on the Official Google Blog that we will soon retire Google Reader (the actual date is July 1, 2013). We know Reader has a devoted following who will be very sad to see it go. We’re sad too.

There are two simple reasons for this: usage of Google Reader has declined, and as a company we’re pouring all of our energy into fewer products. We think that kind of focus will make for a better user experience.

To ensure a smooth transition, we’re providing a three-month sunset period so you have sufficient time to find an alternative feed-reading solution. If you want to retain your Reader data, including subscriptions, you can do so through Google Takeout.

I use — and depend on — Google Reader to keep on top of blogs, breaking news and tons of topics. It is an incredibly useful tool that helps me read, follow and organize a host of scattered information from any computer or from my Kindle.

Right now the 487 subscriptions in Reader have become my daily newspaper. That’s far fewer than the 3,408 subscriptions AZspot relies on for his invaluable Tumblr, but I have no idea how I would keep track of all of that without Google Reader.

Google says:

Once downloaded, your subscription data should be easily transferrable to another product, where you can continue to keep up with your online reading.

That’s good to know, but the reason I’ve been using Reader and not “another product” is that I haven’t found another product that does what Reader does.

But now, apparently, I have until July 1 to find one.

And no, no, no, no, no — please do not suggest that Facebook and Twitter are any sort of substitute.

One key thing I’m looking for in a replacement tool is the ability to access my feeds from anywhere and to sync that reading across platforms (Mac, chromebook, Kindle being the three I need).

Nate Hoffelder suggests “Seven Google Reader Alternatives for the Hard-Core User” — including Feedly, NewsBlur, Tiny Tiny RSS, The Old Reader, BlogLines, Opera, and Feeds Anywhere.

Does anyone currently use any of those? How are they? Any recommendations?

And then, just as Google has me grumpily fuming that the Web was working quite nicely before they came along and “fixed” it, Disqus decides to roll out its latest upgrade/degrade. That’s not helping.

So, how are we going to replace Google Reader?