---
title: Google Shutting Down Google Reader
date: 2013-03-14 08:25:26
permalink: https://lesterchan.net/blog/2013/03/14/google-shutting-down-google-reader/
author: Lester Chan
categories:
  - Technology
tags:
  - Google
  - Google Reader
  - shutting down
---

Google Reader was created in early 2005 by Google engineer Chris Wetherell and launched on 7th October 2005 through Google Labs.

I can’t remember when I first started using Google Reader, but my guess it would be around in 2006. Ever since then, I have been using Google Reader on a daily basis (even weekends and when I am on holiday).

![Google Reader Logo](https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8555196883_19a469407e_o.png)

**My Google Reader Stats**

> From your 113 subscriptions, over the last 30 days you read 17,392 items, clicked 211 items, starred 0 items, and emailed 0 items. Since August 9, 2011 you have read a total of 300,000+ items

Today, Google announced they will be shutting down Google Reader on the 1st July 2013, which came to a shock to me and [many others on the Internet](https://twitter.com/search?q=google%20reader&src=typd).

**[Powering Down Google Reader](http://googlereader.blogspot.sg/2013/03/powering-down-google-reader.html)** (from the official Google Reader blog):

> 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.
> 
> Thank you again for using Reader as your RSS platform.

So if you have any other good (free or paid) alternatives, do let me know in the comments section.

## \#1 Feedly

Looks like [Feedly](http://www.feedly.com/) is a good alternative to Google Reader, in it’s blog post, [Transitioning from Google Reader to feedly](http://blog.feedly.com/2013/03/14/google-reader/), it says: > Google announced today that they will be shutting down Google Reader. This is something we have been expecting for some time: We have been working on a project called Normandy which is a feedly clone of the Google Reader API – running on Google App Engine. When Google Reader shuts down, feedly will seamlessly transition to the Normandy back end. So if you are a Google Reader user and using feedly, you are covered: the transition will be seamless.

Feedly Clients

- [Feedly for iOS](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/feedly-your-google-reader/id396069556?mt=8)
- [Feedly for Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devhd.feedly&hl=en)
- [Feedly for Chrome](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/feedly-plus/ndhinffkekpekljifjkkkkkhopnjodja)
- [Feedly for Firefox](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/downloads/latest/8538/addon-8538-latest.xpi?src=feedly-migration)