Google Discontinuing Google Reader as Part of ‘Spring Cleaning’

The Official Google Blog has announced that they will retire their Google Reader RSS platform as of July 1, 2013. Software engineer Alan Green explains, “…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.” The retirement of Reader is part of a bigger ‘spring cleaning‘ by Google that begin in 2011. In total, 70 of their features or services have been ‘cleaned out.’ They suggest using Google Takeout to export your data for use in an alternative service.

UPDATE – The Old Reader looks like it might be a good alternative. You can easily import your feeds from Google.

We’re retiring Reader on July 1. We know many of you will be sad to see it go. Thanks for 8 great years! goo.gl/7joct

— Google Reader (@googlereader) March 13, 2013