Google shuts down Google Reader as part of its 'spring cleaning'

source: gmanetwork.com
 
Google announced Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time) that it is shutting down its popular RSS reader Google Reader, among other web programs, as part of its "spring cleaning."

"We're living in a new kind of computing environment. Everyone has a deice, sometimes multiple devices….To make the most of these opportunities, we need to focus - otherwise we spread ourselves too thin and lack impact," the tech giant said on its official blog.

"We launched Google Reader in 2005 in an effort to make it easy for people to discover and keep tabs on their favorite websites. While the product has a loyal following, over the years usage has declined. So on, July 1, 2013, we will retire Google Reader."

Fans of Google Reader though will be able to export their data via Google Takeout, in order to ease the switch to other RSS readers.

Other programs that will get the axe include Google Building Maker, Google Cloud Connect, and the Google Voice app for Blackberry.

source: gmanetwork.com