Google Reader redesign got you down? RSS Alternatives to Consider

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Google this week released a new design of Google Reader in an attempt to better integrate Google+ features with its existing platforms. This new version makes it easier for users to +1 content with a simple click (replacing the “Like” button) and offers and option to share it with your circles on Google+. They also turned off the sharing features – friending, following, share items and comments – so users are, by default, only able to use Google+ to share interesting content with their networks (note that users do still have access to any old items they starred in the past).

Many longtime Google Reader users (like myself) are finding it difficult to come to terms with these new changes. In fact, Mashable’s Pete Cashmore agrees, posting to Google+ today: “Just got the new Google Reader and not feeling it! Looks like my Gmail – which makes reading news feel like a chore rather than fun.”

As much as I’ve enjoyed exploring the features on Google+, I preferred this to be on my own terms and don’t like having my hand forced by the brand. And while I haven’t given up on Google Reader quite yet, if you too are questioning the changes, there’s still a handful of equally as handy RSS readers out there:

• Netvibes – An easy-to-use personalized dashboard publishing platform that allows users to monitor not only RSS feeds, but Twitter handles, news and blog searches through its custom widget options. Users can build custom dashboards to monitor brands or simply to keep up on interests and news. It also syncs right to a user’s mobile devices – iPad, iPhone or other mobile smart phone.
• Feedly – This content reader allows users to sync up with their Google Reader to access any of their existing RSS subscriptions in an attractive magazine-like format. Bonus: Feedly also has a great, eye-catching mobile app that makes reading your industry news feel like a glamorous experience.

• FeedSquares – A plugin for your Google Chrome browser that pulls together all of your feeds from Google Reader and displays them in a fun and creative way, while at the same time encouraging sharing features through Google+, Twitter and Facebook.



 

• Bloglines – Almost a combination between Google Reader and Netvibes, Bloglines is an easy-to-use service to track your favorite websites and blogs in real-time. As with Netvibes, users and customize their dashboards with multiple view options.

Google actually acknowledged that its recent changes might not be for everyone – and that’s why they’ve made it easy to export your subscriptions for easy transfer between RSS readers if you decide to take that route.

What do you think of Google’s recent design changes? Are you planning to make a switch?