Google Reader Play makes RSS iPad-friendly
updated 05:30 pm EST, Thu March 11, 2010
Google Reader gets tablet-oriented version
Google late Wednesday rolled out an alternate take on Google Reader that superficially makes things simpler but is also ideally suited to tablets. Google Reader Play switches from Reader's usual plain list view to a large-buttoned media browser based on user's "recommended items" feed. The new web app shows any photos or YouTube videos in a large, central area and lets users favorite or share the content they prefer; recommendations also come from fellow users.
Play is described as an experiment and as such doesn't override the regular Reader tool. Google hasn't said if or when it expects the new format to leave the test stage.
While workable on computers, it's unofficially believed Play is being rolled out in anticipation of the iPad, whose size makes the large, icon-driven interface easy to use with fingers. YouTube videos would still have to be played outside of the browser.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2001
Meh
I thought this would be a cool thing but it turns out to be a lowest-common-denominator Daily-What sort of thing. Interesting for about three minutes if you like teh cute; definitely won't replace my RSS reader.
Although, the ready-for-iPad angle I like, even though alternate stylesheets for mobile, screen and so on might make more sense.