Google has begun rolling out a new version of Google Reader, one that sports a brand-new design and deep integration with Google+.
The new Google Reader sports a more spartan interface. It’s similar to the Google Calendar redesign and Gmail makeover the search giant launched earlier this year.
The greater change is the addition of Google+ sharing. Google has
replaced the “Like” button with the +1 button, which lets users share
content to their Google+ accounts. Reader users with a Google+ login can
choose which circles they’d like to share articles to using Google+ snippets.
The Google+ integration replaces the Google Reader social features
the company unveiled in 2009. “Integrating with Google+ also helps us
streamline Reader overall,” Google Engineer Alan Green said in a blog post. “So starting today we’ll be turning off
friending, following, shared items and comments in favor of similar
Google+ functionality.”
While Google Reader’s notes got some usage, dropping them in favor of
Google+ is the logical move for a company that is now trying to unify
all of its social efforts under one banner. The company recently killed off Buzz while adding Google+ to Maps.
What do you think of the new Google Reader? Let me know in the comments.
Via | Mashable
