Google Reader's 'infuriating' redesign

After the search king unveils a sparse new look for its popular RSS tool, formerly loyal users are readying their pitchforks

The new Google Reader
(Image credit: GoogleReader.blogspot)

A redesign of Google's popular RSS tool, Google Reader, is "infuriating" users. RSS, which stands for "Really simple syndication," allows readers to automatically receive the latest posts from their favorite blogs and websites all in one place: In this case, a website called Google Reader. But Google has opted to dramatically revamp Reader's look and its drastically changed sharing function now employs Google+ tools in an effort to integrate Reader with Google's new social network. Is the redesign really so bad?

Yep. It's awful: Total "disaster," says former Google project manager Brian Shih at his blog. Clearly, Google wants Reader to look more like Gmail and Documents. "But it's as if whoever made the update did so without ever actually using the product to, you know, read something." The giant header leaves little room for content. Then there's the "unbelievably stark" white-and-gray color palette that makes reading a "desolate experience." They've "crippled [Reader] under the guise of improvements."

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