15 May
Posted by B Martin as Google, Technology

Google is finally introducing a desktop app for their popular Google Reader. ReadAir has a "Mac-ish" UI and the same basic layout as you'll see at Google Reader online. I've been using Google Reader for at least a couple of years now and, in my opinion it's the best. The reason I think this is because of it's "same state available anywhere" capability. I can view online, then view on my mobile and the read/unread or starred items are there. I don't have to do anything to see the exact same information, regardless of where I'm accessing it.
Now their introducing a desktop client. I like this idea because most of my work day is in my browser, and honestly I forget to check my reader a lot of the time. Having the app in my system toolbar is a visual reminder to check it. Of course, having this visual queue could be a productivity deterrent.
It's using the new Adobe Air engine, which itself it very nice. ReadAir is available for Windows, Mac or Linux.
Missing at this time is the keyboard shortcuts, which is another thing that makes Google Reader my favorite RSS client. According to their Todo list this is in the plans, along with some other things.
Below are the listed features already present and also the ones that are planned.
Features
* Mac themed scrollbars and form elements
* Full synchronization with Google Reader Account
* Add/Remove/Manage tags
* Subscribe/Unsubscribe from feeds
* Search your feeds
* User preferences
* Resizable viewing pane
* Auto software update
* Auto login
To do
* Continuation (Allow users to view more than 20 items per feed)
* Offline mode
* Keyboard shortcuts
* Windows XP/Vista and custom themes
* Unread count in Mac doc icon
Read more at the Google Code site.
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