Google Reader gets Google Plus integration

Google Reader, the search giant's Web-based news aggregator, will finally be getting a long-overdue facelift —and integration with Google's upcoming social network, Google+. Software engineer Alan Green said this is in response to many requests from users, adding the changes are expected to roll out in the coming week. "First, we’re going to introduce a brand new design (like many of Google’s other products) that we hope you love. Second, we’re going to bring Reader and Google+ closer together, so you can share the best of your feeds with just the right circles," he said in a blog post. Green also said they are cleaning up some things in Reader, noting many of its social features will soon be available via Google+. He said Google plans to "retire" features in Reader like friending, following and shared link blogs inside of Reader. Also, Green said users can sign up for Google+ right now to start prepping Reader-specific circles. On the other hand, he said Google will extend Reader’s subscription export feature for those who no longer want to use Reader. "Your data belongs to you, after all, and we want to make sure you can take it with you," he said. He said the items they can export include:

• shared items
• friends
• likes
• starred items

"Like always, the new Google Reader will be a great place to read and share your feeds. And in addition to Google+, you’ll still be able to share to almost any service using Send To. We’re looking forward to launching the new features very soon," Green said. A separate article on tech site CNET said Google Reader has been one of the most ignored, not having had a major upgrade in years. "There are just links, text, and widgets everywhere, formatted into random frames that resemble leftovers from the Internet five to six years ago. Considering that most of the rest of the Google Apps suite (that is, Calendar, Docs, and soon Gmail, etc.) have all gotten new designs in the last few months, Google Reader must be asking where has its facelift been for years," it said (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-20123342-93/google-reader-taps-into-google/). — TJD, GMA News