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RSS

There are always providers looking to capitalise on a single party's choice on withdrawing a popular service. It's known across the Internet that the search giant is closing down Google Reader, the company's RSS service later this year. Competing services have taken this as a golden chance to expand business and attract those who will be surely looking for an alternative and migrate away from Google. Cue Feedly.

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We've been in touch with the developer of Feed Me, the popular RSS reader that sports integration with NewsBlur. Unfortunately, we're told the service has altered API requirements, rendering Feed Me broken and unable to synchronise. While the app is still available on the Windows Phone store, users may experience issues when attempting to use it.

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If you're slightly confused by the title, fear not as that's describing the rather odd situation RSS fans have found themselves in. Google has announced that its popular (actually, industry leading) Reader service will be closing soon. It comes as no surprise that many Windows Phone consumers have wondered what will happen to Google Reader (and general RSS) apps that are already available on the store.

It's emerging that developers are working on ways to keep services live and to provide updates to such apps to better serve consumers. This is a win-win situation, folks.

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Fuse newsreader by popular dev Rudy Huyn has finally been updated for those on Windows Phone 8. While no advanced features are taken advantage of e.g. rapid-resume or lockscreen goodies, the app now supports the doublewide Tile and 720P resolutions for devices like the HTC 8x or Samsung ATIV S.

Fuse has been one of the more popular newsreaders on Windows Phone and although its roots are borrowed from Pulse (who disappeared from our platform), it also went beyond that app to offer more unique “themes” and let’s be honest, better performance and developer support.

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Popular Windows Phone RSS reader Wonder Reader has been updated to support Windows Phone 8. The latest release includes improvements to support wide Live Tiles, WXGA and 720p resolutions, as well as voice commands. Not only that, but the app is currently on offer at $1.29 to celebrate the launch of Windows Phone 8 and Wonder Reader's second birthday.

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Feed Me is a popular RSS Reader for your Windows Phone that was recently updated to version 2.0. Feed Me can be used as a stand alone reader or as a Google Reader client.

Asides from some bug fixes, the version 2.0 update for Feed Me brings a decent set of new features to the table.

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Nextgen Reader, an RSS app for Windows Phone, has been updated to version 3.1, which introduces a number of features, bug fixes, and enhancements. The app enables users to keep up-to-date with favourite sources of information, with support for Google Reader.

The app was previously bumped to version 3.0 back in May, adding a new tutorial to get users started who may not be familiar with the app. So what's new in 3.1? The "my feeds" section has disappeared, with all feed management moved to the main screen. Smarter article viewing is available for when viewing articles with a view button present to turn the content mobile-friendly.

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The popular and positively reviewed Nextgen Reader has recently been updated to version 3.0 with a number of improvements (support for Windows Phone "Tango"). The RSS app, fully supporting Google Reader, now sports faster startup time and the recently released update squashes a number of known bugs.

A tutorial is presented to the user once launching the app for the first time. This guide walks the user through a number of features and functionality present in Nextgen Reader. As well as the tutorial, this version of Nextgen Reader also features a new subscriptions view.

What else is new in version 3?

  • Both flat list & folder level navigation support in final update. That is folders -> list of feeds -> list of articles (in collapsed view)
  • Read it later now known as Pocket
  • New tutorial at startup
  • Improved startup time and performance
  • New subscriptions view
  • Collapse/expand folders from appbar menu
  • Show all/updated sources from appbar menu
  • Support for favicons
  • Articles list with filters on top (unread, all) similar to mail app
  • New: Mark items older than a day/week as read and sync
  • Save to Readability (settings -> accounts)
  • Pin 'All Items' or 'Starred' tile to start screen
  • New live tile option (based on phone theme)
  • Customize update mode per live tile e.g. images on front
  • Post link in status update (e.g. sharing to Facebook)
  • Many more improvements and bug fixes

A pretty large update, which appears to be the norm when it comes to this app. As well as synchronising your Google Reader account, the app also recommends other feeds that are separated into different categories. You can download Nextgen reader from the Marketplace for $2.49 (£1.49), with a free trial available.

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Flud, a popular social RSS client on iOS, has been released for Windows Phone. We previously looked at Flud when it appeared at the Mobile Acceleration Week in New York back in November. With Flud you'll be able to know what your friends (fellow "Fluders") are reading, and vice-versa. This appears to be the norm with every social app now - to see exactly what your friends are up to.

The app itself is nicely designed with a clean Metro UI and features some interesting functionality, including Google Reader integration. Be sure to add "WPCentral.com" as a news source to get the latest from our feed. A quick run down of the features available in Flud:

  • Find Fluders who share your interests in news, blogs, and topics
  • Flud articles you love and share them with your followers
  • See what your followers are reading with the Activity Feed
  • Access your Reading List wherever you are, no Internet required
  • Easily add, reorder, or remove feeds
  • Connect to Google Reader, Twitter, and Facebook

You can download Flud from the Marketplace for free.

Via: GoWindowsGo; Thanks to everyone who tipped us on this.

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Sorry folks, the contest is now closed!

Here at WPCentral, we're pretty big fans of Nextgen Reader which is billed as "the fastest Google Reader client around" (we tend to agree). That's why we're excited to team up with the developer, NextGsoft, to give it away to all of you for $0 for the next 36 hours.

That's right, normally this highly rated app fetches for a $1.99, but for the next day and a half you can get it for nothing at all. The app hit v2.0 back in September with Mango support (see our video review) and since then it has received numerous updates, including version 2.4 which just went live in the Marketplace today. That version brings a bunch of new features and fixes to the table:

  • Live tiles now support images.
  • New manage sources hub with search, add, rename and delete feeds/folder.
  • Improved scrolling in article view.
  • Pin tiles easily to start screen from manage sources hub.
  • Added change password/account option.
  • Improved sharing page.
  • Bug fix: save post title in read it later.
  • Bug fix: support for Japanese font.
  • Bug fix: better support for multiple YouTube videos in article.
  • Many other improvements and bug fixes.

So how do you get the app for not a single penny? You just have to do the following steps to get an unlock code:

  1. reTweet this story and/or follow Nextgen Reader on Twitter (or both!)
  2. OR do the "Like" thing on Facebook
  3. THEN Fill out this form for your registration key and you're good to go (the key will be emailed to you within the week which will unlock the Trial)

From WPCentral and NextGsoft, enjoy your free Google RSS client! Grab the trial of Nextgen Reader version 2.4 here in the Marketplace and read more at the Nextgen Reader site for details on the update.

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Pulse app updated to v1.1, gets less laggy

The popular (and free) Pulse RSS news app just got a bump this morning to version 1.1 adding some background-updating and some Mango fast-app switching. It's also substantially less laggy now, no doubt due to the Magno-recompile.

Unfortunately, not too many other features were added as far as we can tell--still no Google Reader integration, nor ability to add custom feeds (just search). Nor are there any Live Tiles, so in that sense, the alternate Fuse app is still significantly out pacing it and may be a good choice for those who need more.

Edit: Ah yes, as some folks in comments remind us, this app has always been Mango-ized and has a uncustomizable Live Tile. So what's new? Perhaps just bug fixes and generic "performance enhancments". Enjoy! We're sticking with Fuse.

For those who like free, basic but still solid, you can pick up Pulse v1.1 here in the Marketplace.

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For those of you who use Google Reader on-the-go, you probably know about NextGen Reader. If not, you'll want to definitely check out new version 2.2 which has a nice package of new features, including a very impressive improvement in data delivery (always a huge addition to any update).

If you recall, version 2.x went Mango, giving some Live Tiles and custom feeds for your Start screen. Now in v2.2 the developer has gone even further:

  • Fixed live tile issues.
  • Faster sync. (changes synced immediately)
  • Huge bandwidth savings. (up to 6-10x times)
  • Google Reader service does not supports like and share in reader feature anymore.
  • Option to sort articles by oldest first.
  • Mark above as read. (tap and hold on 51st item to mark above 50 items as read)
  • Hap-tic feedback. (vibrate when download completes, or star icon tapped)
  • Display name of the folder when inside a category instead of "All Items".
  • Support for awesome readability mobilizer.
  • Lock orientation option now works in mobilizer page as well.
  • Live tile doesn't display '999' if you've more than 1000 unread items.
  • several bug fixes and improvements.

If you haven't seen our earlier hands on with v2, check out the video after the break. We're big fans of a dedicated, Metro-inspired Google Reader app and this fits the bill perfectly. You can pick up NextGen Reader here for $1.99 in the Marketplace and yes, there's an ad-free trial too.

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Weave (see review) is a superb looking news reader app for Windows Phone. The built-in categories contain top sites and resources, with users being able to add more to any category. Articles can be shared with friends via social networking and email. Weave has recently been updated to 3.5, which brings YouTube, mp4, and podcast support.

If you're not aware of Weave, some app highlights:

  • 33 pre-loaded categories including world, financial, deals, fashion, video games, technology, and sports news just to name a few!
  • Add new categories at any time 
  • Over 180 pre-loaded, high-quality news sources including CNN, Wall Street Journal, ESPN, Engadget, USA Today, NY Times, IGN, Entertainment Weekly, and many more!
  • Feed search – you can search for new feeds by topic or website name
  • Easily manage your feeds and categories via the settings screen
  • Preview articles with a touch of a finger
  • View full articles at your leisure
  • Share articles with your friends, via email
  • Post an article to your Facebook wall
  • Tweet an article to your Twitter followers
  • Send an article to Instapaper

You can download Weave from the Marketplace for free (ad supported) with a paid version available.

Via: @SelesGames

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Fuse news reader finally goes Mango with v1.3

For those of you using Fuse, the great looking news reader from Rudy Huyn, you'll want to check our v1.3 as it just went live in the Marketplace. The new update finally brings those much needed Mango features, joining our growing list. New additions include:

  • Fast app resume
  • Multiple live tiles (you can pin feeds or groups)
  • Background agent to update live tiles
  • A choice between 5 types of live tiles (seen below)

All in all it's performing great for us and looks to be a solid update to an already fantastic app. Pick it up here in the Marketplace for $1.29 with a free trial. And check our our early sneak peek video of Fuse in action.

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As far as RSS readers go, Pulse set the standard a few years ago by releasing their award-winning app for the iPad. Since then, the app has gone to the iPhone and Android as well, bringing it's unique and stunning UI along the way.

Today, Pulse has announced that they have developed a version of their news aggregating application for Windows Phone.  The Pulse app lets readers track their favorite news sites by displaying them in a mosaic that updates as content changes.  The WP7 will take this even further, utilizing live tiles, to bring new content to your home screen.  Users can list up to 20 sites from Pulse's 200+ content partners, as well as other sites of their choosing. Of note, this is just the first step in bringing Pulse to Windows Phone, so users should expect more features and a richer client with future updates.

Pulse also allows makes for easy sharing, via Twitter, Facebook and email buttons.  Content can also be texted to users' contacts.

Pulse has been submitted for certification to the Marketplace and it is expected to be available any day now.  We do know that Pulse will be a free app and once a Marketplace link becomes available, we'll update the post.  In the meantime, check out a video demonstration after the break. 

Update: Pulse is now available. Grab it here in the Marketplace. (Thanks, Mike P., for the heads up!)

Source: Pulse

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Weave v3.1 for Mango lands in the Marketplace

Just a few weeks ago, Weave, the super slick RSS news reader, received a major UI overhaul which we gave high marks due to its exceptional elegance. Now, v3.1 is available in the Marketplace (paid version) and it's all Mango outfitted for your pleasure.

For Mango features, you have your fast app switching/resume, which allows multitasking to finally be enabled. On top of that, the app is smoother for scrolling and quite zippy to use.

If you haven't tried Weave yet, you really should. One of the its best features are the 33 preloaded categories e.g. politics, technology, Windows Phone, etc. with each category featuring some of the best blogs and news sources around. In turn, you don't have to sit and think about which RSS feeds you should subscribe too (though of course you can manage those and even add new ones). There's a free version (currently non-Mango) and the paid version (with trial) which fetches for $2.99. Grab the Mango v3.1 here in the Marketplace.

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Fans of NextGen Reader will be excited to know that the developer has completed v2.0 of the app, which will see it become Mango-fied, adding all sorts of neat new features sure to make this app even better. For those unfamiliar, NextGen is billed as one of "the fastest Google Reader clients" for Windows Phone. Indeed, due to its minimalist Metro design it's not only fast but is packed full of features.

We were able to play around with an early release of the app and have come away quite impressed. In addition to the Mango v2.0 update, there will be one more for NoDo users (v1.17) and he's already started on v2.1 for Mango. Check out the video above for our quick hands on and look for the final release to hit the Marketplace soon (we'll announce it). As to all the new Mango features in v2.x, here you go:

  • Support for Live Tiles.
  • Pin your favorite feeds or folder to your home screen.
  • Displays unread count and latest article on the back side.
  • New settings page with metro design.
  • Share status using phone or app accounts.
  • add your second twitter account in app.
  • Support for multitasking or fast application switching.
  • System tray is now visible at top.
  • Context menu's are back - just tap and hold.
  • New "system default" theme option.
  • New icons for read or unread button in article view.
  • Many more enhancements and over 15 bug fixes

For those who want to try v1.16 now for NoDo, grab it here in the Marketplace.

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There are plenty of RSS readers on Windows Phone, but few look as good or unique as Rudy Huyn's (TVShow) latest.

Fuse is nothing short of breath-taking. The app comes with three themes: ribbon, ipsum and square and the toughest decision you'll have to make is which to use, since they all look so good. The app also supports Google Reader, Instapaper, Read it later, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and has the ability to generate unique QR codes to share an article with others.

We like the ability to search for RSS feeds instead of entering the address manually, the super smooth and eye-popping graphics, tutorial and just over all ease of use. The app will be released in a few days to the Marketplace at which point we'll post our full review. But right now, we're leaning towards calling this one of the nicest, smoothest apps we have seen yet on Windows Phone. A real gem.

Update: Price will be $1.29 on release. Visit the website for the app for more information: http://feelmygeek.com/fuse/

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There are a few "must have" apps for Windows Phone and we think Weave is one of 'em (see early review). So it's exciting to see it hit the big version 3.0 after some extensive beta testing, which we were lucky to see first hand. The free version (ad-supported) is now available for your usage and the paid, no-ad version is coming later this week (selectable backgrounds held it up, but hey...as SelesGames says, you get selectable backgrounds). The new animations, design and features make this app even better, so we so no reason why if you haven't already, you shouldn't give it a spin.

Features include:

  • 33 pre-loaded categories including world, financial, deals, fashion, video games, technology, and sports news just to name a few!
  • Add new categories at any time
  • Over 180 pre-loaded, high-quality news sources including CNN, Wall Street Journal, ESPN, Engadget, USA Today, NY Times, IGN, Entertainment Weekly, and many more!
  • Feed search – you can search for new feeds by topic or website name
  • Easily manage your feeds and categories via the settings screen
  • Preview articles with a touch of a finger
  • View full articles at your leisure
  • Share articles with your friends, via email!
  • Post an article to your Facebook wall!
  • Tweet an article to your Twitter followers!
  • Send an article to Instapaper!

Personally, we're waiting for the paid version because it rocks pretty hard. But for only the occasional news reader out there, this free edition is solid as can be. Grab it here in the Marketplace, let us know in comments your thoughts on their redesign.

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Review: SBSH GoNews Touch

One of the things that I like about technology is that it is often the simplest solution to the simplest of problems that affect our lives the most. A perfect example of this is RSS feeds. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a method of delivering or receiving a series of articles in a central location. For example, I read an odd assortment of computer, gadget and sports news every day. Instead of visiting each site multiple times throughout the day, I can make use of the provided RSS feeds and a feed aggregator (I personally use Google Reader) to read all of the news in a central location.

Because of its simplicity, RSS works extremely well with mobile devices. A quick search on this site will return reviews of several RSS readers that offer differing features for various prices (this is one reason why we love Windows Mobile as a platform). One product that has caught my attention recently is GoNews Touch by SBSH.

 

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