Google Reader Play is an iPad ready version of Google Reader, the search giant’s RSS app. The Official Google Reader Blog says Google Reader Play is for people who “aren’t interested in taking the time to get Reader set up” but it’s also ideal for viewing on a tablet like, for instance, the iPad.
Google Reader Play is nestled in Google Labs but anyone can access it. Visit and you’ll see a black screen and a row of thumbnails. Click on a thumbnail and Google Reader Play will give you a big picture and a summary of the news story, ideal for flipping through on an iPad.
Google Reader recommends items to you based on what you mark as liking or disliking but if you’re logged into your Google account, it’ll also base what you see on articles shared by Google contacts and things you’ve recommended.
If you already use Google Reader, Google Reader Play has smoothly slid its way in there. Click on the folder of a site you follow and and you’ll be given the option to view its stories in Google Reader Play.
Google Reader Play is a clever bit of innovation and reminds us of an earlier Google news experiment, Google Fast Flip. Combine Google Reader Play with a Google Buzz account with plenty of people recommending articles and sharing and you it could throw up some interesting finds.
We’ve tried Google Reader Play on an iPhone but it’s just a bit too small at the moment and doesn’t let you swipe to whizz through stories. However, come April with the iPad launch and it’ll be a different story.
Sure Google’s probably thinking of Google Reader Play as ideal for the forthcoming Google Chrome tablet onslaught but in the mean time it could become one of our favourite iPad news reading options.
Out now | £free | Google Reader Blog
