Filed under: Design, Internet, Google, Web
Google Reader gets a new look
Google has rolled out a new look for its RSS reader. There's a lot more white space, and a lot less blue. But there's no way to customize the color scheme.
Probably the best part of the new design is that you can collapse different sections in your sidebar to save space. Don't care what items your friends have shared? Just select the "hide unread counts" button. Hate the fact that every time you log into your account you're greeted with a reminder that you have over 1000 unread items to catch up on? You can collapse that section too.
I happened to have Google Reader open when the changeover occurred, so I was able to grab the screenshot above showing the old new design on the left and the old Google Reader interface on the left. Honestly, found the old version familiar and comforting like a favorite blanket. But I'm sure I'll get used to the new version soon. Getting rid of that 1000+ unread item count will certainly help.
thanks Stuart!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
WL said 7:40PM on 12-04-2008
Hmmm, still no update for me yet, waiting...
Reply
Bufsabre said 7:40PM on 12-04-2008
maybe next time use the same browser for the screen shot? it looks horrible
Reply
nka said 8:30PM on 12-04-2008
Honestly, found the old version familiar and comforting like a favorite blanket
My sentiments exactly. I would like the option to revert back to the old theme. This one is too bright, and there is too much white.
Reply
conedude13 said 8:30PM on 12-04-2008
gonna take me a while to get used to this layout. where did the refresh button go?!
Reply
Nate said 10:07PM on 12-04-2008
Figures they would do this just after i installed Helvetireader :(
Reply
doron said 7:37AM on 12-05-2008
my thoughts exactly. i loved how helvetireader made it look
doron said 7:37AM on 12-05-2008
Updated:
They're working on it:
http://twitter.com/helvetireader/statuses/10389024 ...
I advise all Helvetireader users to disable the style until I can update it for the new Google Reader. You might prefer the new greader!
without1username said 7:36AM on 12-05-2008
I was wondering why the blue background never loaded and hit F5...
then realized it's the new look...
then I thought we were able to change the layout because it was too plain, then realized there's nothing...
but if you want image on your left panel, type "up" "up" "down" down" "left" "right" "left" "right" "B" A"
Reply
Dave said 7:37AM on 12-05-2008
Anybody using the Better GReader extension will have to disable it as well,or you keep getting an Error message and the whole page is pulled to the right of your screen.
Reply
AndyMcM said 7:37AM on 12-05-2008
I am with you guys, I like the functionality with the new site, but where is the blue!!! The old one just seemed more fuzzy warm. New one is very cold feeling with no color at all. Can we get themes please!!! Or at the very least keep the GUI's in sync with GMail.
Reply
neil said 1:08PM on 12-05-2008
I think the new color scheme is hideous, and all the white gives me terrific eye strain.
Reply
Dave H said 10:24PM on 12-05-2008
Their blog says they went with a "softer" palette, but, I find all the white rather stark and hard on the eyes. Plus, they've given us the ability to change colors in Gmail, and themes on the iGoogle page, so why not give us the ability to stay with a theme on Greader that was at least easier on the eyes. I personally would like green letters on a black background, but, that shows my CLI bias.
Reply