A few weeks ago Google updated Gmail to allow users to choose colorful themes for their email service. The move left some of us wondering when Google Reader was going to get a similar facelift. Apparently today is the day, but the change isn't exactly what I had expected.

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!