Last week Google announced that they are shutting down Google Reader on July 1, 2013. As a result, thousands of people have turned to Twitter to complain about Google’s decision. Outraged fans have put together a petition on the website Change.org, which has already received more than 100,000 signatures. Several blogs are promoting Google Reader replacements, and one frequently mentioned Google Reader replacement is Feedly. 

Several months ago, I transitioned from Google Reader to Feedly. I made this decision  for the following five reasons, and I am happy that I did.

1. It is available on multiple platforms. I normally use Feedly on my iPhone, but it is also available on several other platforms. Current platform choices include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Android, and iOS
2. It integrates with Buffer. I use Feedly to find and organize content from the web, and then use Buffer to share it with my social media accounts. It is simple and easy to add a Feedly article to my Buffer queue.
3. It integrates with Pocket. I use Pocket (formerly ReadLater) to store web content that I want to read later. With Feedly, all I do is click the Pocket icon and the content is seamlessly stored in my Pocket account.
4. It is easy to use. The iOS app is simple and easy to use. It actually makes reading content on the iPhone enjoyable. It works a lot like Flipboard, but adds functionality for social sharing.
5. It is free. I use Feedly for both my iPhone and for Chrome. I find them both to be great applications that are a joy to use. Frankly, I am surprised to find someone offering an application that this highly rated for free.

Feedly is a simple, smart and fast application that you can use almost anywhere. You will find it to be a joy to use. Give it a try today and let me know what you think!