If you use Google Reader to keep track of blogs and news, you already understand how much time it can save. Instead of visiting individual websites, Google Reader aggregates all of the new content into one website. The Feeds application for BlackBerry synchronizes with Google Reader so you can read news on the go.
Authentication and Setup
When you launch Feeds and enter your Google Account information, it downloads and formats your feeds for display on your BlackBerry. By default, Feeds downloads 250 items at a time and checks for updates when you wake the BlackBerry from an idle state (e.g., when you unlock your device or wake it up).
When you choose Settings from the menu, you can change the Download Limit. If you choose to download more than 250 items at a time, it will take much longer for the application to load your content. You can also choose whether or not to Display Images, choose your Connection Type and Clear cache.
Interface and Use
Share Links from Feeds
CDJ StudiosFeeds is a no-frills RSS feed reading application. The interface is clean and uncluttered, but it is extremely capable and easy to use. Once you've changed your settings and Feeds downloads your content, you will see your Unread items, Starred items, and all of the Folders you have used to organize your content on Google Reader.
If you click on the Unread items, the reading list is very clean. You open items by clicking on them. Once you have an item open, you can move to the next new item by hitting the j key, move to the previous item by clicking the k key, turn on images by hitting the i key, and star items by clicking the s key. They keyboard shortcuts make navigating quick and easy.
If you want to share an item, you can choose Share Link from the menu, and you can share via Email, PIN, or Copy Link. Unfortunately you cannot send items directly to Facebook or Twitter right now.
Pros
- Application is quick and easy to use
- All future updates will be free
- Only $2.99 in the app store
- New and interesting features are coming, like Instapaper and Read It Later
Cons
- Updates can take a long time, and happen every time you wake the device
- Cannot post directly to Twitter and Facebook
Feeds is a good investment, because you will only have to purchase it once to be guaranteed access to all future updates. It is clean and simple, but allows you to read your news easily while on the go. This is a must have application for Google Reader addicts.