Google Reader is a great way to keep up with your favorite news sources, but it can be difficult to access them on your desktop. If you’re not using Google’s own Chrome browser, you can try using the Mozilla Firefox extension or the Microsoft Edge browser. either of which will allow you to access your Google Reader news feed on your desktop.
Installation
There will be three windows to sort through during the installation process. The first one will show some basic information about ReadAir…click “Install” to get things started.
The second window provides a description of the program, asks if you would like a “Desktop Shortcut”, gives you the option to have ReadAir start up immediately after installation, and lets you change the installation location if you desire.
The final window will display the progress of the installation.
Once installation has finished you will be asked if you would like to log in or not. Click “OK”.
Once you have clicked “OK”, you will see the login window. Enter your account details in and you are ready to go. You also have the option of having your login details saved…
ReadAir in Action
This is what ReadAir looks like after loading an RSS feed. It has a nice clean interface and the panes are easy to adjust.
Right Click Menu & Options
Here is the “Right Click Menu” for the “System Tray Icon”. If you want to access the options for ReadAir, then you will need to do it from here.
In the “General Area” you can choose to have ReadAir check for updates on startup and set the timing for refreshing your RSS feeds.
Choose the theme that you would like to use (MacOS or Windows) and enable/disable remembering window position in the “Appearance Area”. The “Account Area” is the same as the original login area shown above.
Conclusion
ReadAir provides an easy way to access your Google Reader RSS feeds on your desktop. It focuses on getting your feeds to you when you want it. This is a project still in development and can be downloaded from Google Code. You won’t have the extra social aspects like sharing and commenting on articles, but it is a great way to quickly read over your feeds from your desktop.
Links
Download ReadAir (version 0.31)
Download Adobe AIR
