Back in March, Google announced it was retiring Reader and seven other applications. According to Google, the service, which launched in 2005, had a loyal but declining user base, prompting its decision to terminate it.
If you're a Google Reader user, you have until the end of June before the service closes its doors.
If you're worried about using your list of subscriptions, there is a quick and easy solution: Users and developers interested in RSS alternatives can export their data, including subscriptions, using Google Takeout.
Google Takeout is a service that allows you to download a copy of your data stored within Google products, including Google Reader. Here are step-by-step instructions for exporting your information.
How to Export Your Google Reader Subscriptions
To export your Google Reader subscriptions, visit www.google.com/takeout and log into your account. Next to the "Takeout" header are three options; click the second one, "Choose services."
Find "Reader" from the list and select it, then click "Create Archive." When the zip file has finished loading, click "Download" and reenter your account password to open it.
Be sure to save this file if you plan on uploading it to another RSS service. Google reminds you to research the data export policies of the service you plan to use because you may import your data into a one that doesn't let it out.
Kristin Burnham covers consumer technology, social networking and social business for CIO.com. Follow Kristin on Twitter @kmburnham. Follow everything from CIO.com on Twitter @CIOonline and on Facebook. Email Kristin at kburnham@cio.com
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