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Tech & VC 17 Aug 2006 02:05 pm

An aggregator that accepts OPML feeds on every load (not files)?

Does anyone else consistently use multiple aggregators? Here’s my mix:

  • Firefox Live Bookmarks: I use this for Digg Headlines, my del.icio.us bookmarks, and mainstream news sources like NYTimes.
  • Bloglines: It’s a master list of all my feeds (my official OPML), but when I open it I generally read blogs (instead of traditional news sources with RSS feeds). I like that, unlike with Firefox Live Bookmarks, I can read my feeds from any computer. I know there are sleeker internet-enabled alternatives available, but I have adapted to the clumsy interface to the point that any other “better” aggregator would also be “different,” which is inherently “worse.”
  • Google Reader: I dumped my OPML in Google Reader to try it out awhile ago, and I never returned to the Google Reader site, but I still use it all the time through the Google Reader widget on my customized homepage. It’s great for a bit-sized snack of news. The interface is snappy, and posts gets plenty of real-estate without opening in a new window… great stuff.

I’m certain in a week or two I will add another bullet point to the list as I pick up a Blackberry (speaking of which, does anyone have a recommendation for a feed aggregator on a Blackberry)?

Anyway, the purpose of this post is the question in the title. I like using multiple aggregators because each serve their own purpose, but I hate how my OPMLs on each aggregator get out of sync. Are there aggregators out there that will accept an OPML feed from Bloglines and display to me the feeds listed in the OPML feed? Can this feature be added to Bloglines and Google Reader, pretty please? Just to be clear, I’m not talking about importing an OPML one-time… I want real-time updates. As soon as my OPML feed changes, all my aggregators should reflect that change automatically. While I was interviewing at Google a few months ago I made a number of feature requests, and this was one of them. I wonder if my request ever made it on to some PMs list somewhere?

Comments (5)

5 Responses to “An aggregator that accepts OPML feeds on every load (not files)?”

  1. on 18 Aug 2006 at 4:40 am 1.Sean Ammirati said …

    NewsGator is great in that there is one back-end system for all of their RSS readers. I personally use the NewsGator Online & Mobile together. It works great.

    Unfortunately, I think NewsGator Mobile is currently just for Windows CE (but you should get a Q anyway.) I’m sure they’ll release other versions.

  2. on 18 Aug 2006 at 5:31 am 2.Prashanth Rai said …

    I aagree with Sean, Newsgator seems to have this covered , not only is the OPML sycronised, so are the read/unread post details. I have been using FeedDemon and the web based reader(can do with some speed) – its been a good experience.

    FeedDemon is a great product.

  3. on 18 Aug 2006 at 8:40 am 3.me said …

    I’ll give NewsGator a shot. Why do you recommend the Q? Does it use some kind of push technology to sync, like goodlink or blackberry? That’s a must-have feature for me.

  4. on 18 Aug 2006 at 5:05 pm 4.Nick Baum said …

    Hi,

    Google Reader has a mobile UI as well, and it works very nicely on a blackberry (I use it myself):

    http://googlereader.blogspot.com/2006/05/you-can-now-use-google-reader-from.html

    The Reader team is continuously working on enabling easy access to your feeds wherever you are.

    Cheers,

    -Nick Baum
    Product Manager for Google Reader

  5. on 18 Aug 2006 at 5:23 pm 5.Andrew Parker said …

    Thanks Nick. If I can manage to ween myself off of Bloglines and break my bad, old habits then a combo of Full Reader and Mobile Reader would be a workable solution. So, can you answer the question at the end of my post? ;) I’m guessing the answer is “No” based on your response.