Just tried the new Google Reader UI, and I’m fairly certain now that Google doesn’t test new features before releasing them. I’m giving it a thumbs down.
(Note: Google isn’t pitching this as a replacement UI for Google Reader, just a poorly implemented alternative.)
The default view is “All items” which generates an error message that i don’t have any recommended items. Problem 1: “all items” is not supposed to show recommended items, but rather items from *MY* feeds. In the old Google Reader UI, I have 23 new items, but I can’t access these in the new UI no matter what I try. That makes it useless as a news reader.
Also, grey text on a black background does not make for a better reading experience, which should be a top priority, given the name of the product. Note to Google Reader team: please see Readability bookmarklet for ideas on how to improve reading experience.
Given that the only thing it seems to do well is display pictures and videos that I have no control over, maybe they should rename this Google TV.
