RSS Subscription Extension

Pros

• Seamlessly integrates with popular RSS readers like Feedly, NewsBlur, and The Old Reader.
• Enables easy and quick RSS feed subscription through the browser address bar.
• Options for customization and addition of new RSS readers.

Cons

• Technical know-how required to add non-default RSS services.
• Occasional glitches when interacting with certain RSS readers, especially Feedly.
• Lacks a convenient method for switching between default readers.

Easily Manage RSS Feeds with RSS Subscription Extension

RSS Subscription Extension is a useful Chrome extension designed for those who follow numerous blogs, news sites, and other online publications via RSS feeds. This extension is particularly helpful for users who miss the days of Google Reader, as it mimics the simplicity and convenience that was lost when Google discontinued its native RSS reader. The extension positions itself as a handy tool for users to maintain their content consumption habits with minimal disruption.

Integration with Popular RSS Readers

The extension's primary allure lies in its ability to integrate with several modern RSS readers such as Feedly, NewsBlur, and The Old Reader. This means that users who are patrons of these services can effortlessly add new feeds directly from the Chrome browser.

Customization and Compatibility

One of the strong suits of RSS Subscription Extension is that it grants users the liberty to customize which RSS service to use for specific feeds or to designate a default service for all new feeds. For the tech-savvy, there is an option to add additional RSS services by inputting the correct URL parameters, though this might pose a challenge for someone unfamiliar with such technical details.

User Interface and Experience

The interface of the extension is quite straightforward. An RSS icon will conveniently appear in the browser's address bar when an RSS feed is detected on the webpage, offering users a one-click subscription process. If a primary RSS reader is set within the extension's options, clicking the icon adds the feed directly to that reader. Without a primary reader, users are presented with a selection banner to choose where to add the feed, which can be less efficient than having a primary default.

However, the process for changing the default reader is not as user-friendly as it could be. Instead of a simple switch mechanism, users must navigate to the Chrome extensions menu, which is a bit cumbersome and detracts from the overall ease of use.

Reliability and Performance

While the extension aims to streamline the process of managing RSS subscriptions, it isn't without its flaws. Users have reported occasional glitches, especially when adding feeds to Feedly, leading to a less than seamless experience. On the brighter side, connectivity with The Old Reader and NewsBlur appears to be stable, offering a more reliable service.

Moreover, the extension includes a 'reset list' feature, which can remedy some issues by wiping clean the list of added readers and reinstating the original set of services. While this feature can be a lifeline in certain situations, its need underscores some of the instability issues plaguing the extension.

Conclusion

For those looking to recapture the essence of Google's old RSS Subscription Extension, this independently developed variant does a commendable job. While not perfect, particularly in its interaction with Feedly, it markedly enhances the RSS subscription process for users of supported readers.

Pros

• Seamlessly integrates with popular RSS readers like Feedly, NewsBlur, and The Old Reader.
• Enables easy and quick RSS feed subscription through the browser address bar.
• Options for customization and addition of new RSS readers.

Cons

• Technical know-how required to add non-default RSS services.
• Occasional glitches when interacting with certain RSS readers, especially Feedly.
• Lacks a convenient method for switching between default readers.