14 DAY TRIAL // It’s always hard to find just the right RSS reader for your specific needs, but we may have found the one that suits the general public, as far as the iPhone userbase is concerned. Free RSS Reader, by Simon Oualid, is an application that does just what its name implies, without flashing annoying ads. It offers a simple way to add and manage feeds (including RSS 1.0/2.0, ATOM and RDF), and features caching support for offline reading.
There are several RSS readers in the App Store, most of which offer a free and a paid version to choose from. For these apps, the free version is generally ad-supported, or leaves aside key features that otherwise make the application worthwhile. Not Simon Oualid’s Free RSS Reader. It has everything you need, even in the free version, and works exactly as you would expect it to.
As you first launch the app, you are greeted by an empty screen where your feeds will be placed. So, what you do is hit the + button and start adding your news sources, either by the actual feed URL, or by entering the website’s address, so you can browse for specific feeds. When Free RSS Reader finds a feed, it immediately allows you to add it to your list. Repeat the process as many times as you like, and add as many sources as you need. You can also import an OPML file from your desktop reader application. The app will need to connect via WiFi for this function, while the free version can only add three sources from one OPML file this way.
The actual reading part is even more pleasant. As you pick an article, the app instantly loads it for you and allows you to read it by swiping your finger up and down on the screen. It’s extremely responsive and you can use gestures to adjust the size of the text and images as you’re reading the article. There are also options to view a piece in its original format (“view website button”), or to continue your reading in Safari. Two arrows pointing upwards and downwards sit at the top-right side of the screen for quick skimming through the entire list of articles from one source, complete with preview.
Softpedia believes Free RSS Reader is a must-download for any iPhone / iPod touch owner keen on staying up-to-date with the latest headlines. In addition to the above-mentioned features, the paid version allows its user to import as many feeds as they wish via the OPML import feature, as well as several other functions. However, the free version seems to be hitting all the right spots for a decent RSS mobile experience. We encourage you to download the application right now and check it out for yourselves.
Last updated on August 3, 2009, Free RSS Reader is currently at version 0.9.4, weighs in at 0.5 MB, and is iPhone OS 3.0-tested. It is compatible with all iPhone and iPod touch models.
Review Information:
- Application: Free RSS Reader; - Developer: Simon Oualid; - Version reviewed: 0.9.4 (iPhone OS 3.0 Tested); - Review device: first-generation iPhone (8GB) running iPhone OS 3.1.3.