Download.it search icon

Access customized written content online without hassle via Android through this excellent Google Reader substitute

Access customized written content online without hassle via Android through this excellent Google Reader substitute

Vote: (8 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Bloglovin

Version: 3.15.2

Works under: Android

Vote:

Program license

(8 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Bloglovin

3.15.2

Works under:

Android

Pros

  • Well-designed app
  • Access to numerous blogs
  • Ease of use

Cons

  • Lack of search feature within existing feeds
  • Inability to manage folders
  • Windows-like interface

Emerging as a key player following the discontinuation of Google Reader, Bloglovin' is a refined, well-balanced player in this arena, and its Android app undoubtedly merits attention.

A Plethora of Blogs to Keep Track Of

The Android application of Bloglovin' is bifurcated into the Browse and Following categories, refering to blogs that pique your interest, and those that you are already subscribed to, respectively.

In the Browse section, Bloglovin' provides access to all your unread entries, as well as popular posts and blogs that have garnered significant attention. Users can filter these posts and blogs based on subject matter or geographical origin, making it a convenient tool to discover fresh content and captivating reads.

The Following section is where users can find all the blogs they are already subscribed to. These are organized alphabetically with an icon displaying the number of unread entries. Some basic modifications are permitted here, such as deleting blogs or marking all entries from a particular blog as read. Further, individual posts can be favorited or shared.

However, if you have a limited number of subscribed blogs or use the web edition of Bloglovin' frequently, this arrangement might be adequate. Conversely, the inability to manage folders or utilize more specific criteria for marking blogs as read implies that this application is unlikely to replace the web version.

Furthermore, the search function, widely requested by users, only allows for the search of new blogs without the option to look within existing feeds.

Locating Features

While Bloglovin' is well-conceived and user-friendly, accessing additional features such as liking a post or visiting a blog, is done via the menus in the upper-right corner, which can be quite hard to find for some.

Comparison with the iPhone Version

Examining the Android version of Bloglovin' against its iPhone counterpart may have been misplaced. While the app functions flawlessly, its appearance falls short. The interface appears bulky, and the menus seem second-rate. This doesn't affect Bloglovin's functionality, but is disappointing, particularly for users familiar with the iPhone version.

Greater Control Required

Despite its appeal, Bloglovin' has noticeable deficits that are difficult to ignore. The lack of feed search is an instant deal-breaker for many, whilst the grouping of all your feeds, minus folders or categorizations, leads to a chaotic user experience, especially for those juggling multiple feeds.

Concisely, Bloglovin' is a fine app, but it doesn't provide the control that heavy blog readers, or even just avid users, require. Possessing more classification criteria and a polished interface would raise the rating to a strong nine.

Pros

  • Well-designed app
  • Access to numerous blogs
  • Ease of use

Cons

  • Lack of search feature within existing feeds
  • Inability to manage folders
  • Windows-like interface