Current is a new RSS reader that’s more like a river than an inbox

Current is a new RSS reader app designed to provide a less stressful news consumption experience by structuring feeds like a river instead of a traditional inbox, allowing users to effortlessly scroll through content that ages and fades away. Unlike conventional RSS readers, Current eliminates unread counts and anxiety associated with incomplete tasks, making it more approachable for casual users.

Key Points

• Current is developed by Terry Godier to transform how RSS feeds are consumed.
• Godier felt the guilt associated with unread counts in traditional readers, equating it to social debt seen in email.
• Current presents news items in a river format, where content ages, fades, and becomes less prominent over time depending on type.
• Users interact with content by swiping or tapping, without needing to mark items as read.
• Features include fetching full articles, muting sources, and following individual writers, aiming to provide a personalized reading experience.

Relevance

• RSS gained popularity in the early 2000s but declined with the rise of social media platforms like Twitter.
• Google Reader's shutdown in 2013 marked a significant drop for RSS reader usage, yet the format remains widely used today.
• Current's approach aligns with the trend towards personalization in tech, which is expected to continue through 2025, aimed at enhancing user experiences with curated content.

Current represents a fresh perspective on RSS reading, promoting a more relaxed and enjoyable method for consuming news, aiming to attract both casual readers and longtime RSS enthusiasts.