Every time I talk about AssetBar, the next generation RSS feed reader with cutting-edge social interaction features built on the back of a robust database system, which we've discussed a few times before, I get inundated with e-mails and comments from users eager to try out the product.I blew through fifty invites in the space of a few hours just last month, and we once again have the opportunity to open up the new service to early adopters.
AssetBar, as you'll recall, takes feed reading to a new level, beyond the passive, silo-like activity one sees now with Google Reader, BlogLines and other Web or desktop applications. Instead of reading alone, you get to read alongside your friends, learn whether they saw an item first and liked it (or not), post comments and hold discussions within AssetBar.
Note how in AssetBar, you can see who shared an item to whom.
You also, unlike with Google Reader, can share items directly to AssetBar, without the need for an RSS feed intermediary.
While AssetBar has been leading the pack in features, the team behind the service has taken dramatic steps forward in recent weeks, with the addition of a "river of news" interface, letting me read many items in succession, and using keyboard shortcuts to both navigate through my RSS feeds, and to mark them "worthwhile", "view now!" or "shared". This addition has moved AssetBar from the "science experiment" level to that of a real challenger to today's market share leaders.
River of News in action. See the # of items per folder on the left.
To be one of the early adopters who doesn't want to just passively read feeds, but instead, share the feed reading and discussion experience with friends, in a new way:
1) Head to www.assetbar.com
2) Enter the invite code of "2friendly", and post your OPML file.
3) Add me as a friend. My ID is "louismg".
Hope to see you there. AssetBar has some amazing potential, and we've been excited to watch it grow. Please be sure to post any comments on the site you may have here, or to their developers within the site.
Also, don't forget to check out their great write-up on some of these new features: " They Still Put Cocaine In Breakfast Cereal"
I tired AssetBar. Thanks for the invite.
ReplyDeleteIt is too complicated! I will check back from time to time.
Russell, AssetBar just posted a new walk-through of their service. Be sure to check it out.
ReplyDeletehttp://s.assetbar.com/ab-explain/index.html#section2
Man, it's going to have to get a bunch smoother before I use it. All the social features in the world won't mean anything if it's not as fast and, frankly, pleasurable as Google Reader.
ReplyDeleteGoogle's dead simple interface and best-in-class speed are what make it the best Web-based feed reader. Whatever AssetBar is doing right (and they've got some compelling features), they're going to have to get a little prettier and a little faster before I ditch GR.
I use a reader to READ. AssetBar has got to meet that need first. Then worry about the other stuff. Thanks for the invite, though. You do a great job writing about this stuff.
Seems like features for the sake of features, nothing really "new" or "useful" here. Maybe when it gets more mature.
ReplyDeleteIt really feels like a mighty good app - can't wait to experience the final product!
ReplyDelete