Google Releases Digital Mag Reader for Mobile

It's called Google Currents, and it allows Android and iOS readers to access their favorite virtual magazines, RSS feeds and more in one Google-themed location.

On Thursday Google launched Google Currents, a digital magazine reader similar to Flipboard, Zite and Pulse. Essentially it allows the user to subscribe to a long list of virtual magazines that can be accessed with just a swipe of a finger. It's neat, it's clean, it's easy to use and it's a great way to keep up with the latest news in one central virtual hub.

"We’ve worked with more than 150 publishing partners to offer full-length articles from more than 180 editions including CNET, AllThingsD, Forbes, Saveur, PBS, Huffington Post, Fast Company and more," Google said in a blog. "Content is optimized for smartphones and tablets, allowing you to intuitively navigate between words, pictures and video on large and small screens alike, even if you’re offline."

In addition to magazines, users can add RSS, video and photo feeds, public Google+ streams and Google Reader subscriptions they’re already following. Users can also share articles or videos with their Google+ circles, and publishers can associate their account with Google Analytics to check out the content preferences, device use and geographic distribution of those readers.

"We’re also launching a self-service platform that gives publishers the flexibility to design, brand and customize their web content," Google said. "For example, if you’re a small regional news outlet, a non-profit organization without access to a mobile development team, or a national TV network with web content, you can effortlessly create hands-on digital publications for Google Currents."

Google Currents is now available for download in Android Market and the Apple App Store for U.S.-based users. To see Google Currents in action, check out the video below: