Google has officially shuttered its Currents news reader app for Android, moving users to the alternative Google Play Newsstand service.
The company rolled out the latest version 2.3 update for Currents application on Wednesday, which when downloaded, redirects the users to Newsstand that welcomes them with a message –
“Google Play Newsstand is the new home for all your favorites news, magazines, blogs, and more. Newsstand updates and replaces Google Currents, which is no longer available for download or use. For existing Currents users, all your subscriptions will instantly transfer and be available for you in Newsstand. Discover a better way to enjoy all the news you love with Google Play Newsstand now.”
When the user launches the Newsstand for the first time, the Currents will feature a code that automatically disables Currents app. Google Play Store page will also remove the ‘Open’ option with just the ‘Uninstall’ option left.
Google Currents, since its launch in December 2011, has never got much traction. Built on the popularity of Google Reader that was shut down last year, Google Currents couldn’t stand up to the rivals like Flipboard. Back in November last year, Google reported that Currents and Play Magazines would be merged into new Google Play Newsstand.
Google Play Newsstand app, first launched in November last year, integrates Currents app with magazine and newspaper subscriptions and offers all content in one location. Newsstand uses mini cards to allow readers to scan headlines more quickly, translates news sources instantly, aggregates the users favorite blogs and news sites and offers free as well as paid magazine and newspaper subscriptions for the users.
According to the reports, Google has partnered with a number of renowned content publishers including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, People, Wired, Vanity Fair and Guardian, to deliver content to the readers through Newsstand.
[Source: Android Police]
