Google Currents is hot off the press

Thursday, December 8, 2011 | 11:42 AM

We strive to give you beautiful and simple ways to experience all the content the web has to offer, such as sharing photos on Google+, watching YouTube videos and discovering books, movies and music from Android Market. Today we’re expanding our content offering with the introduction of Google Currents, a new application for Android devices, iPads and iPhones that lets you explore online magazines and other content with the swipe of a finger.

Ready for consumers
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. 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.

To get started, simply download the app and choose the publications you want to subscribe to for free. You can also add RSS, video and photo feeds, public Google+ streams and Google Reader subscriptions you’re already following. In addition to consuming your favorite media, you can also use the trending tab to discover related content that matches your tastes.

Ready for publishers
Alongside Google Currents, we’re also launching a self-service platform that gives publishers the flexibility to design, brand and customize their web content. 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. 

Great content needs a great audience, which is why Google Currents is integrated with Google+ so users can share articles or videos they’ve enjoyed with their circles. Publishers can also associate their account with Google Analytics in order to increase their awareness of consumers’ content preferences, device use and geographic distribution. 

Google Currents is now available for download in Android Market and the Apple App Store for US users. Whether you’re a reader or a publisher, we hope that Google Currents helps you easily experience the best content on the web. Try it here now and stay tuned for more to come. 

Posted by Mussie Shore, Product Manager, and Sami Shalabi, Technical Lead

Labels: Mobile Blog

130 comments:

Steve said...: America only (or at least blocked in the UK)! WHY??; December 8, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Inaki said...: Only US? What's the reason for that?; December 8, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Spindel said...: How about Windows Phone?; December 8, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Anonymous said...: What I think is that WHY is it always US Only first.? Can't Google make it available worldwide at the same time.? Can't download this app in my country (India). :/; December 8, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Unknown said...: US only again Google!!?; December 8, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Bloo said...: Why is it not available outside US??? SO UNFAIR.; December 8, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Nanne said...: No love in Netherlands either. Why announce it on twitter if it's not rolled out? Meh google, meh :(; December 8, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Unknown said...: I'd really like to use it, when will it be released to EU users?; December 8, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Unknown said...: I't probably because of the publishers and subscription models. They're probably only available in the US. I was hoping there would be more elements of social medias in it.; December 8, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Paolo Amoroso said...: US-only app, disappointing.; December 8, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Steve Boyko said...: Even Canadians get left out in the cold. :P; December 8, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Unknown said...: Great start! Would be nice if this synced with Google Reader. I use the Google Reader website and Android App, and Currents on my iPad. Having them sync would be awesome!!!; December 8, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Peter Jenkins said...: Not available in Finland ... I think I'll stick with normal web pages which work everywhere (mostly!); December 8, 2011 at 12:36 PM
Unknown said...: The US is a huge country but the rest of the world is bigger,that point gets lost with most companies. Google and Amazon being some of the biggest culprits of this.

Still I assume in a year or two if its not binned it might reach other shores; December 8, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Unknown said...: Meh, I don't really get why this isUS ONLY, most of the blogs and publishers I can see being featured have a global audience.; December 8, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Grahamu said...: Yup, US only. Always nice to watch the video, read the blog post to the end and THEN discover US only.; December 8, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Deepak Giri said...: US only :-|

or

us ONLY :-\; December 8, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Pedro said...: Ugh, the UX on Android is awful. Looks like an iOS port and doesn't feel native at all! What the heck, Google?; December 8, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Connecter.ca said...: When for Canada, i hope before 25 december! :); December 8, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Eube said...: Has someone told you guys that the Internet is global? and does not stop at the border of the United States, it would be nice if you release products same time worldwide. And do not worry we do not go to court if dosen't work properly, at least not in Finland, I can not guarantee England and France behalf :); December 8, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Unknown said...: Why not work for my Honey Comb ?; December 8, 2011 at 12:58 PM
bweston said...: Pedro, this looks nothing like an iOS port, nor would that make any sense for a Google app. If you read the text, it has a minor redundancy on iOS devices but not on Android ones, which should have cured you of this odd idea, if logic was not enough.; December 8, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Unknown said...: Oh come on ! US only !! This is becoming ridiculous ! So, we'll do the same as before, wait for someone to post the apk and install from an intrusted source ! Google please...; December 8, 2011 at 1:03 PM
Alvin Ashcraft said...: Can't wait until this is available on Windows Phone and/or Kindle Fire.; December 8, 2011 at 1:07 PM
Cacamaca said...: When will be available for iPhone??; December 8, 2011 at 1:14 PM
Wes said...: US only - how typical.; December 8, 2011 at 1:18 PM
Unknown said...: UTTERLY disappointing if you don't live in the US.

Please stop making everyone feel inferior to us-citizens.; December 8, 2011 at 1:18 PM
Unknown said...: For completeness: Here's a link to the APK: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=20115974#post20115974; December 8, 2011 at 1:20 PM
ulfsve said...: When will Google Currents come to Sweden?; December 8, 2011 at 1:20 PM
Unknown said...: No Google+ sharing? Only a +1? I'm shaking my head as I ask these questions.; December 8, 2011 at 1:20 PM
Niklas Lord said...: Use Market Enabler.; December 8, 2011 at 1:21 PM
KB Hayes said...: Flipboard is much nicer, and works outside the US.; December 8, 2011 at 1:21 PM
BB-Mobile said...: US only? - but of course.
They want to beta-test for an inferior market first ;); December 8, 2011 at 1:21 PM
Unknown said...: Yet another USA only release? What a shame Google! If you cannot get it, don't do it.
You are becoming a pain in the neck.; December 8, 2011 at 1:23 PM
Joe Oviedo said...: More and more is unacceptable to release US ONLY VERSIONS. I know, maybe you want to test it, but come one, this things are global, they spread like fire...; December 8, 2011 at 1:23 PM
chez75 said...: Any web browser apps?; December 8, 2011 at 1:23 PM
BraedenP said...: Obviously they WOULD release it worldwide if they could. Don't blame Google; it's content distributors that have a problem with licensing their stuff across borders. Once Google has the right to distribute this content to other countries, it will jump on that opportunity.

So instead of spamming up Google's blog posts, go whine to the content providers that think the U.S. is the only nation worthy of accessing quality content.; December 8, 2011 at 1:27 PM
@_FYYSF_ (Twitter) said...: -1 (MINUS ONE!) from Amsterdam, THE NETHERLANDS! Like the US is the only country in the world.. Yeah Right! And I don't wanna hear your lame excuses.. Get your ducks in a row.; December 8, 2011 at 1:28 PM
gregory said...: maybe they could get sued in other countries for knocking off flipboard?; December 8, 2011 at 1:35 PM
Reddragon72 said...: Seems to be crashing A LOT on my Galaxy S2 from Sprint!! So far I have yet to see anything other then some pics in the first mag, as nothing else can sync due to the crash.; December 8, 2011 at 1:36 PM
Reuben said...: You even steal the look & feel of Apple's *advertising*! How do you get away with it?

Am similarly underwhelmed by yet another global product announcement that turns out to be U.S.-only *after* I've tried to play with it.; December 8, 2011 at 1:39 PM
Unknown said...: The folks at Flipboard, I'm sure, are very flattered.; December 8, 2011 at 1:42 PM
Marcin Ignac said...: LOL. Since when RSS are copyright protected outside US? Because that's all this app is using, isn't it?; December 8, 2011 at 1:47 PM
Unknown said...: Hey, Google - why the crappy link only sharing to G+?; December 8, 2011 at 1:49 PM
Unknown said...: I hadn't realised Google had aquired flipboard..

Upon 'googling' it, you haven't aquired flipboard.

This is the most blatent rip off google has done yet! I thought android was spiteful, but this? Google has astoundingly become the worst company in consumer computing. The most despicable, routinely copying more inventive companies ideas verbatim then destroying them with their stronger branding. I sincerely hope Flipboard sues you bastards and gets a hell of a lot of money, and an injunction against the distribution of this piece of crap.

Die in a fire, google. We don't need your blatant piracy.; December 8, 2011 at 1:52 PM
suryaden said...: indonesia kapan?; December 8, 2011 at 1:56 PM
José Luis Avila Herrera said...: My Motorola Xoom with android in Mexico, is waiting for this amazing APP. Can you guys tell us when we can enjoy it? Thank you and please think on Latin-America.; December 8, 2011 at 2:08 PM
Jason Deakin said...: Yet another Google product available in the US only. I'm getting f**ked off with this. I'm still waiting for Google TV and my car still needs a driver to get me to work FFS; December 8, 2011 at 2:15 PM
Jubin said...: couldnt find by searching "google currents" on android market. Had to click onlink on this page.; December 8, 2011 at 2:24 PM
Unknown said...: Only us as usual =/; December 8, 2011 at 2:26 PM
Unknown said...: US Only!!! FAIL!
It's bad enough when Amazon send me links to Kindle books I can't buy!
Flipbook is world wide and does the same thing for iOS anyway.; December 8, 2011 at 2:31 PM
Travis said...: When can we expect twitter to be added as an option to add as a source?; December 8, 2011 at 2:59 PM
Marc said...: http://www.mediafire.com/?9ci748vc873wzkc

download it here for all countries

really Google...; December 8, 2011 at 3:04 PM
Explentus said...: US only?; December 8, 2011 at 3:22 PM
Brad C said...: That looks horrible. You have to tap things 3+ times to get to anything readable, and even then it still doesn't look like there's much full-text support.

Someone at Google needs to go hire a UI designer who doesn't smoke crack all day.; December 8, 2011 at 3:24 PM
Craig said...: Another disappointed non-American here. Someone needs to talk to the media companies and explain the internet to them. They can't expect to do things in one country anymore. Bits and bytes trump borders.; December 8, 2011 at 3:27 PM
Alex said...: @all people outside the US, this link works for Android devices: http://goo.gl/pQuEG; December 8, 2011 at 3:33 PM
Unknown said...: The UI navigation is actually pretty terrible. Swiping from side to side carousels through the list of available articles from a publisher. That's ok. But when I'm done swiping through to the last headlines, why does it automatically take me to the very first story? Or, when I'm reading an article and get to the end, swiping through takes me to the next article. Why not just let the article end and do the rubber band effect? It's really counter intuitive to the vast majority of iOS apps. Swiping left to right is fine, but when I want to scroll through a story, most people trying to swipe up and down. Don't break the behavior users are used to, unless the behavior is broke, which it isn't.; December 8, 2011 at 3:34 PM
Hiway 61 said...: Got it in Canada by going to App Store on my iPhone. Wonder if it's because I have an American phone?; December 8, 2011 at 3:54 PM
Scott Harman said...: So precisely what is the reason for releasing this only for US customers, where the declared language support includes pretty much everyone?
Come on google, this is fairly basic stuff to get right.; December 8, 2011 at 3:59 PM
Gareth Daine said...: You want it any other country than the US? Or want it sync to Google Reader or even any social media network or RSS feed, then forget Google Currents, simply use Flipboard. Works on iPhone or iPad. Interface is beautiful too. http://flipboard.com/

I'm not in anyway affiliated with Flpboard. Just a happy user.; December 8, 2011 at 4:28 PM
Anonymous said...: US ONLY!!! The US is tiny compared to your market. An insult to 90% of your customers.; December 8, 2011 at 4:52 PM
Unknown said...: US only? Fail already.; December 8, 2011 at 4:52 PM
Joel said...: Why does Google Currents need to be viewed in Chrome? Blatantly unfair; there are not many websites that can only be viewed in a specific browser; and only Google who only offer a site in a single browser THAT THEY OWN.
This is not right!; December 8, 2011 at 5:22 PM
admin said...: why not outside US? fk u people. now i have to sell my new android phone.; December 8, 2011 at 5:39 PM
keesy said...: How does this work with News Badges? I like being able to use them to narrow down my news topics to ones that I read often and interest me the most.; December 8, 2011 at 5:52 PM
MovGP0 said...: please make this available outside US too. even if its only english.; December 8, 2011 at 7:37 PM
dang1 said...: I'm looking for a faster way of seeing the hundreds of feeds that I'm subscribed to in Google Reader. Seems like I have to tediously enable each feed manually. yikes!; December 8, 2011 at 7:48 PM
Unknown said...: Please add the ability to sync to Google Reader. Not just the subscriptions but the unread counts.; December 8, 2011 at 8:21 PM
Matt Cline said...: For a company that got it's start with the Internet it is a constant surprise that you simply cannot do a real world wide release of an application. All it does is make people angry, so here is an idea. Delay realising products until you can actually do a world wide product launch.; December 8, 2011 at 9:11 PM
Unknown said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; December 8, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Daniel Bolaños said...: Ok, I tried it on my samsung galaxy S and it's very sluggish, not very well integrated with google reader (you can't favorite articles), takes a while to sync, isn't as pretty as flipboard and doesn't have social features.

It should have been labeled beta (correct me if it IS a beta); December 8, 2011 at 11:25 PM
Jim G said...: US-only apps don't deserve this kind of publicity. What a let down.; December 8, 2011 at 11:30 PM
Mel. said...: Oh look, another Google RIPOFF! Google can't invent anything so they just rip off others.; December 8, 2011 at 11:38 PM
Bart Van den Bosch said...: US Only = #fail

AT LEAST put at the top of your blog entry that it is US only. This is just more polite. Provide information on the timeframe (if ever) when this will be released elsewhere, so we know if we want to wait.
Try to become a global company or at least think as one.; December 9, 2011 at 12:33 AM
Craig said...: Galaxy Nexus: Not available in US
Features that should be available on the Nexus (google music, currents): Only available in the US...; December 9, 2011 at 12:49 AM
Rudy Gunawan said...: Show some love to Singapore User!; December 9, 2011 at 12:50 AM
Marc Middendorp said...: Again US only... Google is starting to be a France company...; December 9, 2011 at 1:27 AM
Matt said...: *tut* Anyone would think the UK was an insignificant market for Google...!! We have a huge appetite for tech and ignoring global participants in the release cycle will simply send some elsewhere.; December 9, 2011 at 1:46 AM
P B said...: Why the discrimination? If Circles can be rolled into Gmail simultaneously across the board, why can't an app be made available to one and all? This sucks!; December 9, 2011 at 2:17 AM
Caio Luiz said...: Why Brazilians can't get this?; December 9, 2011 at 3:04 AM
Unknown said...: Hmm, seems like the best way of creating an AOL portal on your mobile. Will stick to RSS.; December 9, 2011 at 3:19 AM
Santiago José López Borrazás said...: This application is only (per moment) in United States. Not others countries.
The application is pretty, but it lacks many things.

I hope that is what is best for many people to have and want to have to read everything that appears.

Greetings...; December 9, 2011 at 3:28 AM
Unknown said...: Wow, you guys need to seriously relax :) I kinda find it funny, we American's usually get wireless tech after Europe and Asia, but with this it's you guys waiting. Payback maybe? Lol No, j/k, I'm sure it will go worldwide soon enough, and the world will survive :D; December 9, 2011 at 5:28 AM
Unknown said...: "Designed for all your devices"
... unless your computing device is an actual computer...; December 9, 2011 at 5:47 AM
Ryo said...: I'm really upset this isn't available for Europe from day 1.
I'm having enough getting treated by Google like crap.
If you can't release a product in a globalized world, then don't. You're producing a 2nd class world here.

FLIPBOARD is available everywhere. So you have either the wrong business model, or don't care about the rest of the world

I'm infuriated:
https://plus.google.com/112753288423331161398/posts/GVbV6k6spyp; December 9, 2011 at 5:52 AM
Jez said...: *cough* you can install it from here if you're not in america http://goo.gl/pQuEG; December 9, 2011 at 6:07 AM
JR said...: When it will be available out US?; December 9, 2011 at 6:41 AM
Yonka said...: Social Network Analysis which you have mentioned it here in a broad sense using graphs are really very good and are conveying some important informationsSocial Network Analysis; December 9, 2011 at 6:49 AM
JohnS said...: Tried it, liked it, then uninstalled it on my Toshiba Honeycomb 3.2 tablet. Here's why? The app doesn't allow you to specify where data can be stored, and the tablet version of Honeycomb 3.2 makes external SD storage read only. So it stores large amounts of data internally making it a non-starter me.

Otherwise it's a great app. I wish I could use it.; December 9, 2011 at 7:13 AM
Random Whim said...: Please consider releasing this app on the Amazon App Store for those of us using non-cellular Android devices such as the Kindle Fire.; December 9, 2011 at 7:19 AM
RoShFè said...: Looks like a great app but not available in Canada! :( Please remove this restriction ASAP.; December 9, 2011 at 7:57 AM
Viajeroalex Mecachis Lamar said...: you can find quite easy the Apk of Currents,in internet, download it and install it. it,s easy. look for "google currents apk". i did it, from spain....; December 9, 2011 at 7:59 AM
Unknown said...: Not available in Canada yet . At least a list with the country where thi is available should be posted .; December 9, 2011 at 8:21 AM
Fi said...: Come on Google - US only AGAIN?! Sort it out. Your take-up rate would be much better if the rest of the world (some would say the best of the world ;P ) could download things as they were released.; December 9, 2011 at 8:24 AM
Michel said...: Wonder why US only.
But guys, you do know that it's easy to open an iTunes US account without having to use a credit card right?
(google it!) :); December 9, 2011 at 8:37 AM
Animesh said...: India is NOT important to Google Inc.?
Is that why Google Current is not available I'm MY country?
I wonder why do I promote Google and Android so much?
They are good, but if they think I'm not important, how should I be responding? and what should I be doing?; December 9, 2011 at 8:45 AM
Milos said...: US only and 6 MB?!!? Download RestFeed better!
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.restfeed.reader; December 9, 2011 at 9:09 AM
Unknown said...: US only again, sorry, but that just doesn't make sense for Google Currents. It seems like an arbitrary decision. C'mon Google, don't leave the rest of us out!; December 9, 2011 at 9:09 AM
Madhu Menon said...: Great Job Google Team... Congrats on the great work. I must admit this a a great App for both iOS and Android. I would rate this higher than Flipboard. The only missing feature I see here is the aggregation of the Social media News like Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin. If that is done this is the single point for all news for me.

Sorry to be greedy, the next question when is a Google Chrome Version coming out for my Chrome Browser and Chromebook :); December 9, 2011 at 10:03 AM
btrancho said...: Not very useful if it doesn't update properly - I'm getting posts from yesterday. I hit sync and nothing new shows up. I don't need 17 hour old NY Times articles, I need "Current" news - get it? Just about every feed fails to update to current posts.

And yes, I've tapped the sync button and started/restarted the app.; December 9, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Unknown said...: Is it still limited to U.S. or available globally? Which android devices/mobile phones are supported?; December 9, 2011 at 10:56 AM
oscar said...: flipboard is better

download flipboard; December 9, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Anonymous said...: I just downloaded it, and so far I'm really liking the app. There's a large selection of publishers that are on board, and also a great selections of RSS feeds. I've read criticisms of long load times and crashes, but not experienced either.
As for now I can say well worth having on your mobile device. The off line feature is very nice too.; December 9, 2011 at 11:21 AM
kisjhan said...: great move. Android also should be limited to us only; December 9, 2011 at 11:37 AM
newtbarrett said...: I'm pretty enthusiastic about this as a content provider, particularly in combination with Google+.
2 questions:
how do your add a subject search feed from Google--content marketing, for example. I can get the individual feeds, but I want the news highlights.
Also, in the Producer section that I'm using to do "Content Marketing Today": http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAow8-4k/content_marketing_today , I can't figure out how to add a YouTube channel, unless I uploaded the videos. Is there a way to do that?; December 9, 2011 at 2:28 PM
BRay said...: I use Google Reader when I am sitting in front of the computer. I would like for this app to update what I have read on my Google Reader account when I read something in Currents.; December 9, 2011 at 2:34 PM
Lendar said...: Meh. I wonder why it's US only.; December 9, 2011 at 4:58 PM
Unknown said...: hey guys if you need a US account why not check out , this is the way-around to use google awesome app!

http://www.cultofmac.com/43040/get-a-u-s-itunes-account-anywhere-in-the-world-how-to/; December 9, 2011 at 5:58 PM
Unknown said...: Cannot share to Google+?!; December 9, 2011 at 6:17 PM
Kaushik Patowary said...: Question: what software do you use to produce your promo videos?; December 9, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Umar Faruk said...: For Non-US people download at http://apkpl.us/?p=429 (Android APK); December 9, 2011 at 11:55 PM
TechGlobeX said...: I think its an impressive tablet device from Google who loves to travel alot and dont have much time to spent on laptops or computers, now a days tablet and smartphone demands are quite increased and its a great gadget for mobile content browser users. Thanks Google.

B.Williams
from Information Technology Blog; December 10, 2011 at 6:07 AM
Ian said...: Really nice app, but why on earth does the share button not actually share the content you're currently viewing, rather than just posting a status update without any reference to the content?; December 10, 2011 at 8:18 AM
ivan_ara said...: For Indonesia i think?; December 10, 2011 at 5:07 PM
Uğur said...: Only USA! Why! Finally a decent news reader is out but only for US!; December 10, 2011 at 7:50 PM
Bill said...: You people sound like little kids gripping and fussing who's first. You people make me sick. Who cares who's first. Its people like you all...that bring the world Down! Grow up and enjoy the news, reports. Be an Adult.... who cares if US is first, or cannda, or Spain. This world of immature freaking selfish people ,we need to realize we're all here just having human being experiences..nothing more. READ DR.Brain L. WEISS Books....Message from the Masters. You Damn Kids might learn what each of our prepospes is and what's your roll in this life is.. This world is truly immature.; December 11, 2011 at 4:08 AM
Rainer S said...: Does everyone know wicht song / music this is ??; December 11, 2011 at 5:31 AM
Anonymous said...: 89% of the people at Google headquarters don't have a passport, that's why it is USA only! 8-); December 11, 2011 at 8:56 AM
tech.biztech said...: A wonderful article you posted. That is so informatory and creative.Please keep these excellent posts coming.
PHP mysql web development; December 12, 2011 at 12:35 AM
Ne0 said...: And here I thought Nexus One and/or Gingerbread is incompatible with Google currents!
ps.
I live in India !; December 12, 2011 at 3:46 AM
Oneiric said...: Everyone from other countries who'd like to download google currents, the apk is available on the xda forums.; December 12, 2011 at 8:45 AM
Gary Ruplinger said...: It's kind of slow at the moment but other than that it's pretty darn cool... not quite ready to ditch Google Reader yet, though.; December 12, 2011 at 9:01 AM
Arun Gupta said...: Only US but what is the best reason behind this gift vouchers for US.; December 14, 2011 at 1:28 AM
sophia said...: iPhone Insurance Claims says Why US only .This is not fare.; December 14, 2011 at 3:39 AM
Mayank said...: http://www.mayank110.blogspot.com/; December 14, 2011 at 8:43 AM
richardberry said...: Why we should only use it in US. When it will be launched for other countries?
HTC Mobiles; December 14, 2011 at 1:25 PM
System One said...: OK, so it's not available outside US.. fine - tell you what google, I'll just keep on using TapTu which works perfectly and you keep your "sea currents, sea waves or what ever you call it" :P; December 16, 2011 at 1:49 AM
Bachi said...: Again US only. C'mon guys, wouldn't "everything launches worldwide at the same time" be a good aim for 2012?; December 20, 2011 at 3:33 AM
Halosys said...: Hello webmaster ,
could you please tell me about iphone apps .is it available outside the US; December 21, 2011 at 3:40 AM

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130 comments: