Google Reader was a popular web-based RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed aggregator launched by Google in 2005. It allowed users to subscribe to and read content from various websites in a single platform. Users could also organize their subscriptions into different folders, share articles with others, and save articles to read later.

On March 13, 2013, Google announced that it would be shutting down Google Reader on July 1, 2013. The company cited declining usage and the shifting focus towards other Google products as the reason for the shutdown.

The announcement of the shutdown of Google Reader was met with disappointment and backlash from many users who relied on the platform for managing their online reading. Some even launched petitions and campaigns to save the service, but Google ultimately decided to proceed with the shutdown.

After the shutdown of Google Reader, many other RSS feed aggregator services emerged to fill the gap, including Feedly, Inoreader, and The Old Reader, among others.