New Google Reader optimized for iPhone, other devices

Google on Monday released a new beta version of Google Reader designed for the iPhone and other mobile phones with advanced browsers. Google reader, first introduced 2006, is designed to quickly view and manage information and updates from multiple sources: "To make our (and your) Reader iPhone experience better, we wanted to really take advantage of the iPhone's capabilities," the company wrote in its official blog. "Today we're releasing a new beta version of Reader designed for the iPhone and other mobile phones with advanced browsers. You can use it by visiting http://www.google.com/reader/i/ on your phone."

The search giant says that the new version is designed to offer many of the same features as the desktop, while making it quick and easy to act on items.

"If you've used list view, then it should be familiar to you. Scan the titles for an item that interests you, tap and it expands in place. Starring, sharing, and keeping unread are done in place, so you never have to leave the list view or refresh the page," the company noted. "We think it's a very fast way to power through your reading list."

Earlier this month, Google delivered a generalized iPhone interface for its Google Apps suite of web applications, offering a single interface for Gmail, Calendar and Docs in a form fitted to the iPhone's screen (and allowing users to simply tap a button to switch between applications as necessary).