Google Reader was a web-based application developed by Google that allowed users to aggregate and read content from various websites in one place. Launched in 2005, it enabled users to subscribe to RSS feeds, making it easier to follow blogs, news sites, and other online content without visiting each site individually. The service gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and features like sharing articles and organizing feeds into categories. However, Google discontinued Google Reader in 2013, leading to disappointment among its loyal users and prompting the search for alternative RSS readers.