On iOS the following are must have features: * swipe to next article * preload RSS articles and linked content for offline access and faster browsing of content
Byline is currently the best RSS reader on iOS, but it has a lot of shotcomings: * No Next Unread button or gesture (NetNewsWire does, but is otherwise a horrible, horrible app. Avoid like the plague.) * Slow compared to Reeder * Only shows last 1000 RSS items * No gestures for navigation like Reeder * Uses an effing dropdown menu in portrait mode AND does not hold state for the menu * Some feeds with special characters are not correctly in folder, but dumped in the All Items folder
I would actually prefer to use Reeder, but Reeder is terrible for actually reading RSS. Skimming RSS feeds yes, reading actual articles no. Whoever thought that a pull or push gesture to navigate to the previous/next RSS item was a good idea should have their head examined.
Somebody really needs to write the perfect RSS reader for iOS by combining the best features of Byline and Reeder + that missing Next Unread button.
I moved from Bloglines to Google Reader due to Bloglines inability to keep state, unavailability and lack of development. Generally Google Reader has been ok, but I originally preferred Bloglines and moved over only when it was obvious I had to due to the demise of Bloglines.
Google Reader's web interface is OKish on the desktop, but absolutely horrible on any mobile device, hence the need for a native iOS app.