The newly launched app Current is redefining the RSS experience by transforming the traditional, chore-like feed reader into a fluid, stress-free stream of information. Designed by Terry Godier, the application moves away from the “inbox zero” mentality that often plagues digital news consumption, making it an accessible tool for casual readers and power users alike.
Breaking the Cycle of Digital Debt
Godier developed Current after realizing that standard RSS readers mirrored the anxiety-inducing structure of email inboxes. By utilizing bold text and unread counts, most platforms create a “social debt” where users feel compelled to clear a list rather than consume content. “When we applied that same visual language to RSS, we imported the anxiety without the cause,” Godier explains.
While RSS was once the primary way to follow the web, it saw a decline following the rise of social media platforms like Twitter. Despite this, the format remains a vital backbone for podcasts and independent syndication. Current aims to revitalize this by removing the pressure of “marking as read.”
How the “River” Works
Instead of a static list, Current presents news as a “river.” Content flows in, lingers for a specified duration, and eventually fades away. This temporal approach mimics real-world news cycles:
- Breaking News: Remains visible for three hours.
- Daily Articles: Stays in the feed for 18 hours.
- Essays: Persists for three days.
- Evergreen Tutorials: Stays active for a week.
Users manage their flow by swiping cards off the screen or tapping a “release” button, effectively moving past content without the burden of administrative tasks.
Advanced Features for Enthusiasts
Beyond its unique visual philosophy, the app includes robust technical capabilities:
- Full-Text Fetching: Bypasses truncated feeds to provide the complete article.
- Smart Filtering: Automatically suggests muting or rate-limiting sources that flood the feed.
- Voices: A dedicated space to follow individual writers, supported by Godier’s Byline specification, which adds author metadata to feeds.
- Custom Currents: Allows users to group content into thematic streams like “Tech” or “Design.”
Current is available now on the Apple App Store for iOS, iPad, and Mac as a one-time purchase of $9.99. The app supports iCloud Sync and OPML imports, with a web-based version currently in development.