The Future of RSS in Windows
I recently downloaded and tested the 2007 beta version of Microsoft Office , and I have to say I do like the new look and features that it offers. However, there is one feature in particular that really stands out for me, and that's the RSS functionality of Outlook.
While other mail apps such as Thunderbird have had RSS features built in for quite some time now, the new Outlook 2007 will revolutionize the industry and make RSS as mainstream as e-mail is today. Here's the reason why: (This text is directly from the main interface of Outlook)
How does RSS work in Outlook 2007?
RSS readers, such as the one built into Microsoft Outlook 2007, allow you to find feeds and subscribe to them. Whenever you see (rss icon), or a similar icon, click that icon. Outlook 2007 will automatically subscribe you to that feed. Others require you to copy and paste the address of the feed in order to subscribe. Using Outlook 2007 to subscribe to an RSS feed takes only a couple of clicks and does not involve a registration process or fee. After you subscribe to an RSS Feed, headlines will appear in your RSS folders. When you see a headline that interests you, just click it to view a portion of the article and a link to the complete article. For more information, read the complete instructions
The implications here are enormous. Finally the average pc user will be able to click on rss icons from their browser and windows will detect it, and automatically subscribe them to the feed within Outlook. The main issue with RSS adoption today is that for the most part, only tech savvy people are using it. While it doesn't require much effort to copy and paste the XML link into your favorite Reader software, the average internet user doesn't have the attention span nor the software / web based account to take advantage of RSS at this point. This will all change if it's already built into their operating system and default e-mail application. Due to the huge market share that Windows has on the average consumer, I think it's safe to say that RSS will finally become a common practice, and the implications on business and communication in general will be huge. The only concern I have is that Windows Vista may have a slow adoption rate due to it's high system requirements, but that will eventually be overcome in time. I've included some screen shots below of the general interface and functionality. Click for larger images.
The default RSS page
An example of browsing a feed
An example of adding a feed
While other mail apps such as Thunderbird have had RSS features built in for quite some time now, the new Outlook 2007 will revolutionize the industry and make RSS as mainstream as e-mail is today. Here's the reason why: (This text is directly from the main interface of Outlook)
How does RSS work in Outlook 2007?
RSS readers, such as the one built into Microsoft Outlook 2007, allow you to find feeds and subscribe to them. Whenever you see (rss icon), or a similar icon, click that icon. Outlook 2007 will automatically subscribe you to that feed. Others require you to copy and paste the address of the feed in order to subscribe. Using Outlook 2007 to subscribe to an RSS feed takes only a couple of clicks and does not involve a registration process or fee. After you subscribe to an RSS Feed, headlines will appear in your RSS folders. When you see a headline that interests you, just click it to view a portion of the article and a link to the complete article. For more information, read the complete instructions
The implications here are enormous. Finally the average pc user will be able to click on rss icons from their browser and windows will detect it, and automatically subscribe them to the feed within Outlook. The main issue with RSS adoption today is that for the most part, only tech savvy people are using it. While it doesn't require much effort to copy and paste the XML link into your favorite Reader software, the average internet user doesn't have the attention span nor the software / web based account to take advantage of RSS at this point. This will all change if it's already built into their operating system and default e-mail application. Due to the huge market share that Windows has on the average consumer, I think it's safe to say that RSS will finally become a common practice, and the implications on business and communication in general will be huge. The only concern I have is that Windows Vista may have a slow adoption rate due to it's high system requirements, but that will eventually be overcome in time. I've included some screen shots below of the general interface and functionality. Click for larger images.
The default RSS page
An example of browsing a feed
An example of adding a feed
posted by Dennis Gotto @ 8:06 AM
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