The internet delivers a constant stream of information, often overwhelming users with endless notifications and cluttered interfaces. Current, a new RSS reader available for Apple devices, offers a refreshingly simple solution: a flowing “river” of content that emphasizes what you engage with, letting the rest drift by. This approach caters to those seeking focused reading without the anxiety of unread counts or the pressure to stay current on everything.
How RSS Remains Relevant
Really Simple Syndication (RSS) has been a mainstay of online content aggregation for years. While social media and newsletters have risen in popularity, RSS remains a powerful tool for readers who prefer direct access to updated articles from their favorite websites without algorithmic interference. The key benefit? Control. You decide what you read, not an algorithm. Current capitalizes on this appeal by offering a clean, uncluttered experience.
Core Features: Velocity and the Waterline
Current distinguishes itself through its unique approach to content management. Unlike traditional RSS readers, it doesn’t display unread article counts. Instead, the app uses a concept called “velocity” to determine how long content remains visible in the “river.”
- Breaking: Disappears after three hours.
- News: Lasts for a day.
- Articles: Remains for several days.
- Essays: Stays visible for a week.
- Evergreen: Persists for up to seven days.
This system, combined with the “waterline” – the boundary between new and old content – ensures that only recent, relevant articles remain prominent. Expired content fades away, minimizing clutter and reducing the pressure to consume everything at once.
Setting Up and Customizing Your River
Getting started is straightforward. Users can add feeds manually by pasting website URLs, or Current can automatically detect RSS feeds from a given homepage. The app also supports importing feeds from other RSS readers via OPML files. Once feeds are added, you can assign them a velocity, tailoring the duration each source remains visible.
Beyond basic feed management, Current allows for extensive customization:
- Multiple Currents: Create separate streams for different interests (tech, sports, work, leisure).
- Appearance: Choose from nine color schemes, adjust font sizes, and enable thumbnail previews.
- Refresh Rate: Configure how often the app checks for new articles.
- Sorting: Display oldest or newest articles at the top of the feed.
Streamlined Reading Experience
The app’s minimalist design extends to its reading experience. Tapping an article opens it directly within Current, though some feeds may require opening in Safari for full access. Quick links enable saving articles for later or immediately “releasing” them from the river. Keyboard shortcuts (R to release, S to save) further streamline the process on macOS.
A “sift mode” provides a two-pane layout, displaying both the river and the selected article simultaneously. Navigation is intuitive, with a dedicated “River” button for quick access to all streams.
Pricing and Availability
Current is a one-time purchase of $9.99, granting access across all Apple devices. There’s no free trial, but the app’s simplicity and focus make it a worthwhile investment for users seeking a distraction-free RSS reading experience.
Ultimately, Current offers a compelling alternative to the relentless demands of modern online consumption. By prioritizing relevance and minimizing clutter, it empowers readers to control their information flow.
