Digg

Google's beloved RSS feed aggregator, Google Reader, is heading to the cyber graveyard on July 1. But there's no need to lament, since Digg, the up-vote, down-vote social news site that was forced to shutdown in 2010, is returning to the web with a reader of its own!

The Digg engineering team posted the first screenshots of its Google Reader replacement, which launches publicly on June 26.

When Digg announced their reader in March, they hoped to "identify and rebuild the best of Google Reader's features" and anticipated a late 2013 release date. Apparently, production was sped up to roll out Digg Reader ahead of Google Reader's July end date to make migration as seamless as possible.

What can you expect from the new RSS feed aggregator? A site that's simple, fast, optimized for any screen size, free (with premium paid options later in the year), and as socially conscious as Reddit, Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook.

Sign up to be notified when the new Digg Reader has arrived, or if you need an alternative right this second, turn to one of these RSS aggregators fit for headline grazers.

Be sure to export your Google Reader data (subscriptions, bookmarked items, notes and all) before July 1 at dataliberation.org.

Last month, Internet company Digg released a free iPhone app allowing you to access and read Digg stories on the go, and now they have a free Android app, too. Both applications allow you to browse through popular and upcoming popular stories to Digg them, add comments, and read full stories in the applications' built-in browsers.

You can also save stories to read later, search for any story by topic, and easily share links via Facebook, Twitter, or email. And if you have a Digg account, you're able to log in and access it directly from your phone. Get the iPhone app from iTunes, and the Android app directly from Digg or by searching in the Android Market.

Internet giant Digg recently announced they have joined forces with TOMS Shoes, the charitable shoe company who donates one pair of shoes to a child in need each time a pair is purchased. According to the Digg blog, the special-edition shoes were designed by a Digg designer, and feature the company's logo on the interior, zigzag stitching, and an orange sole.

Digg Founder Kevin Rose and TOMS Chief Shoegiver Blake Mycoskie announced the partnership via video, explaining the TOMS Shoes One to One program (one pair donated for each pair bought). The shoe company already operates exclusively on this business model, but this is the first time they're partnering with a social media company to reach a new audience. I already own one pair of gold, sparkly TOMS, but I think I want another pair! It's a great idea — and a feel-good way to kick off the holiday season.

Would you sport a pair?

Well then digg us!

What is digg exactly? It's a website that lets you submit a story you've found online that you like, and if enough people vote on the story — or "digg" it — it gets promoted to digg's front page and more and more people will read it or watch it.
To find out how to digg, read more

I just watched Digg's Dialogg with Brüno, which took place in Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel. I couldn't help but notice the set's hip modern décor, and being the Brüno lover that I am, I thought I'd take the chance to help you get the look of this hilarious scene. If you're looking for the gay Austrian fashion reporter's leather ensemble, I'll be no help there. For the furry pillows, chrome floor lamp, white leather sofa, and artwork, read more