OpenVibe: News & Social Media Combined

Openvibe Expands Functionality with RSS Feed Support

Openvibe, a platform designed for aggregating updates from decentralized social networks such as Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads, and Nostr, is now incorporating support for RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds.

This enhancement allows users to monitor their preferred news websites and blogs directly within the application.

Enhanced Information Access

The integration of RSS functionality significantly increases Openvibe’s utility.

It provides a centralized location for staying informed about interests and crucial updates, eliminating the need to constantly switch between various newsreaders, websites, and social media applications.

Competitive Landscape

This new feature positions Openvibe as a more direct competitor within the social media and content aggregation space.

Other players in this arena include Tapestry, developed by the creators of the former Twitter client Twitterrific; Feeeed, an RSS reader with support for tracking social profiles on platforms like Mastodon and YouTube; and Surf, a novel open social application and browser originating from the team behind Flipboard.

Development Driven by User Demand

According to Openvibe CEO Matej Svancer, the inclusion of RSS support was always envisioned as a future development for the app.

However, substantial user requests accelerated the prioritization and implementation of this feature.

Utilizing the New Feature

Users can integrate RSS sources in several ways:

• Adding feeds individually.
• Selecting from the app’s curated list of suggested sites.
• Importing an existing OPML file from another RSS reader.

A leaderboard showcasing the most frequently added feeds will be introduced as RSS adoption grows, assisting users in discovering popular sources.

Once added, RSS updates can be viewed within the main home feed, a dedicated “RSS” feed, or incorporated into custom feeds.

Focus on Text-Based Content

While RSS can technically accommodate podcasts and YouTube channels, Openvibe is currently prioritizing text-based content, as stated by Svancer to TechCrunch.

Adding these formats is feasible, but would not provide an optimal user experience without requiring external browser access for each item.

Optimized Reading Experience

Openvibe directly opens news and blog content within the app, utilizing a streamlined, distraction-free reading mode.

Users retain the option to visit websites via a browser if preferred.

A “Performance Mode” is also available, disabling image loading in timeline previews to minimize resource consumption.

Testing and Future Plans

The RSS feature underwent beta testing with over 100 users, who collectively added more than 4,000 feeds.

Currently, Openvibe is available for free on both iOS and Android, though a subscription model is planned for future implementation.

Backing and Investment

The startup is supported by funding from Czech Founders VC, Tensor Ventures, and Automattic – the parent company of WordPress.com, Tumblr, Beeper, and other platforms.