I'm trying out my second Mobile RSS Aggregator, Plusmo – if you count Bloglines viewed via the mobile Internet browser as my first. I read about it on the MobHappy blog. While Plusmo is stressing the app's ability to push content to a smart phone or PDA device, they have made a really nice RSS interface when viewed on my computer browser, too. I set up my account in about 7 seconds on my computer and in about 15 seconds later on my mobile device – after I opened the URL in my mobile Internet browser. It is also possible to download the app on your mobile device via SMS if you don't have browser capability on your phone.
So far, so very, very good! I had found looking up content via the Internet browser to be quite slow (as compared to a home broadband connection) and this appears to allow a much quicker display of typical RSS delivered content (news, blogs, weather, sports, etc.) In my quick tour, I selected some of their pre-set "channels" (just buckets of RSS feeds set up by Plusmo) and also added some of my own RSS / Atom feeds. You can select content on either your computer browser or within the mobile app. I haven't tried it, yet, but it appears that you can import / export feeds via OPML, too. It also appears that you can set periodic "timed" RSS updates, so you don't have to wait for updates to download each time you open the app.
I am curious how this would work on a "less smart" phone than my Windows Mobile device? I would image the tightly controlled cell phone proprietary platforms don't allow downloads of apps like this. Also, users have to be very certain about their cell phone company data plans. Anything short of an "unlimited" data plan would likely make using this application cost prohibitive. The Plusmo developers have similar warnings all over their site. I could easily get back on my "learn from the cell phone model" / "net neutrality" soapbox (i.e. I can't wait for home Internet access to mirror mobile Internet access, NOT!) … but I won't.
p.s. Here is a mini shoutout to the team behind Plusmo:
Who is behind Plusmo? Plusmo is located in San Jose, California. Our founders are from Covigo (1999), a leading mobile platform acquired by Symbol Technologies. We've all been working in the mobile space for the last 6 years, and lovin' every bit of it! We were self funded and recently raised a round of angel funding. Our goal is to provide easy information access to all mobile phone users.
It also appears that you can set periodic “timed” RSS updates, so you don’t have to wait for updates to download each time you open the app. logo design | Animated Logo | Web Design