Google Reader Play announced

Google has taken the wraps off the beta version of a service which provides a more visual-centric approach to browsing the web.

It’s essentially a fast (no set-up required) and simple version of Google Reader, and it’s designed to be a “fun [way] to browse the most interesting stuff on the web, personalized just for you.”

Reader Play utilises the same method as Reader, the recommended items feed, to pick out what it thinks is the most interesting stuff on the web.

Essentially, it offers the user a film-strip of web content along the bottom, which can be clicked on and viewed in a large window above. Clicking on the large image (or video) takes you to the website where its hosted.

Reader Play boasts a Like button which can be clicked should you appreciate something, and the idea is the service learns and displays your preferences.

So, for example, if you click Like on a video of a moggy trying to jump through a cat-flap which has had cling-film taped over it as a practical joke, and a clip of a dog falling into a river, Reader Play will no doubt find you more You’ve Been Framed style animal moments.

Either that or report your Gmail address to the RSPCA.

If you’d like to try it out for yourself, hop on over to: www.google.com/reader/play