Trick out Google Reader with Better GReader

Firefox only: Google Reader is one of the best web-based feed readers out there, but it could stand a few adjustments. Greasemonkey scripters have come up with a few Google Reader user scripts that make some welcome GReader tweaks like maximizing the viewing area, skipping Google's default subscribe mechanism, and adding keyboard shortcuts.

Today I've rolled up those three useful scripts into a single Firefox extension, called Better GReader.

Better GReader Firefox extension

Version: 0.1
Released: May 21, 2007
Creator: Gina Trapani, using scripts by various developers, compiled using Anthony Lieuallen's Greasemonkey Compiler
License: Better GReader licensed under the Mozilla Public License; all included scripts copyright their original authors.

What it does: Adds a menu of options you can enable within Google Reader. To view the enabled features and get more information on each, in Firefox's Add-ons dialog, click on Better GReader's Preferences dialog, as shown:

See a full run down of each extra feature below:

• Better GReader: Smart Subscribe
• Better GReader: Optimized Skin
• Better GReader: Quick Links

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Installation: Using Firefox, click the Better GReader download link above. A yellow bar will appear across the page that reads "Firefox prevented this site (lifehacker.com) from asking you to install software on your computer." Click the "Edit Options" button and allow lifehacker.com to ask you. Then, click on the link again. Press the Install button in the dialog box, and restart Firefox.

Usage: Once Better GReader is installed, log into Google Reader to see the enhancements. To turn a feature on or off, visit the extensions Preferences dialog and select or deselect the appropriate checkboxes. Refresh Reader to see the changes.

Credits: Better GReader is a compilation of work done by several Greasemonkey scripters, including Jasper de Vries and Mihai Parparita, Nathan and B. N. Beckwith. The scripts were compiled using Anthony Lieuallen's Greasemonkey Compiler. I modified the output of the compiler to include multiple scripts with the ability to enable and disable individual features.

Changelog:

• Version 0.1: Released.

Bug reports and feature requests: Got a favorite GReader Greasemonkey script you'd like included in Better GReader? A bug, a critique, a suggestion? Leave a comment here. Newcomers, here's how to get a comment login. — Gina Trapani