The reason Google Reader is among the services being discontinued is that the usage of the service has declined. On their blog, Google writes: 'We launched Google Reader in 2005 in an attempt to make it easy for people to follow their favorite websites. And although the product has loyal users, the number of users has decreased over the years. So on July 1, 2013, we will retire Google Reader. Users and developers interested in RSS alternatives can export their data, including their subscriptions to feeds, over the next four months using Google Take Out.'
In addition to Google Reader, Google is also discontinuing several other services:
- Some Apps Script components are disappearing
- To use the CalDAV API, you must be whitelisted by Google by September
- Google Building Maker is disappearing
- Google Cloud Connect is disappearing
- Google Voice App for BlackBerry is disappearing
- The Search API for Shopping will be discontinued
- Snapseed Desktop for Macintosh and Windows will no longer be sold and will not receive updates.