Many phones offer some sort of news aggregator feed to the left of the home screen, regardless of whether it’s an Android device like Google Discover or branded tools like OnePlus Shelf or Samsung Free. It’s a quick way to keep up with the day’s events without installing news apps or searching for stories on the internet.
However, it was not always clear which of these news aggregator functions were used the most. You won’t necessarily be looking for the latest happenings just because the option is available on your phone. That is why we are reaching out to you for answers. What news feed are you using on your device, if you are using one at all?
It’s easy to see why you might be using one. News can be overwhelming, especially in 2020, and an aggregator can help you digest the most important stories at a glance. They also usually offer news from a number of sources, so you might get a broader view than if you just visited a preferred news agency. And there’s little doubt that time is valuable – if you only have a minute to spare, even a quick glance at the news is better than nothing.
We wouldn’t accuse you of avoiding news aggregators, mind you. You can add bloat to your home screen layout and possibly choose stories that you don’t want to read even after setting preferences. Incidentally, they can also promote a superficial understanding of the news. You may not need to use a feed if you already have long stories to read.
Feel free to explain your choice of news aggregator in the comments. We’ll let you know who led the pack.
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