Google has announced that Google Reader will be retired on July 1st due to what has been a steady drop in usage. Likewise, several other Google services will also be shutting down.

Twitter and Facebook are both alight with users who are expressing their displeasure over the announcement, and the search is on for an adequate replacement that lives up to its Google counterpart. This is not a popular move and I hope Google changes their mind!

Google Reader isn’t the only service that will be shutdown. In addition, CalDav API, Apps Script, Google Cloud Connect, Google Voice App for Blackberry, Google Building Maker, Snapseed Desktop for both Windows and Mac, and Search API for Shopping are all getting the axe as well. According to Google, this is its second round of spring cleaning.

After this takes place, the combined results of spring cleaning rounds one and two will be a total of 70 services and features being shutdown. Are you a Reader user? What service do you plan to transition to? Let me know in the comments!