When it comes to news aggregation apps for iOS, there are no shortage of options -- but that number just got a little smaller with word that Zite will be rolled into perennial favorite Flipboard.
Zite announced Wednesday that the CNN-owned news reader app has been acquired by Flipboard with the goal of creating "the most wonderful place to read news that has ever existed."
Initially founded in 2005, Zite's arrival on the iPad often lived in the shadow of Flipboard, which tech media and users alike seemed to gravitate toward in much larger numbers. The so-called "Flipboard killer" never quite lived up to that nickname over the last three years, although it was a personal favorite of this particular journalist.
We use the word "was" because Zite will ultimately be rolled into Flipboard, although users will have at least six months to continue enjoying the free app before such a change is made.
"Our goal is to get the things that are great about Zite into Flipboard before shutting it down. We will also build a way for you to transition your data from Zite into Flipboard," promises Zite co-founder Mike Klaas. "Until then (for six months at a minimum), we will continue supporting Zite. Our users mean the world to us; after all, what Flipboard saw in us, you saw first. We hope you come with us and help us shape the future of news."
It's an unfortunate turn of events for Zite fans, and yet another reminder that the apps and services we depend on every day may not always be around. Fingers crossed that the parties involved can find a way to make Flipboard work for Zite fans in the months ahead!
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