Facebook removes 'Paper' newsreader app from iOS App Store, to discontinue service

Posted:
in iPhone edited June 2016
Two and a half years of its launch, Facebook is pulling the plug on Paper, a stripped down newsreader-style app initially introduced as an alternative to the social media giant's flagship iOS offering.




Facebook announced the imminent shutdown on Thursday, saying key Paper features like Instant Articles are already integrated into Facebook for iOS, reports The Verge. Paper is no longer available from the App Store and existing users have received notification that supporting services are to be discontinued on July 29.

"Our goal with Paper was to explore new immersive, interactive design elements for reading and interacting with content on Facebook, and we learned how important these elements are in giving people an engaging experience," the company said.

When it debuted in early 2014, Paper garnered critical acclaim for its streamlined interface and fresh take on feed customization. Like a traditional newsreader, the app allowed users to arrange updates by category, but eschewed common user interface elements like virtual buttons in favor of interactive animations. For example, photos, status updates and articles were displayed in full screen, while browsing was accomplished via a swipe-able card system.

Dreamed up by Mike Matas of Push Pop Press, a digital book developer purchased by Facebook in 2011, Paper enjoyed a small but devout following, though development stopped as the company moved on to other projects. The iOS app version has not been updated for over a year. The group in charge of Paper, Facebook's Creative Labs, ceased operations in December and Matas departed months later.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 5
    LandanLandan Posts: 7member
    gutted! I use Paper instead of the Facebook app every day. It's ad-free and I seem to see more of my friends feeds than the friends of friends nonsense I don't care for. Can anyone suggest an alternative app?
  • Reply 2 of 5
    KylerjoKylerjo Posts: 1member
    Bummed... Paper was fantastic.
  • Reply 3 of 5
    irnchrizirnchriz Posts: 1,616member
    No more facebook on my phone now.
  • Reply 4 of 5
    mazda 3smazda 3s Posts: 1,613member
    Figures. I finally gave up on Paper a few months ago after it hadn't been updated in over a year and failed to function properly most of the time (missing comments, videos not playing). And it also lacked most of the functionality of the main app. I now use the main Facebook app and have few complaints.
  • Reply 5 of 5

    I will miss PAPER. After Zite left, this was my favorite go-to for news and random info. I use Facebook, but still I went to PAPER for a quick scan of the news. I always enjoyed it.

    Another one bites the dust.

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