BitsCast

BitsCast is an easy to use RSS reader that mixes a plain and simple interface with very intuitive options.

Although it relies on a great package of features, BitsCast is actually a straightforward application, offering support for multiple channels, subscription lists and channel management.

Hotkey support is also available to quickly navigate through your feeds, and so is proxy connectivity and podcast downloading.

Adding a new RSS feed to the list is easy as pie because the app only needs the feed URL, while new lists can be added by simply right clicking in the dedicated panel.

The main window of the app uses a multi-panel layout for easy handling, offering separate windows for managing RSS feeds, articles and loaded content.

BitsCast uses Internet Explorer to display the feed content right in the main screen, but this is also one of the major drawbacks. You can’t use an external web browser, so you’re stuck with the default one.

Of course, the app allows users to select the interval to auto-check for new content, with a System Tray icon that provides one-click access to the its GUI and notifies you about fresh items.

BitsCast doesn’t slow down the system at all and works smoothly on all Windows versions, without the need for administrator privileges on Windows 7 workstations.

Overall, BitsCast is a decent RSS client that deserves much more attention from its developers. It has the essential features, but it still needs a much more eye-appealing look, a few improvements here and there and some more configuration options.