Is Facebook Working on Its Own RSS Reader?

With Google Reader closing up shop on July 1, devoted users are still scrounging around for an RSS feed replacement. Could Facebook create the next big place to stay updated on news across the Internet?

According to Tom Waddington, a web developer for the site Cut Out + Keep, a new code on Facebook hints that Facebook may launch RSS feeds for users in the future.

A RSS feed would allow users to subscribe to and pull in online content from news organizations, blogs and videos to keep up with news.

Waddington noted in a blog post that he spotted Facebook code for RSS feeds, with each showing multiple entries and a list of subscribers. Facebook typically lists the types of content and connections among that content in its code, such as user photos and tagged geolocations.

“What’s surprising is that the code mentions RSS specifically and distinctly from existing interest lists and friend lists,” Waddington wrote. He added that this is unrelated to Facebook’s output of RSS feeds, which the company has had in place for some time. “I’ve tried to access RSS feeds through the API, but it’s currently locked down and only available to whitelisted apps.”

Facebook has declined a request for comment, but it recently said in a blog post it will “continue to roll out more features in the coming weeks and months, including trending hashtags and deeper insights, that help people discover more of the world’s conversations.”

The company introduced hashtags earlier this week, which means we’re still waiting for a new way to discover those worldwide conversations.

UPDATE: Facebook sent out on Friday invitations to the press for a mysterious event being held at its Menlo Park, Calif. headquarters next week. Could it be for the announcement of a new RSS feed? Check back soon for updates.

Would you use an RSS feed on Facebook? Let us know in the comments below.

Image via iStockphoto, mrPliskin