The official Google Reader app saw an update today which adds a couple of heavily requested features.  While the app does work on Android 1.6 devices and above, the new stuff (widgets) only runs on 2.2 handsets (and tablets).  So what has been added?  Hit the break and find out!

First up is an unread count widget which can be customized by feed, label, person, or “all items”.  Your unread count is front and center on your home screen and provides instant access to your stream when clicked.  A news ticker widget cycles through all of the items in a stream, much like a stock ticker would.  Tapping the deadline takes you to that article while clicking on the folder will take you to the stream itself.

The app also brings about a “mark previous read” feature which lets users do exactly that.  Marking previous read simply makes anything above that article as already been read.  And finally, there is also Russian translation for those who have desired the feature.