Rootly, the news aggregating site, has launched some new and useful features.
In this third relaunch, Rootly is introducing a new site design, which is not only more practical but more attractive as well. The navigation is improved, switching its vertical menu to a horizontal orientation, making the site's functions easier to access. To clean up the page, pre-existing tabs can be hidden, and you can create your own, including an unlimited number of customized news lists under various tabs. Additional customization options for these include keywords, categories, and custom feeds.
Rootly has also enhanced the profile, incorporating the ability to add more information about yourself, such as IM contact info and an uploaded avatar. It's also added OpenID, since this sign in option is becoming so popular. Most importantly for Rootly's new features is the added custom feeds and customization options, which really expands the usefulness of Rootly's services and makes for a good front page. With so many front pages emerging in the market and widgets taking over a lot of functionality with the front page service, customization will be key. Others in this space include Netvibes, Topix.net, Viyya and Google.
Allen Stern has also covered Rootly's relaunch.