How to Convert Your Google+ Stream to an RSS Feed

How to Convert Your Google+ Stream to an RSS Feed

Have you ever thought about turning your public Google+ posts into an RSS feed? Having an RSS feed for your Google+ stream is not common, but it can be done with a Web service called Googomi. This is great if you’re looking to crosspost from Google+ to another social network, or even if you want to allow others to subscribe to your Google+ posts by email or in their favorite feed reader.

Here’s how to get your very own RSS feed for your Google+ stream.

Getting Your RSS Feed

1. First, go to the Googomi website and click on the green “your profile” button in the middle of the home page.

2. Select the Google email address associated with the Google+ profile that you want an RSS feed for and click on “allow.”

3. Next, select the Google account that you want to use, and on the next page click on “allow access.”

4. Finally, you’ll be directed back to Googomi, where you’ll see your custom RSS feed and your ten most recent posts.

Using Your RSS Feed

How you choose to use this RSS feed is up to you, but I’d suggest using it in an IFTTT recipe. The possibilities of what IFTTT can do with RSS feeds are practically endless. One thing to do with it is send your Google+ posts to another site or app. You can send your Google+ posts to:

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Googomi is the perfect tool for exporting your public Google+ posts to RSS. It’s easy to use and only takes a few minutes. You can then use that RSS feed for a number of things, like crossposting to various social networks. This is a great way to bring more traffic to your Google+ profile, and also great for sharing those gems that you only post to Google+.

What do you plan to do with your Google+ stream RSS feed?

Cool Websites and Tools [March 30th 2013]

Cool Websites and Tools [March 30th 2013]

Check out some of the latest MakeUseOf discoveries. Most of the listed websites are FREE or come with a decent free account option. If you want to have similar cool website round-ups delivered to your daily email, subscribe here.

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		Mematic â€" Creating memes has never been easier with quick meme tools. These tools allow anyone with a funny thought to express it within seconds with this popular medium. If you have an iPhone, then you should check out Mematic. This app lets you create memes from your smartphone pictures in a snap. You can choose between two popular themes to start with. Read more: Mematic: Create Memes With Your iOS Device
		Born Glorious â€" Have you ever wondered when your favorite celebrity’s birthday is? Sure, you can go to Wikipedia and look up the person if there is someone specific you have in mind, but what if you just want a general idea of which celebrities are celebrating a birthday today? This is where the website called Born Glorious comes into play. It offers a convenient way to find the out the birthday and death anniversary of almost every celebrity around the world. Read more: Born Glorious: Find Out The Birthdays Of Famous People
		Easymute â€" Does it annoy you when someone talks to you while you are busy listening to your headphones? Not only you have to fiddle your phone and turn the music off, but you also have to get back to fiddling and turn it on once you are done talking. An app called Easymute for Android lets you pause or turn down the volume of your music just by putting your hand over your phone. Read more: Easymute: Mute Volume Of Music By Putting Your Hand Over Your Phone (Android)
		Wave Timer â€" Alarm clocks and kitchen timer apps are aplenty, but there are always new apps bringing a fresh spin to a core phone function. Wave Timer is an iPhone app that lets you turn off the alarm by just waving your hand. By using the phone’s proximity sensor, you won’t have to touch the phone to silence the alarm. Like any simple kitchen counter app, setup is easy. Read more: Wave Timer: Hands Free Kitchen Timer [iPhone]

These are just half of the websites that we discovered in the last couple of days. If you want us to send you daily round-ups of all cool websites we come across, leave your email here. Or follow us via RSS feed.

BlackVPN TV Router: Always-On VPN Connection to Access Blocked Content From USA

BlackVPN TV Router: Always-On VPN Connection to Access Blocked Content From USA

Connecting to a VPN network is easy. All you have to do is install the software provided by the VPN provider and run it. In less than a minute, you will be connected to the VPN. However, if you are planning to share the VPN connection with multiple devices, or watch Internet TV on your smart TV, the typical VPN connection is just not up for the job. You will need a VPN router.

What is a VPN router?

The VPN router is just like any router, except that it is connected to a VPN service (or have the ability to connect to VPN) internally. When you connect to the router, either vi a ethernet or WiFi, you are automatically connected to a VPN network. There is no software to install or configuration to be done on your machine. Everything just work. This is great if you need to access to a VPN connection on multiple devices at your home (or workplace).

And this is what the BlackVPN router is about. You just have to connect to the BlackVPN WiFI network and you are automatically connected to their VPN service. As easy as that!

The Hardware

BlackVPN Router is based on the Cisco Linksys E1550 router and is running on the DD-WRT firmware. It is preconfigured with the BlackVPN service, so the moment it detects an Internet connection, it will internally connect to the BlackVPN service.

Setting up BlackVPN

The setting up of BlackVPN Router is very easy. All you need to do is to power up the device and connect a LAN cable from your existing router’s LAN port, or the direct Internet source, to the “Internet” port of the BlackVPN router. In less than a minute, you should see a new “BlackVPN” WiFi network appear in your network manager (the alternative method is to plug an ethernet cable from the LAN port of the BlackVPN router to your computer’s ethernet port). Once you are connected to the network, you are on the VPN network.

A quick IP check show that my IP is now 208.76.55.194, which is an I P from US, Florida. Note that I am residing in Singapore, so this shows that the VPN connection is working.

Putting it to the test

Accessing blocked content

Other than online privacy, a VPN connection is most useful for accessing content that are not available in your country, such as Pandora, Netflix, Spotify etc. BlackVPN provides a list of blocked content that you can access with the router. I tried Spotify, Netflix and Hulu, and they all worked. I am also able to run the Spotify app on my desktop, which I previously couldn’t.

In fact, when used together with the Roku Streaming Player, the BlackVPN router allows you to access to more than 700+ channels of online TV, movies, sports, music and etc, which you would not be able to access otherwise. This is simply amazing for someone who is not residing in USA

Speed test

I did a quick speed test on how fast the VPN connection is and whether it is able to support media streaming from the Web. I did find the speed on the slower side, but that is highly subjective as I am always on a fast 100Mbps broadband service. The result below shows that while the speed is not blazingly fast, it is still within the acceptable range for online streaming and file downloading.

BlackVPN service

As I mentioned earlier, the router is tied to the BlackVPN service. The bad news is, the BlackVPN connection is not free forever. As for the good news, you get to enjoy a full whole of year of unlimited VPN connection. At the end of the year, you can choose to renew the VPN service (at €49 per year) or simply reset the router and use it as a normal router.

In addition, this specific TV router only comes with a USA, or UK connection. If you are looking for VPN connection to another location, this router is not for you.

Conclusion

If you are one of those who need to connect to VPN on multiple devices all the time, this VPN router will be a great choice for you. It is also great for those who are not residing in US, but love to watch Internet movies (an d access blocked content) on your smart TV.

BlackVPN TV Router is currently selling at €99.00 and comes with free Worldwide shipping and a year of unlimited connection to BlackVPN service.

Thanks to BlackVPN for sending us a review unit.

How to Turn Your Caps Lock Key Into a Google Search Key

How to Turn Your Caps Lock Key Into a Google Search Key

Do you use your caps lock key still? Most computer users seem to bypass the caps lock key on their keyboard, and it just goes unused. What if you could turn the caps lock key into something else? With SharpKeys, you can remap the caps lock key to open Google Search by default. Additionally, SharpKeys can also be used to remap the caps lock key into any other command and can be used for other keys as well.

How to turn your caps lock key into a search key

1. Download SharpKeys from the CodePlex page and install it. Run it after the installation.

2. SharpKeys will welcome you to its pro gram and let you know exactly what it does. Click “Ok” to get started.

3. Click “Add” to begin remapping your caps lock key. From here, scroll down and click on “Special: Caps Lock (00_3A)” in the “Map this key (From key):” column. You will want to choose a key to map it to. F10 is widely considered the most useless key on the keyboard by computer users. Since you probably do not use it, click “Function: F10 (00_44)” in the “Top this key (To key):” column.

4. Click “OK.” A pop-up will appear to let you know the settings have been cha nged in the registry. Click “OK.”

5. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. After the restart, your caps lock key will no longer work like it used to. This allows us to create our Google search key.

6. In your Desktop, right click and select “New -> Shortcut.” This will open the Create Shortcut wizard.

7. Enter in the location of the new shortcut. In order to turn this shortcut into a Google Search key, you will want to enter “http://www.google.com/” into the Type the location of the item: box. Click “Next.”

8. Choose a name for your shortcut key. You can name it Google Search or anything you want. The name itself does not matter for the key mapping process. Click “Finish” when you are through naming the shortcut.

9. Right click on the newly created shortcut icon and select “Properties”. Type in “F10? in the Shortcut key box, then click “Apply” and “OK” to exit the Properties for your new shortcut.

10. Click the “Caps Lock” key. Google Search will now open for you to begin searching to your heart’s content.

Conclusion

Turning your caps lock key into something more useful can help you be more efficient when using keyboard shortcuts. With SharpKeys, you can turn any key you do not use frequently into something more usefu l. What will you use SharpKeys to change on your keyboard?

Image credit: computer key Caps Lock by WPClipart

5 Ways to Use Google Adword New Enhanced Campaign to Reach Target Audience

5 Ways to Use Google Adword New Enhanced Campaign to Reach Target Audience

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There are many people using Google Adwords as their favorite tool to promote their websites easily. It is a pay per click campaign that allows you to put some advertisements about your website on the first page of Google. This tool is also able to put your promoted websites on several networks that are partnered with Google. There is a new enhanced campaign in Google Adwords. This new enhanced campaign is very powerful to help you get your targeted audience easily. In this article, you will read some reasons how the new enhanced campaign can help you better reach your target audience. Here are some of those reasons.

1. Target specific location

This feature is a perfect option for people who want to promote their websites to specific people in certain locations. You are able to specify your targeted location before starting your ads campaign. This is the most important feature that allows you to reach your target audience easily. If you want to promote your ads to anyone living in your country, you are able to set it up easily. It means that your ads are going to be displayed to anyone living in your chosen country. Google will not display your advertisements on the other countries.

2. Target people using specific devices

This is another great feature that is available in the Google Adwords new enhanced campaign. This campaign allows you to target certain people using specific devices, such as laptop, mobile phones, tablets, and many other devices. Nowadays, there are a lot of devices used around the world. By targeting your audience through the specific devices, you are able to reach your target audience effectively. You have to analyze your customers before starting your ads campaign in Google Adwords. If your customers mostly use mobile devices, it is advisable to target your audience through the advertisement in the mobile devices.

3. New advanced reports

This new campaign is equipped with new advanced report. This report allows you to get any information about your advertisement program, such as conversion types, digital downloads, calls, and any other related information about your ads. You can use this report to analyze your advertisement program very effectively. As the result, you are going to have better way to reach your target audience by using this new enhanced campaign. You are able to analyze your customers’ behaviors by using this advanced report. After learning about your customers’ behaviors, you are able to adjust your campaign in order to meet their needs and preferences.

4. New Ad extension feature

This feature allows you to control your ads more effectively than the regular service. By using this feature, you are able to create extensions for your ads campaign. It means that you have more control on the ads that you are going to show to your customers. You are able to schedule your extension to run on some specific times. By doing so, you are able to target your audience in a much better way. If you are targeting business people, you can show the ads after their office hours. They are able to see your ads after they finish all of their business activities. This feature allows you to be more flexible in managing your ads in order to reach your target audience easily.

5. Create several ads at the same time

You are allowed to create several ads at the same time. This step is very important, especially if you want to find the best way to reach your target audience. By doing this step, you are able to analyze and determine the best way to reach your audience. It is possible to take the A/B split tests in order to find the most effective ads campaign for promoting your websites to your customers.

Those are some reasons who the new enhanced campaign can help you better reach your target audience. This new campaign is very powerful for people who are looking for the best way to promote their websites through Google Adwords. Because of that reason, there are many people love using this new enhanced campaign in their Adwords account. This enhanced campaign is very powerful to boost your ads performance in your pay per click program with Google Adwords. 

Guest Author Bio: Jason Smith is an online manager for Right Lawyers â€" who are experienced las vegas family lawyers. Jason likes blogging about online strategies that are related to SEO, Content, PPC & Lead generation.

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How to Turn Your Caps Lock Key Into a Google Search Key

How to Turn Your Caps Lock Key Into a Google Search Key

Do you use your caps lock key still? Most computer users seem to bypass the caps lock key on their keyboard, and it just goes unused. What if you could turn the caps lock key into something else? With SharpKeys, you can remap the caps lock key to open Google Search by default. Additionally, SharpKeys can also be used to remap the caps lock key into any other command and can be used for other keys as well.

How to turn your caps lock key into a search key

1. Download SharpKeys from the CodePlex page and install i t. Run it after the installation.

2. SharpKeys will welcome you to its program and let you know exactly what it does. Click “Ok” to get started.

3. Click “Add” to begin remapping your caps lock key. From here, scroll down and click on “Special: Caps Lock (00_3A)” in the “Map this key (From key):” column. You will want to choose a key to map it to. F10 is widely considered the most useless key on the keyboard by computer users. Since you probably do not use it, click “Function: F10 (00_44)” in the “Top this key (To key):” column.

4. Click “OK.” A pop-up will appear to let you know the settings have been changed in the registry. Click “OK.”

5. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. After the restart, your caps lock key will no longer work like it used to. This allows us to create our Google search key.

6. In your Desktop, right click and select “New -> Shortcut.” This will open the Create Shortcut wizard.

7. Enter in the location of the new shortcut. In order to turn this shortcut into a Google Search key, you will want to enter “http://www.google.com/” into the Type the location of the item: box. Click “Next.”

8. Choose a name for your shortcut key. You can name it Google Search or anything you want. The name itself does not matter for the key mapping process. Click “Finish” when you are through naming the shortcut.

9. Right click on the newly created shortcut icon and select “Properties”. Type in “F10? in the Shortcut key box, then click “Apply” and “OK” to exit the Properties for your new shortcut.

10. Click the “Caps Lock” key. Google Search will now open for you to begin searching to your heart’s content.

Conclusion

Turning your caps lock key into something more useful can help you be more efficient when using keyboard shortcuts. With SharpKeys, you can turn any key you do not use frequently into something more useful. What will you use SharpKeys to change on your keyboard?

Image credit: computer key Caps Lock by WPClipart

How To Fake Camera Blur On Your Android For SLR-Like Photos [Android]

How To Fake Camera Blur On Your Android For SLR-Like Photos [Android]

The cameras on our Android devices have been getting some impressive upgrades over the last few years, and there’s been a reinforced push towards making Android devices complete replacements for good quality cameras. While these cameras are able to take clear, sharp images, they still don’t have the quality that SLR cameras provide.

These cameras can make amazing pictures as they are able to focus strongly on foreground objects and make the background blurry, but they have a big learning curve. However, just because your Android device’s camera can’t natively achieve such results, there’s nothing that stops an app from emulating them.

Cymera

Cymera is a completely free app which aids in creating better pictures. While it is capable of so much, it does have options for creating SLR-like photos. It includes 7 different camera “lenses”, including one to simulate DSLR pictures. It also packs plenty of different filters, including blur effects, as well as an auto correction feature. While taking pictures, you can also change the shoot mode, allowing you to use a timer, touch shot, or anti-shake mode.

For some added fun, you can apply beauty effects and other decorations which give your images some flair. Cymera has some interesting technology behind this feature, such as automatic facial recognition, hair and makeup functions, and effects such as big eyes or slim. Adding these does void the professional look provided by the DSLR effects. Finally, Cymera offers plenty of sharing capabilities for Facebook, Twitter, Cyworld, Weibo, and Mixi.

AfterFocus

AfterFocus is another app which focuses on blurring, but adds a little more functionality when it comes to identifying what parts of the image are in the background. It includes a smart focus area selection tool with which you can tell the app which parts of the image are in the foreground. You can do this by drawing lines that border the foreground, or you can finger paint and fill in the entire area of the foreground. You can then apply a background blur effect using one of multiple aperture styles, including a DSLR style.

AfterFocus also offers some professional effects such as Cross Process, and it does a good job at applying it. Finally, you can share your finished images via the app across multiple social networks. The paid version of this app offers just a few extra benefits such as support for high resolution images, edge-feathering for smoother transitions between blurred and non-blurred areas, more filters, and a double photo feature. Double photo allows you to take two pictures and have the software determine the closest objects in your image so that you don’t have to draw the focus area yourself.

Motion Camera

The next app is called Motion Camera, and as its name might imply, it specializes in blur effects. It includes a real-time motion effect, and the option to choose between blurring everything, blurring lighter objects, or blurring darker ones. These can be used to blur the background as long as the foreground objects are on the opposite side of the brightness scale. The app’s camera features includes some basics such as auto focus, flash, front camera support, and zoom. This mainly works for items that are moving, and not for still images.

In other words, the blur effect that it applies is more of a motion blur than a focus blur. Motion Camera is free to use, but it includes ads unless you buy the paid version. The paid version doesn’t have any additional functions, however.

Camera Illusion

Finally, you can try out an app called Camera Illusion. I don’t quite like this one as much because it has the largest amount of features reserved for the paid version of the app, but the free version is still okay to use. It includes a blur effect, color filter with hue and saturation, access to the app directly from your camera, and the ability to save the original image in addition to your tweaked one.

This app doesn’t really do too much to make your images look as if it was taken by an SLR camera, but it is still good for adding a few touches to your pictures. The blurring appears to apply to the entire image, so it’s only good for if you’re taking pictures where virtually everything is in the background. I’m also not the biggest fan of its interface, but it still gets the job done.

Conclusion

So who wins out of these four apps? I’d say the winner is Cymera, simply because it has the best options for SLR-like images, ignoring all the other features and frills that come with it. While the other apps were good contenders, Cymera makes your images look great, and replicate the SLR effect very well. Plus it has a very nice interface that makes using the app quite a pleasure.

Also, I do apologize that my images had to be of a fan â€" I couldn’t find anyone that wanted to volunteer! I hope you still see the differences.

If you’d like to disagree with me or even suggest a completely different app than the four I’ve listed, let us know in the comments!

Image Credits: Dan Foy