Without a doubt, Google SMS Channels is really a good service. Many bloggers are creating SMS channels dedicated for their blog, so that their readers can follow their blog from mobile.

I have created Devils Workshop SMS channel last night and started receiving SMS for each post as it was getting published. But I was disappointed to see that there was no link to article in SMS I received. Links could help people having GPRS/wi-fi enabled cellphones browse articles from their handset.

I tried finding such option first, but I failed. So I created a small script which accept your original feed URL and give you link to a new feed which:

  1. First shorten links to your article using famous service TinyUrl. This takes care of 160 character limit of SMS.
  2. Next it append such shortened link to your feeds title.

Now when Google SMS channel will fetch such converted link, they will send short urls to articles in SMS updates.

Below is screenshot which highlights this difference:


How to use:

1. Getting a converted link

  • You can either get converted link using web interface provided at Google SMS Channels with TinyUrl
  • OR simply prefix http://gsmslinks.rtcamp.com/ to your feed URL.

Example: http://feeds.devilsworkshop.org/rb286 will become http://gsmslinks.rtcamp.com/http://feeds.devilsworkshop.org/rb286

2. Modifying Existing Channel

  • Just edit RSS/Atom feed URL. If you are creating a new channel, enter converted feed link here otherwise replace old link with converted link. Please DO NOT forget to remove prefix http:// from links as it is added by Google by default.

  • Next better click on Preview button to check if desired results are coming in mobile emulator screen on page. If yes, click Update Channel button below.

If you have any question, please ask via comments only. If there exist option to do this, please let me know. :-)

Link: Google SMS Channels with TinyUrl Links

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