Help For New Google+ Users

Now that Google+ is open to the unwashed masses "general public" I have been getting a few Facebook friends starting to set up their Google+ profiles. Many of them are wondering how to use Google+ as well as just what the heck Google+ is all about.

I had one friend in particular ask me for some help with Google+. I thought I'd post their question and my response as I'm sure they are not the only one of my friends who have similar questions.

Head past the jump to see my ideas on how Google+ compares to services like Twitter and Facebook as well as a few things that might help new users make the transition.

How to use a "virtual webcam" with Google+ Hangouts

How to use a "virtual webcam" with Google+ Hangouts

I was finally able to find the proper software to build a "virtual webcam" that actually works in Google+ Hangouts.

I had been wanting to stream my World of Warcraft screen as my "webcam" in my Google+ Hangouts and after fumbling through quite a few possibilities I've found that the (apparently) free "ManyCam" software (http://www.manycam.com/) allows me to select part of my desktop as my webcam. It works perfectly for what I was wanting and actually has many cool features I didn't even know I needed.

I won't go into too many gritty details but once you've downloaded and installed the software you will want to select the "Sources" tab in ManyCam.

Select "Desktop" from the sources list and then "Custom Desktop". This gives you a nice selection box which you drag over the area you'd like shared (my windowed World of Warcraft screen in my case) and press "OK" in the upper left of the overlay to select it.

You should now have that part of your desktop as your source. One thing to note here is that if you are broadcasting a game like I am you want to set the "Update rate" to a smaller (lower number) setting to get a faster refresh rate. It seems a little unintuitive that "0" would be faster than "100" but I think the numbers indicate a lower amount of time time between refreshes.

Once you have that set up start your Google+ Hangout and choose "Settings" from the Hangout window then select "ManyCam Virtual Webcam" in the "Camera" dropdown and press Save. It doesn't seem to show the ManyCam feed in the settings window but once you save it it should show your ManyCam image in the "Check your hair..." window before you start your Hangout.

As someone who blogs about World of Warcraft (http://www.powerwordgold.net) I was excited to be able to hangout with my readers and them be able to see what I was doing in game live.

The quality of my video (in the Hangout itself, in the ManyCam it looked fine) wasn't stellar but you could still at least see what I was doing.

If you've been looking for a functional way to make a virtual webcam for use with Googlw+ Hangouts I suggest giving ManyCam a try.

As a side note ManyCam has a ton of fun features that I had a blast playing with. For some (slightly sacrilegious) fun try adding an American Flag (found under Effect>Objects>Flags) and then add the Fire effect (found under Effects>Effects>Dynamic>Fire). Doing this gave me many many luls.

You can download if for free here: http://www.manycam.com/

Wonderful Wiikend to All!

Here are my initial impressions of the Wii so far... Wii Sports is a blast to play and I'm glad they packed it in because I'm not really a sports guy. Boxing in Wii Sports is hilarious and cool. Trauma Center is much more controllable than I expected. It is fun so far. I am surprised at how accurate the Wii-mote and sensors are. I can type on it very quickly. I, for one, welcome this type of mouse-like input in consoles. It'll be nice for navigation when the web browser comes out. Rayman Raving Rabids is definitely in the same vein as the Warioware series. I really need to get a copy of Zelda. Tune in next time when i rave about my new 360 HD-DVD.

(Originally posted on MySpace.)

My first post... GoW style (and a game-hating girlfriend rant!)

So I just got done with a 4 hours Gears of War multiplayer session and that game is so addictive.. the time seriously flys by. Each game is different and you always have to get in "just one more game" lol! So tomorrow.. I guess it is today since it is so late, tonight at midnight we get to go get our Nintendo Wii.... Wiiiiiiiiiii It looks like it's going to be a good Wiikend. I'm just glad (really glad) I married someone who is into video games as much as I am. I always feel bad for guys who's girlfriends hate video games.... If your a girl and you are reading this and your man likes games... for heavens sake don't give him a hard time about it... You'll give him a tick and scar him for life. You don't now how many people at my game development company are excited when the first get hired because now they can say the they need to play (and buy) games since it is their job. You don't have to like games but respect that your man does.. heck, if you tried some of the games he played you might even like it... I know my wife has far surpassed my skill in World of Warcraft. She has a 60 and 40 and I only have a measly 35. Think of it as something you can do together. now get out there and show me some head shots!!!!! And If your into xbox live you can find my gamertag in my "About me" Peas Outside!!!

(Originally posted on MySpace.)