This might seem like a trend from the death of Google Reader to now Google warning that it is discontinuing XML feeds from Google Calendar.
An email was sent out to Google accounts and Google App administrators if they use the RSS feed for any calendars. Additionally, if you view a calendar’s details, you will see a bold announcement above the pop-up layer that provides the XML feed address.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Starting on November 18th, 2015, XML feeds from Google Calendar will no longer be available. Learn about alternatives to XML feeds.
To use the XML feed in the interim, you can copy and paste this into any feed reader:
https://www.google.com/calendar/feeds/user%40gmail.com/public/basic
WARNING: Public access to this calendar has not been enabled. You should change your sharing settings before sharing this address with others.
The email from the Google Calendar Team reads:
IMPORTANT: XML feeds in Google Calendar
Hi Google Apps Administrators,
Due to low usage and an effort to streamline our services, as of Nov 18, 2015, XML feeds will no longer be available in Google Calendar. You’ve received this message because your domain is viewing or sharing a link to one or more calendars using an XML feed.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes. Google Calendar will continue to support 3 ways to view your calendars in other applications or websites:
Access your calendar in other applications like Microsoft Outlook or Apple Calendar using iCal.
Embed your calendar in your website or blog using HTML.
If you’re a developer—Use the Google Calendar API to display, create, and modify calendar events.
Finally, you can always view and manage your calendars using the Google Calendar app for Android, iPhone®, or on the Web.
Sincerely,
The Google Calendar Team
As for alternatives, the link in the announcement takes you to a Calendar Help page titled ‘XML feeds are going away’ which provides three alternatives:
- iCal access to Outlook or Apple Calendar
- Embedding your calendar on a website with HTML
- Using the Google Calendar API
While these offer flexible means of accessing your GCal, none of those alternatives are a direct replacement to your workflow. If you want to receive your events in your RSS feed reader, there does not appear to be an option unless your reader builds a plugin to use the Google Calendar API.
Perhaps an emailed Daily agenda would meet your needs. You can enable one for your calendar under Calendar Details and the ‘Edit notifications’ tab.
You will have until November 18th, 2015 to find an alternative that works for you.