Features

Google Rolls Out Calendar Beta

By Dilip Thomas

Keeping in the tradition of releasing all or most of its software in beta, Google has opened the lid off its much-anticipated Calendar service to the public, replete with Gmail integration and SMS notifications. Code-named CL2, the free service enables users to quickly add events and reminders, send invitations and share their calendar with others.

Google Calendar uses open calendar standards, thus providing a wider choice when it comes to accessing your calendar. You can view your schedule using any application or device that accepts iCal or XML files. You can also import information from other popular calendar applications – like Microsoft Outlook and Yahoo! Calendar.

RSS feeds are also available: go to the left hand side click the down arrow by your name, and you will see calendar settings click that and you will be presented with a private feed URL if your application supports ical you can link in with that as well.

Some of the other features include:

Calendar Sharing: Set up a calendar for your company softball team, and share it with the whole roster. (Your shortstop will never forget about practice again.) Or share with friends and family so you can view each other's schedules side by side.

Invitations: Create event invitations, send them to friends, and keep track of people's responses and comments, all in one place. Your friends can receive your invitation and post responses even if they don't use Google Calendar themselves.

Quick Add: Click anywhere on your calendar where an event belongs (or use the Quick Add link), and start typing. Google Calendar understands whole phrases like "Brunch with mom at Java Cafe 11am on Saturday," and will pop new events right into your agenda.

Gmail Integration: Add your friend's Super Bowl party to your calendar without ever leaving your Gmail inbox. Gmail now recognizes events mentioned in emails.

Search: Find the date of the Baxter family BBQ (you knew it was sometime this summer). Or, search public calendars to discover new events you're interested in and add them to your own calendar.

Mobile Access: Receive event reminders and notifications on your mobile phone.

Event Publishing: Share your organization's events with the world

To know more about Google Calendar, you may want to try out this Google calendar tour