Tech-Route

Google Calendar is a calendar application that is integrated into several other Google services like Gmail. A labs section is provided by for Google Calendar users that provides access to experimental features.The Google Calendar features can easily be activated in the labs section and Google just announced the addition of three new Calendar Labs applications that users can activate in their account.Event Flair is the first Google Calendar Labs app. It can be used to add specific icons to individual Calendar events, like a cake for a birthday or a plane for traveling. Users who are invited to the events do see the icons as well.

The second addition, Gentle Reminders, is currently only available if the Google Chrome web browser is used as the Internet browser. It changes the way event reminders are shown to the user. Instead of browser alerts, which can interrupt the users workflow tab and title reminders are shown. They will start blinking.


It is furthermore possible to configure the reminders as floating desktop notifications instead. An option that can be configured in the extension’s settings.



The third and final Calendar lab application is Automatically Declining Events which can be used to define periods in time when all event invitations will automatically be declined. This can be very useful during holidays or work related travels so that other users are informed immediately about a person’s absence.
Google Calendar users find the new features
in their Calendar application.