If you are still hanging on to Outlook for the desktop notifications, you may finally be able to drop it and use Google Calendar instead if desired.
With a few tweaks in Chrome and enabling a Labs feature, you can receive popup notifications direct to your desktop from Google Calendar.
Setting Up Google Calendar Notifications
The only drawback is you have to keep Chrome running to receive the notifications, but it’s a small price to pay if you are looking to drop Outlook once and for all. To set up desktop notifications, follow these steps:
- Open Google Calendar in Chrome.
- Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner and select “Settings”.
- Navigate to the “Event settings” tab.
- Under “Notifications”, select “Desktop notifications”.
- Save your changes.
Once you have enabled desktop notifications, you will receive popup alerts for your events and reminders directly on your desktop, even if you are not actively looking at your calendar. This feature can be particularly useful for those who have a busy schedule and need constant reminders to stay on track.
Advantages of Using Google Calendar
Google Calendar offers several advantages over traditional desktop applications like Outlook. Here are a few reasons why you might consider making the switch:
- Accessibility: Google Calendar is cloud-based, meaning you can access it from any device with an internet connection. This is particularly useful for people who need to manage their schedules on the go.
- Integration: Google Calendar integrates seamlessly with other Google services like Gmail and Google Meet. You can easily create events from your emails or add video conferencing links to your calendar invites.
- Collaboration: Sharing your calendar with others is straightforward, making it easier to coordinate meetings and events with colleagues, friends, and family.
- Customization: Google Calendar offers various customization options, including different views (day, week, month), color-coding for events, and the ability to set multiple reminders for important events.
Additionally, Google Calendar Labs offers experimental features that can enhance your experience. For example, you can enable features like “Event attachments” to add relevant documents to your events or “Year view” for a broader overview of your schedule.
You can follow the tutorial from a previously devoted Outlook user over on
Via Lifehacker Via
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