from sharing dates to extracurricular activities without forgetting

At present We are used to carrying our smartphone with us for all kinds of tasks.. It is not in vain that this device has wiped off the map dozens of others that were used daily. But that does not mean that we are taking full advantage of what can be done with these devices, even though practically everyone in Europe has one in their pocket.

One of the basic functions of all modern phones is a calendar. which allows connection with the cloud. In other words, the calendar application can be managed not only from the phone, but also from a computer or tablet. And even from smart screens, as we will see later.

In this way, this application, which can be shared between multiple usersbecomes the definitive tool to be able to organize all the events and tasks that are done together at home, especially if there are children or teenagers, because many more things will have to be taken into account. Depending on their age, it will even be possible for them to have access to these events.

The request

To use a shared calendar, you need to keep in mind that everyone must be using the same service. This does not mean you have to use the same appbecause it is possible to use a calendar service like Google’s but then integrate it with other applications.

However, the most convenient thing is to use an application that everyone has, that is not paid and that is secure. To start, the best option is probably Calendar, the Google app which comes pre-installed on all Android phones and tablets and also has a web version.

This service allows us to organize our events but, in addition, This allows us to have events shared with the people we want, in this case with family.. Its handling is not complex and it also integrates with Gmail to obtain flight data, it can block spaces if it detects that there is an appointment scheduled in Meet, etc.

The calendar

The application does not use only one calendar, but it is possible to create several.of different themes. For example, an adult who has a work calendar in which his meetings and tasks are assigned will not want them to be mixed with doctor appointments or family vacations, but will want to see them in the same physical space on the screen. This is what Google Calendar allows.

To create a new calendar, we need to open the web version and click on the speed button. Once there, we select the option General, SO Add a calendar and finally Create a calendar. We will need to give it a name, such as Family, a description, and select the time zone we want its hours to be based on.

Once this is done, we can share the calendar publicly or, better yet, share it with some people. This is where we will need the Google account addresses of each family member. Normally these will be those of Gmail, but it is possible to also use those of WorkSpace if necessary.

To share the calendar, we must click on the speed button. Once there we select the name of the calendar and a window will open on the right side. It is in this section that we must look for the option Share with specific people or groups. This is where by clicking on the button Add people and groups We will be able to include each person in the family.

Event Creation

Once this calendar is created and shared, all events created in it will appear in all family members’ apps. To create a new event, simply Click on the + icon of the application or from the web version and select the event. There you must fill in the relevant data, such as name, address if it is a trip or any additional notes.

But The important thing is to select the calendar in which it should appear.. If you select something other than the one we created and shared, the rest of the family will not see it. This is done when creating an entry, selecting the calendar at the bottom of the options, between attachments and availability. It is important that when a person has been invited to the calendar, they have received (or not) permissions to create and edit events. This way Others may also contribute to the calendar. and it is much more convenient to organize for the family. If the little ones have not yet organized anything, they can have consultation-only profiles, in which they will see all the details of the events, but will not be able to edit them.

Multiple options

When creating events, there are many options that are not normally used and can be very useful. To start, it is possible attach files. This is useful when it is an event with tickets, to locate them and for any member to be able to see them.

It is also very practical enter the address of the place you are going toif so, press directly and the route calculation will open in Google Maps. If the grandparents live far away, it is comfortable schedule a video call with them, being created directly from the calendar event, so that all members have access to it. In this case, if we want to share a single event with grandparents, for example, this can be done with the option Add Guestsonly needing the alumni email to include them in the Guests option of the entry.

Smart displays

Although all this information can be viewed both on the mobile phone and on any web browser (even in some cars like Teslas), A very convenient option for the family is to view the calendar on a smart display. Especially if it is in a common place, like the kitchen or the entrance of the house.

Google Display Speakers and Alexa Enable Integration of one’s own calendar and that of others. Google’s can be used in both, but curiously the interface that shows it best is Alexa’s, which allows us to see the list of events and the days of the month at a glance.