Google Calendar has introduced a new feature allowing users to block off time for tasks and mark themselves as busy. This enhancement expands the existing Tasks feature in Calendar and responds to requests from Workspace users. The update enables tasks to operate similarly to meetings, offering options to specify a time block, activate a “do not disturb” setting, and automatically decline meeting invitations. Users can add deadlines, although currently, only the date can be specified, with no option for deadline times.
Since its launch as an independent app in 2018, Google Tasks has undergone numerous updates, including recent integrations with Google Keep reminders and the addition of completion dates. This new feature update is accessible to all Workspace customers, individual subscribers, and personal Gmail account holders. The rollout began on November 6, 2023, for Rapid Release domains, with full availability expected by mid-December.
For users familiar with planning tools or features found in other applications like Outlook, this update may provide a structured way to manage tasks and indicate periods of focus to others. Unlike the existing “Focus Time” functionality, the updated Tasks feature allows specific time allocation for detailed tasks.
To utilize this new feature, users can access Google Calendar, select an empty block, and choose “Task” from the available options.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/822492/google-calendar-tasks-busy-time-block