Key Points
- Google has added a new “focus time” feature to Google Calendar. The feature allows users to block off time for specific tasks.
- Users can add descriptions and set “do not disturb” and visibility preferences for each task.
- This is an improvement over the common workaround of scheduling fake meetings to block out time.
- The feature is rolling out now and will be available by default to all Google Workspace and personal account users.
Everyone has their own way of staying productive. Some people rely on to-do lists and apps, while others prefer to schedule out their day with planners. For those in the second group, Google has just added a small but useful new feature to its Workspace suite.
From now on, you’ll be able to block off specific segments of time in your Google Calendar to work on individual tasks. This new “focus time” feature lets you add descriptions of what you’ll be working on and set your preferences for that task, including turning on “do not disturb” and adjusting your visibility settings.
This is a nice improvement for those who have been scheduling fake meetings with themselves just to block out time to focus on a particular project—a common practice among many of us here at Engadget.
This new option started rolling out to Google’s “Rapid Release” domains earlier in November. For “standard release” domains, the feature will be released gradually, starting on December 1.
Once the rollout is complete, this new “focus time” feature will be available by default to everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a paying Google Workspace customer or just using a personal Google account; you’ll be able to take advantage of this new productivity tool. It’s a simple change, but one that could make a big difference for anyone who needs to carve out dedicated, uninterrupted time in their busy schedule.
