Google Calendar now shows users' availability

People using Google's Calendar service can now plan their activities more efficiently with a new feature - appointment slots. Software engineer Irene Chung said this new feature allows Google Calendar users to let each other know about their preferred availability for events. "Google Calendar has become indispensable for organizing my own time and sharing my schedule with friends and coworkers. But what about letting others know about my preferred availability? Likewise, when I look at my hairdresser's online calendar, I wonder why I can't just book the open slot instead of remembering to call during regular business hours. Now, with appointment slots in Google Calendar, any individual or business can manage appointment availability online 24/7," Chung said in a blog post. She said that users can set up blocks of time they want to offer as appointment slots by clicking anywhere on their calendars and then on "Appointment slots." From there, they can create a single block of time or automatically split a larger block of time into smaller appointment slots. Every Google Calendar has its own personal appointments sign up page; one can embed it on one's website or give the URL directly to friends and clients. "When someone visits your sign up page, their calendar is overlaid for convenience and they can sign up directly for any available appointment slot. When they sign up, Google Calendar conveniently creates a new shared event on both of your calendars," Chung said. She added this is useful for managing office hours or even scheduling appointments with on-site fitness instructors. "We’re starting to roll it out widely today, and appointment slots should be available for everyone within the next few days," she said. — TJD, GMA News