DeskBuddy Calendar Display: Simple Yet Limited Functionality
In a world where digital tools abound, the quest for simplicity in organization often leads us down a rabbit hole of overwhelming options. Enter the DeskBuddy, a 3.5-inch smart calendar display designed to streamline your daily schedule by showcasing only today’s events from your synced digital calendars. Priced at $100, this minimalist device offers a refreshing alternative for those tired of juggling multiple apps and notifications. However, as my journey with the DeskBuddy reveals, the allure of simplicity can sometimes mask the need for the control and flexibility that more robust solutions provide. Let’s explore whether this gadget truly enhances productivity or simply adds to the clutter.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | DeskBuddy |
| Display Size | 3.5-inch |
| Price | $100 |
| Functionality | Displays today’s events from synced digital calendars |
| Calendar Compatibility | iCloud, Gmail, Office 365 |
| Connection Method | Wi-Fi, USB-C power |
| User Interaction | Touchscreen, no adjustable screen |
| Alerts | Sound alerts 1 to 90 minutes before events |
| Customization Options | Limited; events are shown but no duration or thickness indicated |
| Missing Features | Does not display tasks from Google Calendar |
| Potential Drawback | Oversimplification may lead to overlooked appointments |
| Author | Scharon Harding |
| Author’s Role | Senior Technology Reporter at Ars Technica |
Understanding the DeskBuddy: A New Approach to Calendaring
The DeskBuddy is a smart calendar display designed to simplify your scheduling experience. With its 3.5-inch screen, it shows only today’s events from your synced digital calendars, like iCloud, Gmail, and Office 365. This gadget aims to eliminate the chaos of multiple apps and alerts, allowing you to focus on what matters most—planning your day. For $100, this unique device promises a straightforward solution to scheduling without the distractions of smartphones or computers.
To set up the DeskBuddy, you connect it to a power source and your Wi-Fi network. Once powered on, it provides a PIN to sync your calendars through a web portal. The DeskBuddy’s design is minimalistic, featuring a colorful touchscreen that displays events color-coded by calendar type. While it offers a refreshing way to view your daily agenda, the device lacks some features that could enhance its usability, such as showing the duration of each event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DeskBuddy?
DeskBuddy is a $100 smart display that shows today’s events from your digital calendars like iCloud, Gmail, and Office 365, helping to simplify your schedule.
How does DeskBuddy sync with my calendars?
You can sync DeskBuddy with your calendars by using a PIN provided by the device through a web portal, allowing easy access to your events.
What are the features of DeskBuddy?
DeskBuddy features a 3.5-inch touchscreen, color-coded event listings, and alerts for upcoming events, focusing solely on today’s schedule.
Can DeskBuddy display tasks from Google Calendar?
No, DeskBuddy only displays events, not tasks from Google Calendar, which may lead to missing important chores if listed as tasks.
Is the screen adjustable on DeskBuddy?
No, the DeskBuddy screen is fixed and does not adjust, so the display remains at a set angle.
What are the limitations of using DeskBuddy?
DeskBuddy may oversimplify your scheduling by not showing event durations or allowing insights into future days, which can affect time management.
Who created DeskBuddy?
DeskBuddy was developed by Blueberry Consultants, a software firm that funded the project through Kickstarter, aiming to create a simple scheduling tool.
Summary
The DeskBuddy is a $100 smart display designed to simplify your digital calendar experience. This 3.5-inch device shows only today’s events from synced calendars like iCloud and Google, making it less distracting than checking multiple apps. However, its oversimplified approach can be limiting, as it lacks details like event duration and task visibility, which are important for managing time effectively. While it provides a focused view of your daily schedule, users may miss the customization and control needed for thorough organization. Overall, the DeskBuddy is a handy gadget for decluttering calendars but may not suit serious planners.