The latest feature update to Google Calendar allows you to block time for tasks and mark yourself as busy in one place, expanding the existing tasks feature in Calendar. This is something that Workspace users have been specifically requesting and effectively allows Tasks to function like meetings, including options to set (and adjust) a specific block of time, turn on “Do Not Disturb,” and automatically decline meeting requests. You can also add a time range, but only by date – there is currently no option for a time range.
Depending on how you use your calendar, this may be what you were expecting tasks to always become. It’s undergone a number of changes over the years, from launching as its own app in 2018 to recently receiving some much-needed updates, like adding integrated reminders and completion dates from Google Keep. This change is coming to all Workspace customers, personal customers, and personal Gmail accounts. It began rolling out to rapid release domains on November 6, but may take until mid-December to appear on your account.
If you’re someone who uses a planner or are accustomed to using a similar feature of Outlook, this update can help you keep track of what you’re working on and let other people know when to let you focus at the same time. However, unlike the existing “Focus Time” feature, the updated version of the “Tasks” feature lets you allocate time for a specific task.
You can try this by going into your Google Calendar and selecting “Tasks” from the options that pop up when you select an empty block on your calendar.