UPDATE: A tech enthusiast has just unveiled a DIY alternative to the pricey Skylight Calendar, offering families an innovative way to manage multiple schedules. This project, powered by Home Assistant, provides a real-time family calendar display without the hefty price tag of $300 for commercial models.
The struggle to sync schedules among family members is a common challenge, especially with everyone using their own devices. The DIY solution not only addresses this problem but enhances functionality, making it a game-changer for households juggling multiple calendars.
With many families relying on Google Calendar, integrating it into the Home Assistant ecosystem was crucial. The creator utilized a 12-inch display tablet as the dashboard, harnessing Home Assistant to pull in various calendars and display them seamlessly. This setup allows each family member’s calendar to be viewed independently, ensuring that important events do not get lost in the shuffle.
The project leverages Home Assistant’s advanced integration capabilities, which treat each calendar as a separate entity. This feature enables users to control what appears on the screen, allowing for tailored views based on individual needs. The creator has successfully created an engaging user experience, with easy navigation features like an oversized “Add Event” button that syncs changes back to the shared Google Calendar instantly.
Developing: The DIY calendar clone is currently in its proof-of-concept phase, and early results show promising engagement from family members. “It has given me ultra-quick visibility into my schedule and my family’s schedule,” the creator noted, emphasizing the convenience of checking the dashboard without reaching for a smartphone.
In addition to calendar management, the project opens doors for further automation. For instance, the system can trigger heating in the home office before an early morning meeting, enhancing comfort with minimal effort. This level of automation could be a significant benefit for busy families, combining scheduling with everyday home management.
While the aesthetic may not match the commercial Skylight product, the creator sees this as an opportunity for future enhancements. The flexibility of Home Assistant allows for continuous improvements, ensuring that functionality remains the focus.
For families overwhelmed by calendar chaos, this DIY Home Assistant calendar clone offers an immediate, cost-effective solution. The project demonstrates the power of home automation, emphasizing that even those with limited technical skills can create a functional and customizable family dashboard.
As this DIY solution gains traction, it could inspire others to explore similar projects, making family calendar management more accessible and efficient. For those struggling to keep their schedules organized, this innovative approach could spark a movement towards smarter home solutions.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development, as the creator continues to refine and enhance the user experience. This could very well be the future of family scheduling.
