Calendly, a leading appointment scheduling service, has revamped its browser extension to enhance schedule management features and streamline the scheduling process. The new extension is now available for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Outlook, offering a range of innovative features that aim to reduce time spent switching between websites and applications.
New Features in the Browser Extension
The redesigned browser extension boasts several key features that cater to users’ needs:
Meetings Tab
- The ‘Meetings’ tab provides a centralized hub for all scheduled meetings, allowing users to easily join, cancel, or reschedule appointments.
- This feature is exclusive to meetings booked through Calendly.
Contacts Tab
- The ‘Contacts’ tab offers a convenient way to view upcoming meetings with specific individuals and review meeting history.
- Users can access this information without having to navigate the web app.
Sharing Links and Instant Booking
The extension also enables users to share links for different types of meetings (e.g., longer or shorter appointments) or instantly book follow-up calls with someone in the current meeting. This feature streamlines communication and ensures seamless scheduling processes.
Enhanced Features in Calendly’s Core Product
In addition to the browser extension, Calendly has expanded its overall feature set to provide users with more flexibility:
Multiple Meetings in One Time Slot
- Users can now book multiple meetings within a single time slot.
- This feature reduces scheduling conflicts and minimizes downtime.
Prioritization of Meetings
- The service allows users to prioritize one meeting over another, ensuring that the most important appointments are given priority.
- Calendly is exploring the addition of AI-powered suggestions to aid with prioritization.
Introducing Group Bookings
The company has introduced a feature enabling members of sales or marketing teams to book calls on behalf of their teammates. This requires team members to grant permission for group editing of calendars, streamlining coordination and reducing administrative tasks.
Goals Beyond Scheduling: Meeting Life Cycle Insights
Calendly’s Chief Product Officer, Stephen Hsu, emphasizes the company’s ambition to extend its reach beyond scheduling:
- Preparing for Meetings: Calendly aims to provide users with valuable information before meetings, such as attendee details and agendas.
- Meeting Transcription: The company plans to integrate transcription services to capture meeting notes and action items automatically.
The Future of Meeting Tools: Leveraging AI
Calendly is not alone in exploring the potential of AI in meeting-related tools. Zoom, Limitless (formerly Rewind AI), and other companies are leveraging AI to improve meeting experiences. Calendly aims to tap into this trend by:
- Integrating Knowledge from Various Systems: The company plans to create a model that aggregates data from systems like CRM platforms to provide users with comprehensive insights during meetings.
- Enhancing User Experience: By integrating knowledge and transcription services, Calendly seeks to deliver a more seamless experience for its users.
Conclusion
The revamped browser extension marks a significant step in Calendly’s efforts to revolutionize the scheduling process. With its focus on AI-driven innovation and user-centric design, the company is poised to tackle even more ambitious goals beyond scheduling, ultimately enhancing the meeting life cycle experience for its users.
