Google is rolling out a Material You redesign for its web-based Calendar app, aligning it with updates already made to other Google Workspace tools like Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This redesign introduces a more modern interface, including a much-requested dark theme.

Google Calendar Material You Redesign

The new look for Google Calendar on the web enhances user experience by modernizing the visual layout and improving accessibility. Here’s a breakdown of the changes:

1. Material You Design:
   • The main calendar is now placed in a container with rounded edges, while the top and sidebars have a light blue background. This creates a cohesive look across Google Workspace services.
   • Modern Controls: Buttons, dialogs, and sidebars have been updated to be more user-friendly and accessible.
   • Typography: Google has integrated its custom typefaces, designed for high readability, into the interface for improved text clarity.
   • Iconography: Icons are now more legible, crisp, and modern, offering a fresh, clean aesthetic.
2. Dark Theme Option: The introduction of a dark theme is one of the most significant updates to Google Calendar. Users can now choose between three theme options:
   • Light Mode
   • Dark Mode
   • Device Default (which adapts to the system’s theme settings)

   You can adjust these settings by going to the Settings gear icon and selecting Appearance. Dark mode has been a highly anticipated feature, especially for those who prefer a less glaring display, especially in low-light environments.

3. Impact on Chrome Extensions: Google has issued a warning that the visual updates may interfere with certain Chrome extensions used alongside Google Calendar. This might cause some extensions to malfunction or not display as expected. Google recommends contacting the developers of these extensions to report issues.
4. Task Integration Update: Along with Calendar, Tasks.google.com has also received a similar Material You update, making for a more consistent design across Google’s suite of productivity tools.

This new Material You and dark theme redesign is rolling out over the next few weeks for all Google Workspace users, including individual subscribers and those with personal Google accounts.

Google Fi SIM Card Manufacturing Issue

Google Fi Wireless recently discovered a manufacturing defect affecting some SIM cards, causing them to fail for certain users. The issue led to SIM cards randomly malfunctioning, displaying an “Insert SIM card” error on devices, even when users hadn’t removed or changed their cards. Some users who received replacement SIM cards experienced repeated failures.

Google addressed this issue by identifying the specific batch of faulty SIM cards. They have since rectified the problem and assured customers that new SIM cards should function correctly without further issues. Here are the key points:

1. Customer Communication: Impacted users were notified via email, where Google outlined the problem and its resolution. Customers using affected SIM cards are being advised to switch to new cards to prevent unexpected disruptions.
2. Compensation and Support: Some users have reported receiving a $60 credit toward their service or billing, as compensation for the inconvenience caused by the faulty SIM cards. Google Fi is actively reaching out to users who either experienced this issue previously or are still using an impacted SIM card.
3. Switch to eSIM: To avoid future problems, Google is recommending the use of eSIMs (embedded SIMs), especially for those who encountered this problem. For users with older devices that do not support eSIM, Google Fi is offering replacement SIM cards with expedited shipping at no cost.
4. Next Steps for Affected Users: If you receive a notification from Google regarding your SIM card, it’s advised to follow their recommendation and switch to a new SIM to prevent further issues. While eSIMs provide a more modern, hassle-free solution, physical SIM cards are still available for devices that require them.

With Google Calendar’s fresh design and the resolved SIM card issue from Google Fi, Google continues to enhance both its software and wireless services, aiming to provide a more user-friendly experience. The Material You redesign, coupled with the dark theme and a focus on accessibility, highlights Google’s commitment to improving its platform’s visual and functional aspects. Meanwhile, Google Fi’s proactive response to the SIM card failure demonstrates its dedication to resolving technical issues quickly and ensuring a smoother experience for its users.