Notion Calendar

Basic Information

Notion Calendar is a dedicated calendar application developed by Notion Labs, Inc., launched as an evolution and rebranding of the acquired Cron calendar.

• Model/Version: Not applicable (continuous updates).
• Release Date: January 17, 2024.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • macOS: 11 or above.
  • Windows: 10 version 21H2 or above, or Windows Server 2016.
  • iOS: 17.0 or above for the app; iOS 14 or above for home screen widgets; iOS 16 or above for lock screen widgets.
  • Android: 8 or above for the app and home screen widgets.
  • Web Browsers: Chrome (last two major Extended stable releases), Firefox, Safari, Edge (last two major releases).
• Supported Operating Systems: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Web (compatible with macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, Linux).
• Latest Stable Version: Continuous updates are shipped across platforms.
• End of Support Date: Not publicly specified.
• End of Life Date: Not publicly specified.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not publicly specified.
• License Type: Free.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-based, hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) in the United States, with native desktop, web, and mobile applications.

Technical Requirements

Notion Calendar is designed to be accessible across a range of modern devices, with relatively low to moderate technical demands.

• RAM: At least 4GB (recommended for desktop use, based on emulator requirements).
• Processor: Intel, AMD, or Apple Silicon Processor (recommended for desktop use, based on emulator requirements).
• Storage: 10GB free disk space (recommended for desktop use, based on emulator requirements).
• Display: Adapts to device display; no specific minimum resolution is stated.
• Ports: Not applicable for software.
• Operating System: macOS 11 or newer, Windows 10 version 21H2 or newer (or Windows Server 2016), iOS 17.0 or newer, Android 8 or newer. Web access requires a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).

Analysis: The technical requirements for Notion Calendar are generally modest, reflecting its nature as a productivity application. This allows for broad compatibility across most contemporary desktop and mobile devices. The listed RAM and storage requirements are likely general recommendations for a smooth user experience, rather than strict minimums, especially given that the application is also web-based. The support for various processor architectures, including Apple Silicon, ensures native performance on newer Mac devices.

Support & Compatibility

Notion Calendar offers extensive compatibility across major operating systems and integrates with popular calendar services, with ongoing development for broader support.

• Latest Version: The application receives continuous updates across all supported platforms.
• OS Support: Available on macOS (11+), Windows (10 v21H2+, Server 2016), iOS (17.0+), Android (8+), and via web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) on various operating systems including Linux and ChromeOS.
• End of Support Date: Not publicly specified.
• Localization: Supports all languages available on the Notion platform, including at least 12 distinct languages.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable for this software asset.

Analysis: Notion Calendar boasts strong cross-platform support, ensuring accessibility for a wide user base. Its primary integrations are with Google Calendar and Apple's iCloud-synced calendars. While native Microsoft Outlook/Microsoft 365 integration is currently on the roadmap, its absence at launch was noted by some users. The application's localization capabilities align with the broader Notion ecosystem, offering a consistent experience for international users. Mobile functionality has some limitations compared to desktop versions, such as restricted event editing and view options.

Security Status

Notion Calendar inherits robust security practices from the Notion platform, prioritizing data protection and user authentication.

• Security Features: Includes two-step verification (2FA/MFA), granular permission management, teamspace controls, and integrations with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems. Enterprise features include domain verification, SAML Single Sign-On (SSO), SCIM provisioning for user and group management, and comprehensive audit logs.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Notion maintains a public bug bounty program to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. No specific critical vulnerabilities are widely reported.
• Blacklist Status: No indication of being blacklisted.
• Certifications: Notion Calendar is in scope for Notion's upcoming SOC 2 attestation in May 2024. The broader Notion platform is already SOC 2 certified and holds ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 certifications.
• Encryption Support: Data is encrypted at rest using AES-256. Data in transit is encrypted using TLS 1.2 or greater. However, Notion Calendar does not offer end-to-end encryption.
• Authentication Methods: Users authenticate via OAuth with Google or direct sign-in with Google or iCloud. Other methods include email and verification code, email and password, and SAML SSO for Business and Enterprise plans.
• General Recommendations: Due to the absence of end-to-end encryption, it is generally not recommended to store highly sensitive personal or financial information directly within Notion Calendar or the Notion platform.

Analysis: Notion Calendar benefits from Notion's comprehensive security framework, offering strong protections for data at rest and in transit, multi-factor authentication, and enterprise-grade access controls. The upcoming SOC 2 attestation for Notion Calendar further reinforces its commitment to security. However, the lack of end-to-end encryption is a notable limitation for users requiring the highest level of data privacy, as it means Notion (and its cloud provider) could technically access user data. Users should exercise caution regarding the type of sensitive information stored.

Performance & Benchmarks

As a productivity application, Notion Calendar's performance is primarily evaluated through user experience and responsiveness rather than traditional hardware benchmarks.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores are not available for Notion Calendar.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Users generally report a seamless user experience with real-time synchronization across devices. The application is described as fast and capable of instant synchronization with Google Calendar. Some users have noted that the Android app can take a while to load.
• Power Consumption: No specific power consumption metrics are publicly available. Performance is generally efficient for a modern application, but usage patterns and device specifications will influence battery drain on mobile devices.
• Carbon Footprint: No specific carbon footprint data is publicly available for Notion Calendar. As a cloud-based service hosted on AWS, its environmental impact is tied to the energy efficiency of AWS data centers.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Notion Calendar is often praised for its elegant design and clean interface, particularly when compared to Google Calendar. Its core strength lies in its deep integration with Notion databases, allowing users to unify their calendar events with Notion tasks and projects. While it offers a superior integrated experience for Notion users, some users find it less feature-rich than established calendar apps like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar if not leveraging the Notion ecosystem. Apple Calendar, for instance, offers more seamless native integration within the Apple ecosystem.

Analysis: Notion Calendar delivers strong real-world performance, characterized by its responsive interface and efficient syncing capabilities, especially for users deeply embedded in the Notion ecosystem. Its performance is optimized for a smooth workflow, particularly when linking Notion databases. While it may not outperform highly specialized calendar applications in every niche feature, its integrated approach provides a significant performance advantage for its target audience. The reported loading delays on the Android app suggest areas for potential optimization.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback highlights Notion Calendar's strengths in integration and design, while also pointing out areas for improvement, particularly regarding feature parity with established calendar apps and mobile experience.

Strengths:

• Unified Workspace: Users appreciate the ability to bring together events, tasks, documents, and Notion pages into a single, cohesive view, reducing the need to switch between multiple applications.
• Deep Context: The capability to attach Notion pages, databases, and project timelines directly to calendar events provides rich context for meetings and tasks, aiding in preparation and organization.
• Seamless User Experience: The application is praised for its clean, modern interface and real-time synchronization, contributing to an intuitive and efficient workflow.
• Multi-Time Zone Support: The display of multiple time zones is a valued feature for global teams and individuals.
• Availability Sharing: The "share availability" feature simplifies scheduling meetings by allowing users to easily communicate their free times.
• Google Calendar Integration: Strong integration with Google Calendar allows users to view all their existing events alongside Notion items.
• Event Management: Users find it easy to move events between different calendars and appreciate the intuitive handling of recurring events.
• Cost: The application is free, making it an attractive option for Notion users.

Weaknesses:

• Notion Integration Depth: Some users desire deeper integration, such as properties carrying over when duplicating Notion database events, or the ability to see Notion pages without a date property.
• Event Creation: The default "right now" time for new events is sometimes found unintuitive.
• Interface Elements: The always-present right sidebar is a minor annoyance for some.
• Limited Mobile Functionality: Mobile versions have restrictions, including limited view options (only 1, 2, or 3-day view), inability to search for events/contacts, and restricted editing of events unless created on iOS by the organizer.
• Outlook/Microsoft 365 Integration: Native integration with Outlook/Microsoft 365 is still on the roadmap, which is a drawback for users in those ecosystems.
• One-Way Sync for Notion Items: Notion database items do not appear in Google Calendar; the sync is primarily from Google Calendar to Notion Calendar.
• Lack of Roadmap: Some users express a desire for a clear roadmap for future features and improvements.
• Android App Performance: The Android app has been reported to have slower loading times.
• Authorization Concerns: Initial authorization requests for Google contacts have raised privacy concerns for some users.
• Recurring Events in Notion Databases: Notion's native calendar views do not support automated recurring events, requiring manual duplication.

Recommended Use Cases:

• Notion Calendar is highly recommended for existing Notion users who want to seamlessly integrate their Notion tasks, projects, and notes with their daily schedule.
• It is ideal for individuals and teams leveraging Notion for project management and task tracking, seeking a unified view of their work and appointments.
• Users who prioritize an elegant design, powerful keyboard shortcuts, and efficient time zone management will find value in the application.

Summary

Notion Labs Notion Calendar, launched in January 2024 as a reimagining of the acquired Cron calendar, presents itself as a powerful and integrated scheduling tool primarily aimed at users within the Notion ecosystem. It is available across a wide array of platforms including macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and web browsers, ensuring broad accessibility. The application is free to use, making it an attractive addition for Notion users.

The asset's core strength lies in its deep integration with Notion databases, allowing users to visualize tasks, projects, and notes alongside traditional calendar events from Google Calendar and iCloud. This unified view provides rich context for scheduled activities, enhancing productivity by minimizing app switching. Users consistently praise its clean, modern interface, real-time synchronization, and features like multi-time zone display and availability sharing.

From a technical standpoint, Notion Calendar has modest requirements, making it compatible with most modern devices. It inherits Notion's robust security framework, including AES-256 encryption for data at rest, TLS 1.2+ for data in transit, two-step verification, and enterprise-grade authentication options like SAML SSO. The upcoming SOC 2 certification for Notion Calendar further underscores its commitment to security.

However, Notion Calendar is not without its limitations. The absence of end-to-end encryption means it is not suitable for highly sensitive data. Mobile versions currently offer a more restricted experience compared to desktop, with limited view options and editing capabilities. Some users also note a desire for deeper two-way synchronization with Notion databases and native integration with Microsoft Outlook/Microsoft 365, which is currently on the roadmap. Performance on the Android app has also been cited as an area for improvement.

Overall, Notion Calendar is a highly recommended tool for individuals and teams already utilizing Notion for their workflows. Its ability to seamlessly blend calendar events with Notion tasks and projects creates a powerful, centralized hub for time management and productivity. While it may not replace highly specialized calendar applications for all users, particularly those outside the Notion ecosystem or those requiring end-to-end encryption, its integrated approach and elegant design make it a valuable asset for its target audience.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.