14 DAY TRIAL // In a similar manner to that when Apple rolled out the MobileMe Mail beta, a new MobileMe Calendar beta is now available to subscribers of the cloud-based service. Access to the MobileMe Calendar web app is available via an invitation request placed at me.com/calendar. Safari 4 and later, Firefox 3.6 or later, and Internet Explorer 8 are all supported for accessing MobileMe Calendar at me.com.
Apple has revamped the Calendar’s UI, adding a new list view which simplifies scanning upcoming events. Day, week, and month views have been redesigned as well, while a new sharing feature will allow customers to swap calendars with other MobileMe members. The beta period only allows sharing one read-only calendar. Sending out invitations with RSVP from the web app is also possible, while syncing is is available for all events between the web app, iCal, and all iOS versions of the service.
“The MobileMe Calendar beta is a preview of the new Calendar web application,” Apple explains on the Support section of its web site. “The MobileMe Calendar beta includes a new web interface with calendar sharing and event invitations, as well as powerful new features that make it easier to use than ever. Using the beta is completely voluntary and you can leave it at any time.”
The Mac maker urges customers to note that “all changes made after joining the Calendar beta will be lost if you leave (unless you manually export your calendar before leaving). You will revert back to the calendar data that you had prior to joining the beta.” Apple then proceeds to list the new additions as follows:
- Beautiful, new web application - Sharing calendars with family and friends (must be MobileMe members in the beta) - Publishing calendars for groups or teams - Event invitations with RSVPs - Works with the calendar applications on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac
A link is provided for those looking to learn more about the new features. By following Apple’s path, subscribers are taken to the News section of the MobileMe web site, where Apple previews the New MobileMe Calendar Beta.