NZMac.com - Supporting the New Zealand Mac community

How do I get free SMS notifications from iCal?

This tip requires a small initial outlay for a piece of software that allows for syncing of iCal with Google calendars, but then allows you to receive free SMS texts of events in your iCal calendars.

You will need the following things:

1. iCal....free with all macs.
2. A Google account or an NZMac.com email account. Also free.
3. A copy of Busymac's Busy Sync...$25-30 NZ depending on the exchange rate.

Fortunately for New Zealand Google provides free SMS notifications of reminders in google calendar (as long as you are with Vodafone)

1. Download and install BusySync. This runs as a preference pane in the background. Follow the instructions to sync your iCal calendars with Google Calendar.




2. There is a setting in BusySync that allows you to map reminders in iCal to SMS notifications in Google. Select that setting.




3. Go to Google Calendar and go to "Settings" and then "Mobile Setup". Follow the instructions there to verify your cell phone.




4. Marvel as your reminders in iCal are texted for free. Never miss an appointment again!

Bonuses

1. BusySync will also allow syncing of your calendars between macs in your house if you have a few, (you do need multiple copies unfortunately)
2. This is two way sync. Changing an event in Google is synced to iCal and vice versa. Great if you have a work computer that isn't your own.

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How do I have NZ statutory holidays put automatically into iCal?

Go to the apple.com website, search for "New Zealand Holiday Calendar", select the first result (http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/calendars/newzealandholidaycalendar.html) , then click download.

The calendar does not include Easter dates and does not include provincial holidays. 

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