Skylight Calendar Organizer: Smart Device Explained
The Skylight Calendar is a wall-mounted smart display that shows your family’s digital calendars, to-do lists, and chores on a touchscreen, syncing with Google Calendar, Apple iCloud, and Outlook. You set it up by connecting it to your Wi-Fi and linking your calendar accounts through the Skylight app, after which it automatically updates and displays your schedule. This article explains what it does, how it works, how it compares to alternatives, and what to consider before buying one.
What Is the Skylight Calendar?
The Skylight Calendar is a dedicated 10-inch or 15-inch touchscreen device designed to hang on a wall or sit on a counter. Unlike a tablet, it does not run general apps like web browsers or games; its sole purpose is to display shared schedules and family organization tools. It launched via crowdfunding in 2018 and has since become a popular “family hub” product, competing with Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub, though it focuses exclusively on calendar and task management rather than voice assistants or smart home controls.
The device connects to your home Wi-Fi and pulls calendar data from Google Calendar, Apple iCloud, and Outlook.com. It also supports a proprietary Skylight Calendar account for those who prefer not to link a third-party service. The screen updates automatically, and you can add events directly on the device by touching the screen or using the companion smartphone app.
How the Skylight Calendar Works
Setup involves three main steps: plugging in the device, connecting it to Wi-Fi, and linking your calendar accounts. The Skylight app (available for iOS and Android) walks you through each step. Once linked, the device displays a month, week, or agenda view that you can swipe through. It also shows a “Today” screen with the day’s events and a list of tasks.
Key features include:
- Calendar syncing – Two-way sync with Google, iCloud, and Outlook, meaning events added on the device appear on your phone and vice versa.
- Chores and to-dos – You can assign tasks to family members with due dates and a “done” checkbox.
- Meal planning – A built-in recipe and meal planner that lets you assign dinners to specific days.
- Photo display – When not in use, the screen can show a slideshow of photos from your phone or a USB drive.
- Weather widget – Shows current conditions and forecast for your location.
The device uses an e-ink-like display in the 10-inch model (which is actually a color LCD with a matte finish) and a standard LCD in the 15-inch model. It does not have a camera or microphone, which is a privacy advantage over smart speakers with screens.
How to Choose a Smart Calendar Device
Before deciding on a Skylight Calendar, consider the following factors:
- Screen size – The 10-inch model is compact and suits small kitchens; the 15-inch model offers more room for multiple calendars and is easier to read from across the room.
- Mounting options – Both models come with a wall-mount kit, but you can also buy a stand for countertop use. Check your wall type (drywall vs. plaster) and whether you need a drill.
- Calendar ecosystem – Ensure the device supports the calendar services your family uses. Google, iCloud, and Outlook are supported, but not every provider (e.g., Yahoo Calendar is not listed).
- Subscription vs. one-time cost – Skylight sells hardware with a one-time purchase price, but some features (like unlimited photo storage) may require a subscription. Check the current pricing and what is included.
- Family size – If you have more than four or five members, the 15-inch screen may be worth the extra cost to avoid a cluttered interface.
Common Problems and Limitations
Users report a few recurring issues with the Skylight Calendar:
- Wi-Fi connectivity – The device requires a stable 2.4GHz or 5GHz network. If it disconnects, it may not re-sync until you restart it. Ensure your router is not blocking the device’s MAC address.
- Calendar sync delays – Changes made on your phone can take a few minutes to appear on the Skylight. This is normal for cloud-based syncing, but if it takes longer than 15 minutes, try toggling the calendar account off and on in the app.
- No voice control – Unlike the Echo Show or Nest Hub, the Skylight Calendar has no microphone, so you cannot say “add an event” or “what’s my schedule?”. You must touch the screen or use the app.
- Limited app compatibility – It does not support Microsoft Exchange or corporate calendars, and it cannot display multiple time zones simultaneously.
- Screen burn-in – With a static image on the 10-inch model, there is a slight risk of image retention over time, though the device has a screensaver mode that activates after a few minutes of inactivity.
Skylight Calendar vs. Alternatives
The most common alternatives are the Amazon Echo Show 8/15, Google Nest Hub (7 or 10-inch), and using a regular tablet with a calendar app. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Echo Show – Has a camera, microphone, and Alexa voice assistant. It can display Google and Apple calendars, but setup is more complex, and it shows ads unless you pay for an ad-free subscription. It is cheaper than Skylight but less focused on family organization.
- Google Nest Hub – Integrates deeply with Google Calendar, has a microphone and Google Assistant, and can control smart home devices. It does not support iCloud calendars natively, so Apple users would need a workaround.
- Regular tablet – An iPad or Android tablet with a calendar app (like Google Calendar or Fantastical) can do most of what Skylight does, but it requires manual charging, has a more complex interface, and lacks the dedicated wall-mount design. You also have to manage notifications and app permissions.
The Skylight’s advantage is its simplicity and the lack of a microphone/camera. If you want a device that just shows the family schedule without extra smart-home features, it is a strong choice.
Cost and Subscription Details
Skylight sells its hardware at a premium price compared to generic tablets. The 10-inch model typically costs around $160–$180, and the 15-inch model around $250–$300, depending on sales and bundles. There is no mandatory subscription for basic calendar and chore functions. However, Skylight offers a paid plan (called Skylight Plus) that adds features like unlimited photo uploads, additional weather widgets, and the ability to send messages to the device. The subscription is optional, and the core calendar functionality works without it.
One misconception is that you need a subscription to use the device at all. That is false; the calendar sync, chores, and meal planner are free. The subscription only enhances non-essential features.
Safety and Privacy Considerations
Because the Skylight Calendar has no camera or microphone, it does not record audio or video of your home. This is a significant privacy benefit over smart speakers with screens. However, the device does send calendar data to Skylight’s servers to sync with your accounts. Skylight states that it uses encryption in transit and does not sell personal data, but you should review their privacy policy for current details.
For families with young children, the wall-mount design reduces the risk of the device being knocked over, but the power cable must be routed safely to avoid tripping hazards. The screen is not shatterproof, so mounting it at a height above small hands is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Skylight Calendar work with Apple Calendar?
Yes, it syncs with Apple iCloud calendars. You log in with your Apple ID (or create an app-specific password if you have two-factor authentication enabled) in the Skylight app, and your iCloud events appear on the device. Changes made on the Skylight also sync back to your iPhone or Mac.
Can I use the Skylight Calendar without a subscription?
Yes, the core features—calendar display, chores, to-dos, and meal planning—work without any subscription. The optional Skylight Plus plan adds features like unlimited photo storage and additional weather widgets, but it is not required for daily use.
How do I add a new event directly on the Skylight?
Tap the “+” icon on the screen, choose the date and time, enter the event name, and select which calendar it should go to. The event will sync to your linked phone calendar within a few minutes. You can also add events from the Skylight app on your phone.
What happens if the Wi-Fi goes out?
The Skylight will continue to show the last synced data, but it will not update with new events until the connection is restored. Once Wi-Fi returns, it automatically re-syncs. If it does not, restart the device by unplugging it for 10 seconds.
Can I display multiple calendars on one screen?
Yes, you can link multiple Google, iCloud, or Outlook calendars (e.g., one for each family member) and choose which ones to display. The device shows them in different colors, and you can toggle individual calendars on or off in the app.
Is the Skylight Calendar worth it compared to a cheap tablet?
If you value a dedicated, always-on, wall-mounted display that requires no maintenance and has no distractions (like app stores or games), the Skylight is worth the premium. If you already own a tablet and are comfortable with a stand and manual charging, a tablet with a calendar app can achieve similar results at a lower cost, but with more setup and less polish.
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