If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that life feels busier than ever. Balancing work, family, social circles and Christmas commitments is no small feat – and don’t even get me started on organising those calendars, holidays and EOY deadlines. I was intrigued to try the Skylight Calendar and Digital Photo Frame, a beautifully designed piece of tech that promises to bring both your schedule and your memories to life.
At the time of writing, there’s a Black Friday sale offering $100 off the Skylight Calendar (rrp AU$479) and 20% off all other products.
First impressions
Let’s start with the unboxing. The 15” Skylight Calendar is beautifully packaged, reminiscent of an Apple product. From the sleek box to the premium feel of the device itself, it screams quality.
The display is crystal clear, making it easy to read at a glance – even from across the room. Setting it up was a breeze, thanks to its intuitive interface. In less than 10 minutes, I had it mounted and running.
The calendar: Function and (mostly) easy to use
The Skylight Calendar aims to simplify how families manage their busy lives. Adding items to the calendar is quick and straightforward, whether through the touchscreen, emailing an event to your ‘ourskylight’ email address or syncing with an existing digital calendar like Google or Outlook. If you import a full event, all the relevant details come through seamlessly, saving you from retyping.
That said, editing existing items directly on the device isn’t quite as simple as I’d hoped. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s only the most basic of information without the ability to add locations, notes, links etc. It’s not a big deal if you’re mostly relying on imports from your main calendar, but worth noting if you’re someone who frequently updates your plans.
An interesting tech feature here is Skylight’s AI-powered text extraction from photos. I was surprised by this after I loaded a picture of me under a Kitty Flanagan show billboard, and voilà—it created an event with the details pulled straight from the image.
It’s a clever addition that shows just how smart this device can be.
The digital photo frame: A nostalgic game changer
Let’s talk about my absolute favourite feature: the digital photo frame.
Remember when digital photo frames were all the rage in the early 2000s? They fizzled out with the rise of smartphones, but Skylight brings them back with a modern twist – and it’s downright magical.
We all have thousands of photos buried in our phones and clouds, rarely revisited. Skylight solves that by effortlessly displaying your favourite memories, turning your dining room or kitchen into a gallery of joy. Whether it’s a holiday sunset, a birthday celebration, or a funny baby moment, these photos spark gratitude, perspective, and meaningful conversations around the dinner table.
The subscription model
To access the photo frame feature, the Skylight Calendar requires a subscription, which costs around $50 annually. While I’m not a huge fan of subscriptions on top of the device’s price point, this is one I’ll happily pay. For the value it brings – keeping memories alive and in focus – it’s worth every cent.
The subscription model also includes a meal planner if you’re a weekly prepper.
If the Calendar option isn’t as useful to you, or you hate subscriptions but you love the idea of the digital frame, there’s a 10” non-calendar option available at a cheaper price point (AU$249) with no subscription attached. You can store up to 8000 images with no ongoing cost, with an added option to send gifted units to someone you love pre-loaded with personal memories that greet them upon setup.
Final thoughts: Tech that connects
The Skylight Calendar and Digital Photo Frame isn’t just a practical organisational tool; it’s a stylish and meaningful addition to any family home. It helps you manage the chaos of modern life while keeping the most important moments front and centre.
Sure, it has a couple of quirks—like the slightly clunky calendar editing – but its ability to connect schedules, memories, and conversations more than makes up for it.
If you’re looking for a gift that combines practicality with heart (and a little AI magic), the Skylight is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for busy families, sentimental souls, or anyone who could use a bit more gratitude and connection in their daily lives.
Pros:
- Sleek, premium design
- Crystal-clear display
- Easy calendar setup and syncing
- AI text extraction for effortless event creation
- Stunning digital photo frame that sparks connection
Cons:
- Editing calendar events could be smoother
- Requires a subscription for photo frame functionality
The verdict:
At the intersection of style and substance, the Skylight Calendar and Digital Photo Frame delivers on its promise of tech that connects. Whether you’re keeping track of birthdays or revisiting cherished moments, this is one gadget that’s as functional as it is heartwarming.
Stay tuned for more product reviews and tech that transforms the way we connect with family and friends!
