This is the first - and last - blog post for the whole year. It has been a quite one but that doesn't mean nothing has changed. There have been new features without compromising the existing functionality. FreshBuzzer doesn't need to reinvent itself every year or two. It has been serving us all well and that won't change. The focus for this year and the next is and was to smooth some rough edges that appeared with the introduction of previous features.

Unified Activity Logs

For example, Seure Access Codes have been added after call forwarding and therefore had separte activity logs. While that isn't really a big deal it would be nice to see all your buzzer's activity in a single view - meet Unified Activity Logs (launched in August).

Unified Activity Logs

Caller ID Search

One very sticky point for folks to switch to FreshBuzzer is the question whether or not their new phone number will work. Unfortunately many buildings still restrict calls to "local calling" areas which are very complicated. And nothing is worse than having a working buzzer, switching to FreshBuzzer and the buzzer call no longer connects.

If you already have the buzzer in your building set up, you probably know the Caller ID (aka phone number) that it is calling from. Now you can use that number to find numbers that are within the local calling area.

Caller ID Search

HostTools Integration for Short-term rentals

Another big part of FreshBuzzer for Short-term rental hosts is the integration with different booking platforms. Originally all bookings were pulled from calendar links hosted by the respective platforms. However, they often pose limitations such as missing guest information due to these calendars being fairly unprotected.

While Airbnb famously still prevents public API access, most other platforms do offer it. Such direct integrations offer more instant reservation sync as well as access to additional guest information such as name and phone number.

This year FreshBuzzer launched a direct integration with HostTools and iGMS is coming next. Both of them are Property Management Systems (PMS) that integrate with multiple booking platforms.

HostTools integration

What to expect in 2026

The main focus for the new year remains stability. If you're waiting for disruptive AI features you should start looking elsewhere. But I have started work on a major new feature that will bring FreshBuzzer to even more people!

Thank you for your support throughout the year and Happy Holidays!
Axel