Google Releases “My Ramadan Companion” To Assist Muslims During The Holy Month.

Google has just released a tool called “My Ramadan Companion,” primarily for the 1.6 billion Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan. The personal hub will provide customized information throughout Ramadan for Muslims, including sunrise and sunset timings around the world, relevant content on YouTube, culinary lectures, a calendar organizer, and traffic status.
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is also revealing locally designed Google Now Cards dedicated to a broader experience of the Ramadan period. The mobile-friendly card-based tool automatically arranges and updates data throughout the day, and functions based on user preferences and custom settings. The digital hub also boasts some of the search giant's best technologies including Play, Maps, and Search. Five languages are also offered on the platform, including English, Arabic, Turkish, Bahasa Indonesian, and Bahasa Malaysian.
"Technology helps more than 200 million Muslims living away from their families connect and share moments with loved ones," said Zain Kamal Masri, Google's associate product marketing manager for the Middle East and North Africa. "People look to Maps to navigate traffic and make it home from work for Iftar, download Google Play apps to plan their day around the sunset and sunrise, and look up Ramadan opening hours of their favorite local shops and restaurants."

The personal assistant gives users directions to the closest halal restaurants, their opening times, and some recommended apps developed for the religious event. It also offers recipes for Iftar – the time Muslims open their fast. A host of comedy and drama series, in addition to Ramadan video diaries can be found on YouTube, and some tips on how to stay healthy will keep people informed during the month.

Some online trends include greater online searches for recipes, gaming, and TV shows during the month prior to Ramadan. During the month, there is greater consumption on longer content and social engagement is usually higher too, as people spend more time indoors.