Google announced today the launch of ‘My Ramadan Companion’ (google.com/ramadan), a digital hub that integrates Google’s best technology like YouTube, Play, Maps and Search. The hub will offer customized local information throughout the month of Ramadan with features that include sunset time in a given country, popular shows on YouTube, cooking tutorials, traffic status, and calendar planning.
As part of the ‘My Ramadan Companion’ experience and for the very first time, Google is releasing locally designed Google Now Cards dedicated to the holy month. Google Now is a feature within the Google Search mobile application that automatically organizes information into simple mobile-friendly cards which provide information, updates and assistance throughout the day. Ramadan Google Now Cards work based on preferences of users who can control the information they receive by managing their settings. The hub is available in five languages: English, Arabic, Turkish, Bahasa Indonesian and Bahasa Malaysian.
“My Ramadan Companion” will also aggregate local content on YouTube from more than 15 content creators across Saudi, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and more. It will feature trending YouTube content from drama series, comedy sketches, health tips, delicious food recipes, and more.
Google Play will feature a special section for mobile applications that users might need during Ramadan, and that include cooking, lifestyle, and communication apps. It will also be featuring special discounts on many of its paid apps and games within the Play Store.
Zain Kamal Masri, Product Marketing Manager at Google MENA, commented on the launch: “We know how important it is for people who celebrate Ramadan to spend time with their loved ones. We hope that “My Ramadan Companion” can take care of the little things that occupy people’s daily lives like managing their day, so that they focus on the things that really matter to them.”
Digital Trends during Ramadan
- Specific online searches for cooking, gaming, TV shows, beauty begin to peak during the month leading up to Ramadan.
- During Ramadan, users consume more long-form content and engagement is higher: generally more likes, subscriptions and comments.
- Mobile search queries on Google surpassed that of desktop during Ramadan last year.
