Google has introduced a new feature to Google Search which shows the Ethereum merge countdown and two pandas running towards each other getting closer as the Merge draws nearer.
Google recently added a new feature as a sign of support for the much-awaited Ethereum proof-of-stake consensus protocol upgrade (the merge).
The new feature comes with a countdown timer, showing the time left until the merge kicks in.
Crypto enthusiasts can now type in the keywords ‘Ethereum merge’ or ‘the merge’ in the search engine and the countdown ticker shows up. The ticker shows the number of days and time left, the Ethereum current difficulty, the hash rate and the merge difficulty.
“A fun little surprise”
On September 9th, Sam Padilla, a Google Cloud developer shared a tweet noting that the added feature is a sign of appreciation. “ Go google ‘the merge’ for a fun little surprise and appreciation,” he stated.
Hey @VitalikButerin @drakefjustin & other @ethereum folks, go google "the merge" for a fun little surprise & appreciation.
Everyone is so excited for what is coming and appreciative of the work that has been going into this for years. pic.twitter.com/3bgifV6Ywn
— Sam Padilla (@theSamPadilla) September 9, 2022
Padilla explains the timer is connected to the Ethereum blockchain directly. Therefore receiving countdown updates in real-time. He stated that “the underlying data is getting pulled directly from the blockchain via some of the nodes we run.”
The google countdown timer also has a cartoon feature of two pandas running toward each other with arms spread out. The panda comes as the staple of the Ethereum Merge meme culture. The meme uses black and white pandas both representing the execution layer and the consensus layer respectively.
Pandilla explains that the two pandas get closer to each other as time elapses and the merge draws nearer. Once the merge happens the two pandas combine to create a fighting panda.
The developer also noted that the search and labs team did the lifting work as he kickstarted the idea.
Google has been involved in the crypto space for a while now. In early March 2022, the tech juggernaut Google established a Web3 team under Google Cloud. The team was tasked to create awareness on matters about Google clouds Web3 initiatives and to help build customer demand for the related offerings.
new: Google Cloud is forming a Web3 product and engineering organization that will build services for developers. new job postings have appeared on Google's internal Grow tool, Amit Zavery is telling employees in an email today https://t.co/sLC8VlqgBf
— Jordan Novet (@jordannovet) May 6, 2022
Keen interest in the merge
Seems like it is not only the Google developers team who are excited and taking a keen interest in matters ‘the Ethereum merge’.
Recently, the Google Search data revealed that searches for the terms “ Ethereum Merge” recorded a score above 50. This score registered a number of times over the past 30 days and on 3rd September 2022, the score reached a maximum high of 100. A score of 100 generally reflects the term’s peak popularity while 50 reflects half popularity.
A recent study from Coingecko also revealed some similar information. The CoinGecko study revealed some of the countries that are most interested in the Ethereum upgrade after the Gray Glacier Hard Fork on June 2022. The report shows Singapore tops the list with a total search score of 377. Switzerland and Canada tied for the second position with a total score of 286. CoinGecko noted that the term ‘Ethereum Merge makes up 16% of all google searches globally. Singapore and Switzerland dominate in these searches.
Why anticipate the merge?
The merge formerly known as Ethereum 2.0 could happen as early as Tuesday, 13th September 2022. Where the proof-of-work Ethereum mainnet will upgrade to the proof-of-stake Beacon chain. The anticipated upgrade will make the Ethereum network effective and efficient in terms of speed, more scalable and energy-saving efficiency will be at 99%.
With the call for POW blockchains to adopt less energy-intensive consensus mechanisms, Ethereum will experience a plunge in the hash rate. Sometime last week, the White House, through a report seemed pleased with the Ethereum POS consensus upgrade. The White House also raised alarm about Bitcoin’s 60% to 70% consumption of the world’s crypto-asset energy.
