Google has launched a doodle with a countdown to the activation of the Merge update on the Ethereum network. By typing “Ethereum Merge” or “The Merge” into the Google search string, one can see the calculation of the time before the blockchain network switches to the proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus algorithm based on the current difficulty and hash rate.
In addition, the doodle contains an “Easter egg” – a timer
accompanies the drawing of a black and white bear, who gradually approach each
other. When The Merge is activated, they will unite into a panda.
This feature was first noticed by Google Cloud developer Sam
Padilla. He added that Google employees created the timer within two weeks to
recognize the Ethereum team for “the work they’ve done over the years”. Padilla
also clarified that the real-time information for the timer comes from the
Ethereum network using nodes hosted by Google.
According to official information, the completion of The
Merge is supposedly scheduled for September 15-16. According to the Ethereum
Foundation, the Merge will not “significantly change” the parameters that
directly affect network capacity or throughput.
This means that there will be no change in gas rates. It
will all depend on supply and demand – when more people use the gas, the cost
will be high and when fewer people use it, the fee will drop.
The company has become increasingly involved in Web3,
offering blockchain infrastructure services that leverage Google Cloud. On the
page dedicated to its Web3 products, the company lists Nansen, Dapper Labs and
Solana as some of its business partners. Google had also announced that it had
formed a Web3 team in May.
According to a Venture Beat report, Sky Mavis, creator of
the NFT game Axie Infinity, announced that it had reached an agreement with
Google to use its cloud services to validate transactions on its Ronin network,
an Ethereum sidechain that is designed for use in gaming applications.