A new local search engine, www.firstmalta.com, has been launched with the aim of delivering local results and helping internet users save energy by a simple change in the website’s background colour from white to black.
The new search engine uses the concept that an average computer monitor requires considerably more power to display a white screen than a black one.
The new local website’s search results are powered by Google’s custom powered search technology and uses a black background to display search results instead of the white screen we are all accustomed to use.
The new website combines the largest web index search engine powered with local relevance while providing a new way of reducing your carbon footprint. An average monitor consumes 74 watts when displaying an all-white page.
“Many Maltese are now browsing the internet using a tablet or mobile device and battery consumption is considerably high on such gadgets,” said one of the co-founders of www.firstmalta.com. “We aim to help the Maltese public by saving energy and also by delivering custom search results targeted for Maltese users.”
“We conducted an experiment whereby we managed to extend the battery life of a brand tablet by as long as 50 per cent just by using websites with a black background. Moreover, it felt easier on the eyes.”