Ask.com, the search engine that competed with Google for nearly two decades, has officially closed. The site now redirects users elsewhere.
Ask.com launched in 1997 as Ask Jeeves, featuring an AI butler mascot that answered user questions. The service gained traction in the early 2000s as an alternative search engine, distinguishing itself through a question-based interface rather than keyword searches.
The platform changed ownership multiple times, including stints under IAC and later Sprinklr. Despite innovations like its natural language search approach, Ask.com struggled to maintain market share against Google's dominance. Mobile search and algorithm improvements made Ask's differentiation less relevant.
The closure marks the end of a notable era in search history. Ask.com once ranked among the top search engines globally but gradually lost relevance as Google consolidated its position. The site's redirect suggests assets or operations may transfer elsewhere, though specific details remain unclear.
For two decades, Ask.com represented competition in an increasingly concentrated search market—a battle it ultimately could not sustain.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has halted state spending on Flock's AI surveillance cameras amid growing bipartisan backlash. The freeze comes as a Texas Tribune investigation revealed the state spent over $30 million on the technology.
Google Maps has changed the label for Lake Ontario to "Lake America" for US users following President Donald Trump's proposal to rename the lake during trade negotiations with Canada.
John Ternus assumes Apple's CEO role this week amid a wave of executive departures. The company is simultaneously exploring new hardware, including a stylus-equipped foldable iPhone.
Meta is testing robots to perform routine maintenance tasks currently handled by human technicians in its data centers. The automation push aims to streamline operations across the company's infrastructure.