Ask.com Shuts Down: The End Of A Pioneering Era In Conversational Search

Legacy Of Innovation

Ask.com, originally launched as Ask Jeeves in 1996, has officially ceased operations. Long revered for its revolutionary approach to natural language questioning and conversational search, Ask.com was a trailblazer in an industry that now embraces AI-driven chatbots. Despite its early influence on the development of modern search interfaces, the service was eventually overshadowed by larger players, most notably Google.

Evolution And Strategic Shifts

After being acquired by holding company IAC in 2005, the brand underwent a strategic transformation. These included removing the “Jeeves” brand and shifting from a general search engine toward a question-and-answer format. The adjustments reflected attempts to adapt to changes in user behaviour and competition in the search market. Barry Diller said in 2010 that the platform was not competitive with Google, a view that shaped its longer-term direction.

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Implications For The Future

The shutdown was announced on the company’s website on May 1, 2026. Ask.com operated for nearly 25 years and was among the early services to focus on conversational-style queries. Its approach is now reflected in newer technologies, including AI-based search and chatbot interfaces.

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Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2026

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

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Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.

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