Technology 4/5: Ask.com shuts down after 25 years.

Ask.com has officially shut down.

After 25 years of operation, Ask.com – the search engine once famous for its iconic character Jeeves the butler – ceased operations on May 1st. This marks the end of a brand that was once closely associated with many early internet users.

The Ask.com search interface with its distinctive red logo – a symbol of the internet's past – has now ceased to exist. (Source: Getty Images)

Ask Jeeves launched in the late 1990s, notable for its ability to answer questions in natural language. After being acquired by InterActiveCorp in 2006, the service was renamed Ask.com.

However, facing fierce competition from Google and other rivals, Ask gradually lost ground and eventually had to exit the market.

Despite its disappearance, Ask.com left behind a legacy of encouraging users to enter complete questions when searching and its natural-sounding response ideas, which are considered the foundation for today's AI chatbots. The demise of Ask.com, along with AIM and AltaVista, marks the end of a nostalgic era of the internet.

Classic-style docking station for Mac mini

Wokyis has launched the M5 Retro Dock Station, a unique accessory for the Mac mini. This device not only boasts a classic style but also adds a 5-inch secondary display with a 1280x720 resolution, allowing for convenient display of widgets, system information, or music controls.

The retro Wokyis M5 dock under the Mac mini provides a convenient secondary display. (Source: Techspot)

The dock's highlight is its expandable storage capability. Users can add a high-speed M.2 NVMe drive, instead of paying Apple's expensive upgrade price. Additionally, the dock integrates multiple connectivity ports such as USB-A, USB-C, HDMI/DisplayPort, SD card slot, and microSD card slot, meeting diverse needs.

The M5 Dock comes in two versions: a standard version priced at $169.99 with speeds of 10 Gbps, and a premium version at $339.99 that supports Thunderbolt 5 up to 80 Gbps. Not only for Mac mini, the product is also compatible with laptops, Android devices, and Raspberry Pi, making it a fresh new option for tech enthusiasts.

Xteink X3: Compact e-reader, resistant to social media browsing.

Xteink introduces the X3, an ultra-compact e-reader with a magnetic attachment design, aimed at users who want to read books without being distracted by social media. With a size that fits in the palm of your hand, the X3 is easy to carry and attach to various surfaces, creating a more focused reading experience.

Xteink X3 - a compact e-reader with an e-ink screen and a convenient magnetic attachment design. (Source: Techcrunch)

The device uses an e-ink screen, which displays text clearly, saves battery power, and reduces eye strain. The X3 doesn't run social media apps or web browsers; instead, it focuses solely on the reading experience. This is seen as a solution for those who want to break free from the habit of "doomscrolling"—scrolling social media on their phones.

Additionally, the X3 supports wireless connectivity for syncing books and documents, and boasts a minimalist design that suits modern lifestyles. With its competitive price, the Xteink X3 promises to be a new option for e-book enthusiasts.

Minh Hoan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-nghe-4-5-ask-com-ngung-hoat-dong-sau-25-nam-ar1016147.html