Zango offers a collection of free games, videos and other downloads. However, in order to access Zango content, users must install the Zango Search Assistant. The Search Assistant is included with Zango downloads and displays ads when users surf the web. The company was formed in June of 2006, as the result of Hotbar and 180solutions merging.
In October of 2007, Zango acquired SmartShopper for a [rumored $9 million](http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/23/zango-acquires-smart-shopper-for-9-million-now-more-evil/).
In April 2009 Zango was sold to blinkx.