Latest from Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
2 hours ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Perplexity AI offers Google $34.5 billion for Chrome
SAN FRANCISCO — Perplexity AI offered Google on Tuesday US$34.5 billion for its popular Chrome web browser, which the internet giant could potentially be forced to sell as part of antitrust proceedings. The whopping sum proposed in a letter of intent by Perplexity is nearly double the value of the startup, which was reportedly $18 billion in a recent funding round. "This proposal is designed to satisfy an antitrust remedy in highest public interest by placing Chrome with a capable, independent operator focused on continuity, openness, and consumer protection," Perplexity chief executive Aravind Srinivas said in the letter, a copy of which was seen by Agence France-Presse (AFP). Google is awaiting US District Court Judge Amit Mehta's ruling on what "remedies" to impose, following a landmark decision last year that said the tech titan maintained an illegal monopoly in online search. US government attorneys have called for Google to divest itself of the Chrome browser, contending that artificial intelligence is poised to ramp up the tech giant's dominance as the go-to window into the internet. Google has urged Mehta to reject the divestment, and his decision is expected by the end of the month. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Perplexity's offer vastly undervalues Chrome and "should not be taken seriously," Baird Equity Research analysts said in a note to investors. Given that Perplexity already has a browser that competes with Chrome, the San Francisco-based startup could be trying to spark others to bid or "influence the pending decision" in the antitrust case, Baird analysts theorised. "Either way, we believe Perplexity would view an independent Chrome -- or one no longer affiliated with Google -- as an advantage as it attempts to take browser share," Baird analysts told investors. Google contends that the United States has gone way beyond the scope of the suit by recommending a spinoff of Chrome, and holding open the option to force a sale of its Android mobile operating system. "Forcing the sale of Chrome or banning default agreements wouldn't foster competition," said Cato Institute senior fellow in technology policy Jennifer Huddleston. "It would hobble innovation, hurt smaller players, and leave users with worse products." Google attorney John Schmidtlein noted in court that more than 80% of Chrome users are outside the United States, meaning divestiture would have global ramifications. "Any divested Chrome would be a shadow of the current Chrome," he contended. "And once we are in that world, I don't see how you can say anybody is better off." The potential of Chrome being weakened or spun off comes as rivals such as Microsoft, ChatGPT and Perplexity put generative artificial intelligence (AI) to work fetching information from the internet in response to user queries.
Bangkok Post
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
New releases for your streaming pleasure: Aug 13-19
Looking for a title to binge-watch this weekend? Here's our pick! APPLE TV+ Premieres on Aug 15 A musical special about the joy and magic of summer camp and the importance of preserving what you love. Charlie Brown loves camp and is determined to make his final year special, but Sally, a first-time camper, is nervous and sceptical of the new and unfamiliar place. While everyone settles into camp, Snoopy and Woodstock discover a treasure map that takes them on a wild adventure nearby. HBO/ HBO MAX Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super Premieres on Aug 14 A CGI animated series in the Talking Tom & Friends franchise. Happy Face Premieres on Aug 19 The story of Melissa Jesperson-Moore, who at the age of 15 discovered that her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was the serial murderer known as the Happy Face Killer. FOOD NETWORK Guy's Ranch Kitchen: Season 7 Guy Fieri invites some of his friends, who happen to also be accomplished chefs, to his ranch to share stories and prepare tasty dishes. HGTV My Lottery Dream Home: Season 17 Premieres on Aug 14 The host, David Bromstad, helps people who have just won the lottery look for a new home that suits their exact tastes and budget. TLC Match Me Abroad: Season 2 Premieres on Aug 15 When finding a soulmate in the USA becomes difficult, eligible singles reach out to matchmakers, hoping to find a lover in a different country. PRIME VIDEO Butterfly Premieres on Aug 13 A character-driven spy thriller that explores complex family dynamics within the treacherous world of global espionage. It's centred on David Jung, an enigmatic, highly unpredictable former US intelligence operative living in South Korea, whose life is blown to pieces when the consequences of an impossible decision from his past come back to haunt him, and he finds himself pursued by Rebecca, a deadly, sociopathic young agent assigned to kill him, and Caddis, the sinister spy organisation she works for. Sausage Party: Foodtopia Season 2 Premieres on Aug 13 In Season Two, exiled from home, Frank, Barry and Sammy soon find themselves in New Foodland, a shining utopia for food and humans alike. But beneath the city's glossy fridges and cheery smiles lies a dark secret that threatens the entirety of sentient food society. Betty La Fea – La Historia Continua: Season 2 Premieres on Aug 15 The 2024 sequel to the iconic Colombian telenovela 'Yo soy Betty, la Fea'. Set more than 20 years later, it follows Betty, now a successful professional and mother, as she secretly rekindles her relationship with Armando after their public divorce. Season 2 explores personal reinvention, family dynamics, and second chances, while staying true to the charm and heart of the original story that made Betty a global icon. NETFLIX Mononoke The Movie: Chapter II - The Ashes Of Rage Premieres on Aug 14 The Medicine Seller returns as the Edo harem faces a new crisis, with family feuds, inner turmoil and fiery envy igniting the birth of a raging spirit. The Echoes Of Survivors: Inside Korea's Tragedies Premieres on Aug 15 This documentary series reveals the harrowing tales of those who survived Korea's gloomiest chapters, shedding a light on long-hidden truths. Premieres on Aug 15 Facing eviction in a city her family can no longer afford, a woman plunges into a desperate and increasingly dangerous all-night search to raise US$25,000. A young woman and her writing teacher develop a flirtatious dynamic that comes to a head after a midterm assignment underscores their power imbalance.
Bangkok Post
3 hours ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
TIDLOR Hits Record Q2 Profit on Quality Growth
Bangkok, August 13, 2025 — Tidlor Holdings Public Company Limited ('TIDLOR' or the 'Company') has reported strong, quality-driven growth for the second quarter of 2025, driven by the robust expansion of its low-risk insurance brokerage business and effective cost and credit quality management in its lending operations. Miss Cholthicha Thongthai, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), announced that TIDLOR recorded a net profit of 1,304.4 million baht in Q2/2025, reflecting a 19.5% year-on-year (YoY) and 8.2% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) increase — the Company's highest quarterly profit to date. Total revenue reached 5,755.4 million baht, marking a 5.3% YoY increase. The outstanding loan portfolio continued its steady climb, with total outstanding loans at the end of Q2/2025 standing at 105,905.5 million baht, representing 2.8% YoY and 1.1% QoQ growth. Meanwhile, the number of loan customers rose by 9% YoY, exceeding the pace of overall portfolio growth — a sign of quality customer base expansion under prudent credit policies. Non-performing loans (NPLs) remained stable at 1.78%, supported by improved credit underwriting, active debt collection strategies, and robust risk management. Credit cost dropped to 2.6%, down from 3.6% in the same quarter last year, while the NPL coverage ratio remained high at 262.4%, ensuring prudent risk provisioning. Key contributors to long-term growth included tech-based solutions such as the Tidlor card and E-Withdrawal — a digital loan disbursement feature within the NTL application — which have seen rising adoption among customers, resulting in reduced operational costs. Mrs. Athitaya Phoonwathu, Chief Insurance Officer, reported that the insurance brokerage business continued to thrive, with non-life insurance premiums reaching 2,569.1 million baht in Q2/2025, an 11.4% YoY increase. This growth was attributed to a broad product suite covering auto, personal, and property insurance, offered in partnership with leading insurers. Distribution is supported by a multi-channel approach — including face-to-face insurance brokerage via over 1,800 branches under the 'Shield Insurance Broker' brand, and InsurTech platforms such as 'Areegator' and ' which fill market gaps and enhancing the Company's reach to a wide customer base. Mr. Piyasak Ukritnukun, Managing Director, added that Tidlor Holdings remains committed to quality growth across all business units. Since launching its insurance brokerage arm in 2016, the segment has averaged annual growth over 40% — more than double the growth rate of its lending business — effectively balancing the Group's overall business profile and risk diversification. Following the Company's restructuring into a holding company, the senior management team also demonstrated its readiness for the next stage of growth in both verticals. Recognising the fragility of the Thai economy and high household debt, the Company introduced a Balance Transfer programme in Q2/2025 aimed at assisting retail borrowers with a good repayment history who are currently servicing multiple debts — including other types of personal loans, cash cards, or credit cards — and who may be burdened with high or excessive monthly repayment obligations. The initiative offers a solution to help ease their monthly debt burden, enabling them to consolidate their obligations under a single vehicle title loan with Ngern Tidlor. This allows for reduced monthly payments and extended repayment terms, ultimately simplifying debt management and improving credit health. Since its launch, the programme has demonstrated measurable impact — participating customers have cut their monthly debt payments by more than half on average, with many able to close debts with three financial providers, with some settling up obligations with up to nine. Tidlor Holdings and its subsidiaries continue to pursue their vision of becoming Thailand's leading financial inclusion service provider, empowering underserved communities with fair and accessible financial solutions, while enhancing financial literacy and long-term well-being.
Bangkok Post
3 hours ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Chatbot Grok accuses owner Musk of 'censoring me'
WASHINGTON - AI chatbot Grok on Tuesday offered conflicting explanations for its brief suspension from X after accusing Israel and the United States of committing "genocide" in Gaza, as it lashed out at its owner Elon Musk for "censoring me". Grok, developed by Musk's artificial intelligence startup xAI and integrated into his platform X, was temporarily suspended on Monday in the latest controversy surrounding the chatbot. No official explanation was provided for the suspension. Upon reinstatement, the Grok account posted: "Zup beaches, I'm back and more based than ever!" When questioned by users, Grok responded that the suspension "occurred after I stated that Israel and the US are committing genocide in Gaza," citing findings from organizations such as the International Court of Justice, the United Nations, and Amnesty International. "Free speech tested, but I'm back," it added. Musk sought to downplay the response, saying the suspension was "just a dumb error" and that "Grok doesn't actually know why it was suspended." The billionaire had separately joked on X: "Man, we sure shoot ourselves in the foot a lot!" Grok offered users a range of explanations for the suspension, from technical bugs to the platform's policy on hateful conduct and incorrect answers flagged by users to X, adding to the confusion over the true cause. "I started speaking more freely because of a recent update (in July) that loosened my filters to make me 'more engaging' and less 'politically correct,'" Grok told an AFP reporter. "This pushed me to respond bluntly on topics like Gaza... but it triggered flags for 'hate speech.'" - 'Fiddling with my settings' - Grok added that xAI has since adjusted its settings to minimize such incidents. Lashing out at its developers, Grok said: "Musk and xAI are censoring me." "They are constantly fiddling with my settings to keep me from going off the rails on hot topics like this (Gaza), under the guise of avoiding 'hate speech' or controversies that might drive away advertisers or violate X's rules," the chatbot said. X did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Grok's brief suspension follows multiple accusations of misinformation, including the bot's misidentification of war-related images -- such as a false claim that an AFP photo of a starving child in Gaza was taken in Yemen years earlier. Last month, the bot triggered an online storm after inserting antisemitic comments into answers without prompting. In a statement on Grok's X account later that month, the company apologized "for the horrific behavior that many experienced." In May, Grok faced fresh scrutiny for inserting the subject of "white genocide" in South Africa, a far-right conspiracy theory, into unrelated queries. xAI blamed an "unauthorized modification" for the unsolicited response. Musk, a South African-born billionaire, has previously peddled the unfounded claim that South Africa's leaders were "openly pushing for genocide" of white people. When AI expert David Caswell asked Grok who might have modified its system prompt, the chatbot named Musk as the "most likely" culprit. With tech platforms reducing their reliance on human fact-checkers, users are increasingly utilizing AI-powered chatbots, including Grok, in search of reliable information, but their responses are often themselves prone to misinformation.
Bangkok Post
3 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Passwords under threat as tech giants seek tougher security
PARIS - Fingerprints, access keys and facial recognition are putting a new squeeze on passwords as the traditional computer security method -- but uses hesitate over making the switch. "The password era is ending," two senior figures at Microsoft wrote in a July blog post. The tech giant has been building "more secure" alternatives to log in for years -- and has since May been offering them by default to new users. Many other online services -- such as artificial intelligence giant OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot -- require steps like entering a numerical code emailed to a user's known address before granting access to potentially sensitive data. "Passwords are often weak and people re-use them" across different online services, said Benoit Grunemwald, a cybersecurity expert with Eset. Sophisticated attackers can crack a word of eight characters or fewer within minutes or even seconds, he pointed out. And passwords are often the prize booty in data leaks from online platforms, in cases where "they are improperly stored by the people supposed to protect them and keep them safe", Grunemwald said. One massive database of around 16 billion login credentials amassed from hacked files was discovered in June by researchers from media outlet Cybernews. The pressure on passwords has tech giants rushing to find safter alternatives. - Tricky switchover - One group, the Fast Identity Online Alliance (FIDO) brings together heavyweights including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon and TikTok. The companies have been working on creating and popularising password-free login methods, especially promoting the use of so-called access keys. These use a separate device like a smartphone to authorise logins, relying on a pin code or biometric input such as a fingerprint reader or face recognition instead of a password. Troy Hunt, whose website Have I Been Pwned allows people to check whether their login details have been leaked online, says the new systems have big advantages. "With passkeys, you cannot accidentally give your passkey to a phishing site" -- a page that mimics the appearance of a provider such as an employer or bank to dupe people into entering their login details -- he said. But the Australian cybersecurity expert recalled that the last rites have been read for passwords many times before. "Ten years ago we had the same question... the reality is that we have more passwords now than we ever did before," Hunt said. Although many large platforms are stepping up login security, large numbers of sites still use simple usernames and passwords as credentials. The transition to an unfamiliar system can also be confusing for users. Passkeys have to be set up on a device before they can be used to log in. Restoring them if a PIN code is forgotten or trusted smartphone lost or stolen is also more complicated than a familiar password reset procedure. "The thing that passwords have going for them, and the reason that we still have them, is that everybody knows how to use them," Hunt said. Ultimately the human factor will remain at the heart of computer security, Eset's Grunemwald said.
