The Big Tech Show

AI was supposed to replace workers at speed. Instead, some of the world’s biggest companies are finding costly problems, poor results and frustrated customers. Adrian Weckler and JJ Clarke examine why firms such as Starbucks, Pizza Hut and Klarna are scaling back AI projects. They also discuss the warning from Pope Leo, who has criticised AI for threatening human dignity, work and genuine human judgement, as companies race to cut costs and automate jobs before the technology is truly ready. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI useSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish consumers are embracing online banks in their droves, but do they trust them with their salaries, savings and investments?
Adrian Weckler is joined by Bianca Zwart, chief strategy officer at bunq to discuss the rise of digital banking in Ireland, why younger customers are turning to crypto and investing apps, and whether neobanks can compete with traditional institutions on trust, fraud protection and customer support.
We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does one fibre broadband package cost nearly twice as much as another using the same line? Are Irish households paying more than they need to for internet access? And do speed guarantees matter when choosing a provider? Adrian Weckler is joined by Irish Independent reporter and journalist Saoirse Hanley to examine the gap in broadband pricing across Ireland, with some fibre packages costing almost twice as much as rivals. They discuss rising prices after introductory offers, minimum guaranteed speeds, long term contracts and what consumers should focus on when choosing a broadband. You can listen to the full episode here or wherever you get your podcasts. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI useSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland has long relied on multinational tech companies to fuel jobs growth and tax revenue but are we becoming dangerously dependent on them?
Professor Joe Haslam, executive director of the Owner´s Scaleup Program at IE Business School and Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire and barrister, Barry Ward join Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electricity bills are soaring and more Irish homeowners are wondering if solar panels are finally worth it.


On this week’s The Big Tech Show, Adrian speaks to Dr Paul Deane, Senior lecturer in clean energy in UCC, about the real cost of installing solar at home, how many panels most households actually need and whether batteries are worth the investment.


We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.