The Big Tech Show

Will Apple users in Europe miss out on the company's biggest AI upgrade yet? And what does the growing dispute between Apple and the European Commission mean for consumers?
Adrian Weckler spoke to Ben Wood at FDM CCS Insight, from Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in California.
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The discussion focused on Siri AI, Apple's new deeply integrated artificial intelligence platform, and why many of its headline features may not be available on iPhones and iPads in the European Union. Wood explained how Apple's privacy first approach is clashing with EU competition rules, leaving consumers caught in the middle of an increasingly tense regulatory battle.
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Is your phone really listening to you or is something more complex going on behind the scenes?
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Adrian Weckler and JJ Clarke tackle the most enduring tech conspiracy theory, the belief that private conversations trigger targeted ads.
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They explore why this feels so convincing and why it keeps happening. From behavioural signals to location data and algorithmic prediction, they explain why the reality may be both less sinister and more powerful than people think.
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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.
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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.