The Big Tech Show

Ireland’s list of global sporting champions is relatively short, which means that when a new one is minted then we like to celebrate their achievements with them. And while Excel spreadsheets is about as niche as e-sports get - there’s no doubt that the competition is heating up when it’s broadcast live from Las Vegas via ESPN. And this year, it looks like it's not just Excel’s logo that proudly wears green - as the title of Global Excel Champion 2025 was won by Ireland’s Diarmuid Early.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where is AI going and who is at the helm? What jobs might be in trouble and should Europe back down on its regulations? On The Big Tech Show this week, Adrian is joined by one of Ireland's most famous tech entrepreneurs Sean Blanchfield to hear about Jentic - his latest venture - and to hear how the age of AI is already up and running.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stuart Miles, a technology expert and founder of Squirrel, joins to discuss the future of Apple. He explores whether we're on the brink of a folding iPhone in 2026 and assesses the iPhone Air’s lackluster performance. The duo critiques Apple's AI strategy and ponders if cheaper products could compromise the brand. They also examine leadership changes at Apple, speculating on Tim Cook's succession. The conversation is packed with insights on Apple's product roadmap and market challenges, making it a must-listen for tech enthusiasts.

JJ Clarke, a producer and tech enthusiast, joins to share exciting Christmas gift ideas. They discuss the trend of retro compact cameras, particularly Kodak's PixPro FZ55, which appeals to Gen Z with its vintage look. JJ also highlights the Brick, a clever device that blocks social media apps to curb phone addiction. Other recommendations include the Siemens EQ500 coffee machine for aficionados and the stylish Fujifilm X100 series for photography lovers. They also caution against giving smart gadgets that may miss the mark.

What’s going on in Bitcoin? Is this a crypto winter? And how is AI luring funds away from digital currencies? Katie Byrne, Money editor with the Irish Independent, joins Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show. The conversation began by Adrian discussing why mainstream cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin is down around 25% over the last two months, and around 15% for the year, wiping close to a hundred billion dollars from people's wallets or Revolut accounts. You can listen to the full episode here on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What streaming platform is most popular? Which streamer is focussing on quality? And does subscription cost make a difference? ­ Dave Hanratty of the Irish Independent and the No Encore podcast, joins Adrian on this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kurt Wagner, Senior Reporter at Bloomberg leading and author of Battle for the Bird: Jack Dorsey, Elon Musk, and the $44 Billion Fight for Twitter's Soul, joins Adrian for this week’s episode of The Big Tech Show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eamonn O'Reilly, Chairman of the Energy and Action Committee at the Irish Academy of Engineering and energy policy expert, dives into the conversation about the potential role of nuclear energy in Ireland. He highlights the urgency for Ireland to reconsider nuclear options, especially with energy reliability concerns. O'Reilly shares insights on small modular reactors (SMRs), their advantages over traditional systems, and the challenges posed by current legislation. He also tackles public perception and safety comparisons between nuclear and fossil fuels, making the case for thoughtful planning in energy transition.

Stani Kulechov, the Finnish entrepreneur and founder of Aave, dives into the world of stablecoins and their pivotal role in decentralized finance. He outlines how stablecoins, backed by traditional currencies, are crucial for on-chain transactions. Stani highlights the growth potential of the stablecoin market, estimated at $300 billion, and explains the importance of the PUSH bridge for converting fiat to crypto. He also discusses the regulatory clarity provided by Aave's EU MICAR license, which promises to enhance user experience while ensuring safety and compliance.

Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland, shares her insights on Dublin's journey toward becoming a smart city. She discusses how technology can enhance urban life, balancing the benefits and challenges of innovations like drones and public transport. Ruth also highlights Dublin City Council's open data initiatives and collaborative approach to urban planning. The conversation spans topics like autonomous vehicles, smart lighting, and community engagement, painting a picture of a city striving for sustainability amidst technological challenges.