In the latest episode of the Connected News Podcast, Business Post tech editor Charlie Taylor engages in insightful discussions with his colleagues on several pivotal developments in the tech industry. The episode, titled "Stripe’s Unexpected Legacy and the Continued Rise of Bitcoin," delves into topics ranging from AIB's strategic moves in the fintech sector to the soaring value of Bitcoin.
AIB's Foray into Investment Services and AI Integration
Charlie Taylor converses with Donal MacNamee, the Business Post's banking and fintech correspondent, about AIB's recent initiatives aimed at competing with digital banking platforms like Revolut. AIB has introduced a new investment service, signaling its intent to capture a share of the growing market for accessible investment options. This move reflects a broader trend among traditional banks to innovate and adapt in response to the disruptive presence of fintech companies.
In addition to expanding its service offerings, AIB is implementing Microsoft's Copilot across the organization. Copilot, an AI-powered tool, is designed to enhance productivity by assisting with tasks such as drafting emails, summarizing documents, and generating reports. The integration of Copilot underscores AIB's commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline operations and improve customer service.
Investments in Artificial Intelligence by Tech Giants
The podcast also features a discussion with Vish Gain, a newsroom reporter, focusing on the substantial investments in artificial intelligence by major tech companies, including Meta, Anthropic, Google, and Elon Musk's xAI. These investments highlight the competitive race to develop advanced AI technologies and applications.
Meta, for instance, has announced plans to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in building massive AI data centers aimed at developing superintelligence. This ambitious initiative reflects Meta's dedication to leading in the AI space and underscores the significant resources being allocated to AI research and infrastructure. (aifeed.fyi)
Anthropic has introduced Claude 3.5 Sonnet, an AI model that sets new industry benchmarks for intelligence, speed, and cost-effectiveness. This development signifies Anthropic's commitment to advancing AI capabilities and making them more accessible. (blockchain.news)
Google continues to expand its AI tools to support students and educators globally, including the introduction of AI-powered tools like Gemini for Google Workspace for Education. These tools aim to enhance learning experiences and ensure safety for students, demonstrating Google's focus on integrating AI into educational platforms. (blockchain.news)
Elon Musk's xAI is actively involved in the AI sector, with reports indicating that the company is in talks to raise funding valuing it at $40 billion. This move underscores the growing interest and investment in AI technologies and their potential applications. (podcasts.apple.com)
Bitcoin's Milestone Achievement
In a conversation with journalist Alice O’Leary, Charlie Taylor addresses Bitcoin's remarkable surge past the $120,000 mark earlier this week. This milestone reflects the continued rise and volatility of cryptocurrencies in the financial market.
As of July 18, 2025, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $118,834, with an intraday high of $120,714 and a low of $117,797. This fluctuation highlights the dynamic nature of cryptocurrency markets and the factors influencing their valuation.
Conclusion
The Connected News Podcast provides a comprehensive overview of current trends and developments in the tech industry from an Irish perspective. The discussions on AIB's strategic initiatives, significant investments in AI by leading tech companies, and the unprecedented rise of Bitcoin offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of technology and finance.
Listeners can access the full episode of the Connected News Podcast on various platforms, including the Business Post's website. The podcast is produced in association with Ergo, aiming to deliver concise and informative content to keep audiences informed about the latest in tech.
Source: Business Post The Connected News Podcast: Stripe’s unexpected legacy and the continued rise of Bitcoin