How Twelve South tried to build a universal charger
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With the widespread adoption of USB-C in the tech industry, charging devices has been streamlined significantly. However, it’s not entirely straightforward yet. While most devices are compatible in terms of connectivity, considerations regarding power and data transfer speeds are essential to ensure everything functions correctly. This complexity has led us to fantasize about the ultimate charging cable, one that excels in every aspect, serving devices ranging from smartphones to power tools efficiently.

In the latest episode of The Vergecast, we explore one company’s attempt to craft their version of an ideal charging solution. Twelve South didn’t aim to create the ultimate cable, and according to founder Andrew Green, even if it were feasible, it might not be the optimal choice for everyone. Green discusses the development of their new PowerCord, the rationale for why an integrated charger is still beneficial for many users, and the myriad choices involved in creating the perfect charger.

Later in the episode, The Verge‘s Tina Nguyen reports from the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, offering insights into the intersection of cryptocurrency and politics. She delves into the emergence of $TRUMP, the mutual expectations between the crypto sphere and the Trump administration, and the potential impact of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act.

Finally, we answer a question on the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com!) about which tasks we might be willing to offload to AI agents. It’s a good question, and a tricky one, and we want to hear from you about it. Call the hotline, send us an email, and let us know: what are you willing to let an AI bot do you for, and what do you hope they might be able to do soon? And what are your big-screen tasks now?

If you want to know more about everything we discuss in this episode, here are some links to get you started:

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