Inside One Company’s Pursuit of the Perfect Charger

The tech world has largely embraced USB-C as the universal charging standard, promising simplicity and compatibility across devices. Yet, as many users have experienced, charging isn’t as straightforward as just plugging in a cable anymore. Power delivery levels, data throughput, and device compatibility introduce layers of complexity that can frustrate even the most tech-savvy consumers.

Enter Twelve South, a company that sought to rethink the charger experience. Rather than chasing the mythical “God Cable” that perfectly balances all power and data needs, founder Andrew Green and his team focused on creating the PowerCord — an integrated charger designed to meet the real-world needs of many users.

Green argues that even if a perfect cable could be manufactured, it might not be the best solution for everyone. Instead, the PowerCord aims to simplify charging by integrating power delivery and cable into one unit, reducing clutter and compatibility headaches. This approach reflects a thoughtful balance between idealism and practicality in hardware design.

The episode also explores the intersection of technology and politics through insights from The Verge’s Tina Nguyen, reporting live from the Bitcoin 2025 conference. She discusses the emergence of $TRUMP cryptocurrency, the dynamics between the crypto community and the Trump administration, and legislative efforts like the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act.

Finally, the conversation turns to the evolving role of AI agents in everyday tasks. The hosts invite listeners to reflect on which responsibilities they’d trust AI to handle now and what future capabilities they hope to see. This dialogue highlights the growing curiosity and caution around AI’s integration into personal and professional workflows.

In a world where charging cables can be as complicated as the devices they power, Twelve South’s PowerCord offers a refreshing take on simplifying the user experience. Meanwhile, the ongoing conversations around cryptocurrency and AI agents underscore how technology continues to reshape our social and political landscapes.