The Vergecast One company's quest for the perfect charger
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Jun 3, 2025 
Andrew Green, CEO of 12South, discusses the company's ambitious journey to create the PowerCord, an attempt at the elusive 'God Cable' that promises to simplify charging for all devices. Meanwhile, Tina Nguyen, a reporter at The Verge, dives into her experience at Bitcoin 2025, highlighting the surprising intersection of cryptocurrency and politics, especially in relation to the Trump administration. They also tackle the ongoing debate about the role of AI in managing our daily tasks, prompting listeners to consider what responsibilities we should delegate to technology.
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Evolution of Charging and PowerCord Origin
- Andrew Green shared how charging evolved from fixed power adapters for early phones to today's complex USB-C ecosystem.
- He described the project's start with fitting a charger into a plug's overmold, inspired by an old Apple plug design.
30W as Optimal Mobile Charging
- The PowerCord targets 30 watts to cover all mobile phones, tablets, and even MacBook Air.
- This wattage balances universal compatibility without overcharging or trapping excessive power.
Challenges of Long Charging Cables
- A 10-foot cable requires thicker wiring to avoid power loss and maintain charging efficiency.
- Designing the cable to match the plug's size and using a flat design helps with durability and detangling.