How the Clapper became a pop culture icon despite being a flawed gadget

The Clapper, a sound-activated electrical switch that turned devices on and off with two claps, became a surprising commercial hit despite its unreliable performance. The device was notoriously difficult to trigger correctly and could sometimes damage the electronics plugged into it. Despite these shortcomings, it gained widespread recognition largely due to a highly memorable advertising campaign. The Verge's Version History podcast explores the product's origins, originally marketed as The Great American Turn-On, and its rise to cultural prominence. Hosts David Pierce and Victoria Song are joined by expert Allison Marsh to tell the full story.