epic

We talk Epic Games suing Apple (and why they might win), plus Apple’s unstoppable stock price, on The CultCast

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CultCast 442: AirPods with health sensors
The Epic-Apple battle royale is on!
Image: The CultCast

This week on The CultCast: It’s a battle of the titans! Fortnite developer Epic Games takes Apple to court over its App Store policies, and the dev just might get its way. Plus: Apple and its stock hit another astonishing milestone; Jon Prosser was right — Apple has begun rebranding Beats; and Apple TV+ finally makes the move we’ve been waiting for: bundling premium channels for one low price.

Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

You’ll have to wait longer for Fortnite chapter 2, season 3

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Fortnite-season-2-chapter-2
But there's more to come in the meantime.
Photo: Epic Games

Epic Games confirmed on Tuesday that it is extending Fortnite Battle Royale chapter two, season two into June. It promises fresh gameplay, new challenges, bonus XP, and a “couple more surprises” before season three.

Epic did not provide us with a reason for the extension, but there are a number of reasons why season three may not be ready yet.

Health records firm Epic worried policy supported by Apple will hurt patients

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Health records firm worried policy supported by Apple will hurt patients
Apple has supported efforts to streamline health records.
Photo: Apple

Health records company Epic Systems and around 60 hospital chains are pushing back against proposed government policy making it easier for patients to share medical records data with apps. Apple has supported the policy.

Epic sent a letter of opposition, signed by its supporters, to the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. Epic’s letter argues the health records sharing push will be “overly burdensome” and “will endanger patient privacy.”

Fortnite’s newest update makes playing on iOS better than ever

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Fortnite mobile controller
You can now play at 120Hz on iPad Pro.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Fortnite just got its first update of 2020, and while it may look like a small and insignificant release at first glance, it actually makes playing on iOS devices better than ever.

The version 11.40 update finally adds support for L3 and R3 buttons on compatible controllers. And those playing on iPad Pro can now enjoy super-speedy gameplay at up to 120 frames-per-second.

Fortnite’s brand-new Battle Lab lets you decide the rules

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Fortnite-Battle-Lab
Download the 11.31 update today to get started.
Photo: Epic Games

Fortnite’s newest update is out with a brand-new Battle Lab that lets you create the rules for your own Battle Royale matches.

You can select from your favorite limited-time game (LTM) pools, set up custom combat scenarios, and specify your own settings. The version 11.31 update also brings a bunch of bug fixes across all platforms.

Fortnite pro banned for life after public cheating

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Fortnite hand cannon
Epic won't tolerate Fortnite hacks.
Photo: Epic Games

Professional Fortnite player FaZe Jarvis has been permanently banned from the game for using hacks.

The 17-year-old uploaded videos of himself using an “aimbot.” Jarvis claims he cheated only to entertain fans, but Epic Games says it has a “zero tolerance policy” on cheat software.

The ban has reignited debates over Epic’s seemingly unfair and inconsistent punishment policy.

Fortnite has reached ‘the end’, but your unlocks and V-Bucks are safe

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Fortnite-black-hole
This black hole is all that's left of Fortnite today.
Photo: Epic Games

“The end” has come for Fortnite Battle Royale. A massive in-game event on Sunday sucked the entire world as we know it into a black hole. And almost 24 hours later, there is quite literally nothing.

But don’t worry; all your Fortnite unlocks and V-Bucks are safe. They will still be there when the game returns for season 11 — whenever that might be.

Fortnite 10.40 brings skill-based matchmaking, brand-new content

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Fortnite-Combine
Drop in today to enjoy skill-based matchmaking for the first time.
Photo: Epic Games

Skill-based matchmaking has finally arrived in Fortnite Battle Royale with today’s version 10.40 update.

The release also brings brand-new game modes and locations, big changes to controller settings, and bug fixes. But there’s one thing missing for players on iPhone and iPad.

Why Fortnite’s big matchmaking changes are good for everyone

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Fortnite iOS 14
Everyone should welcome skill-based matchmaking.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Epic Games has confirmed major matchmaking changes are coming to Fortnite in this week’s 10.40 update.

The changes are designed to make Battle Royale a little easier and therefore more enjoyable for inexperienced players. But here’s why it could be good news for every Fortnite fan.

Fortnite update adds new Party Hub, Split View support on iPad

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Fortnite-Split-View-iPad
Chatting with friends couldn't be easier.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Fortnite’s brand new Party Hub makes it easier than ever for mobile players to stay in touch with friends.

You can use it to chat to other players both inside and outside of the game. It will tell you which of your friends are online and let you start a party before jumping into a match on any platform.

Fortnite mech everybody hates sees massive nerfs

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Fortnite-BRUTE
Good riddance!
Photo: Epic Games

The Fortnite B.R.U.T.E. almost every player hates finally saw massive nerfs this week.

The mech now fires fewer rockets, deals less damage, and takes longer to cool down after boosting. Epic Games has also made it so that materials are no longer granted to B.R.U.T.E. riders.

Fortnite’s new Junk Rift lets you drop dinosaurs on enemies

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Fortnite-Junk-Rift
And cars, anchors, and more.
Photo: Epic Games

Fortnite Battle Royale players now have a new way to combat frustrating B.R.U.T.E. mechs. A new Junk Rift item lets you drop cars, anchors, and other heavy items on your opponents.

The version 10.10 content update, out today, also brings glitched consumables. But it’s bad news for fans of the soccer stadium.

Epic reveals exciting teasers for Fortnite season 10

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Fortnite-10-Dusty-Depot
Season 10 will stick around for one more week.
Photo: Epic Games

Epic Games is rolling out brand new teaser images for Fortnite season 10 — and one of them is hugely exciting for long-time fans of the free-to-play battle royale game.

It looks like the new season, which kicks off in just a couple of days, will take us back in time with original locations like Dusty Divot finally making a comeback.