The Battle With Epic Games Heats Up
In this week’s Apple stock news, Apple counter-sued Epic Games, according to a CNN report. Apple accused Epic of “self-help and subterfuge” as it embarked on a plan of alleged “commission-theft” by including a workaround in “Fortnite” that gave players a discount on in-game currency if they paid Epic directly.
Apple is seeking justice from the judge finding that Epic breached its developer contract with Apple, as well as monetary damages.
Epic Games declined to comment and referred CNN Business to its earlier statements that claim Apple enjoys a “monopoly over in-app payments on iOS, suppressing free market competition and inflating prices.”
Epic Games announced on Twitter additional bad news for it’s users. Apple will no longer allow users to sign into Epic Games accounts using “Sign In with Apple” as soon as September 11.
Apple Design Teams Develops Special Face Masks for Employees
According to Business Insider, the engineering teams responsible for the iPhone and iPad have designed a special face mask for Apple employees. While we wait for images of the new mask, a report by Bloomberg suggests that it has a “unique look”. The mask includes “large coverings for the wearer’s nose and chin,” as well as “adjustable strings”. It will have three layers can be washed up to five times.
At present, it’s unknown if Apple will attempt to distribute the mask more widely. The company is also rolling out a transparent surgical mask to hospitals, so that hearing-impaired customers can see the medical staff faces and understand them more clearly. It’s the first completely clear surgical mask to be approved by the FDA.
Apple Announces Special Event
Apple has officially revealed this year’s September special event. The public is invited to tune in remotely to watch the event on September 15 at 10 am PT.
Bloomberg reports that this event will only include iPad and Apple Watch details. The announcement of the 5G iPhones in will take place in October.
Google Maps back on Apple Watch
According to Tech Advisor, Google Maps is back on the Apple Watch after a three-year hiatus. Google Maps provides step-by-step directions, as well as estimated arrival times. The app’s primary screen shows your “Current trip,” while there’s a list of “Travel times” below. This includes Home, Work, and any other saved shortcuts/destinations. Despite the name, live maps are not actually displayed in the wearable app, unlike with Apple Maps.
Google announced the app’s return last month, and it has been pushed out to Apple Watch users with the latest update. It is compatible with WatchOS 5 or later, and should work on any Apple Watch except the first generation.
