Of Course The Odyssey is Joining Fortnite — And Matt Damon is a Skin

ign.com Jul 15, 2026

Of Course The Odyssey is Joining Fortnite — And Matt Damon is a Skin

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 15, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Matt Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus from Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is set to appear as a Fortnite skin on July 16, following a major game update. The skin, based on Damon’s likeness, joins other new additions like David Beckham and Batman characters. A second skin, featuring Benny Safdie’s Agamemnon, is also being released. Players can earn the skin through a tournament or receive an Odyssey-themed loading screen.

💡 Why It Matters

· The crossover between a major Hollywood film and a global gaming phenomenon highlights how pop culture is increasingly blending across media.
· By turning a mythological hero into a playable character, Fortnite continues to expand its appeal beyond games into entertainment and storytelling.

Read full article on ign.com

Google Launches Platform Properties in Search Console to Help Creators Track Social…

Google unveiled “Platform Properties,” a new feature in Search Console that enables creators to monitor the performance of their social media and video content on Google Search and Discover. After linking accounts such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X, users can view which search queries direct traffic to each platform, see impressions, clicks and average position, and compare performance across properties. The tool aggregates data previously scattered across individual platform analytics, offering a unified view within Google’s webmaster ecosystem. Launched as part of Google’s effort to support creators, the feature aims to help users refine SEO strategies, understand audience discovery pathways, and optimize cross‑platform content distribution. Early access is available to verified creators who opt‑in through Search Console settings.

💡 By consolidating cross‑platform search data, creators can directly align their content tactics with how audiences discover them on Google, turning search insights into actionable growth strategies.

androidcentral.com · Jul 16

Managed Accounts are free on Spotify: this is everything parents need to…

Spotify has made Managed Accounts free for parents globally, removing the previous Premium requirement. These accounts are designed for children under 13, offering a private, music-only experience with parental controls to filter explicit content. Parents can create the accounts easily, and kids gain access to curated playlists like Discover Weekly and Daylist. The feature is now available in several countries, with more to follow soon.

💡 By removing the Premium barrier, Spotify makes it easier for parents to give kids a safer, tailored listening experience without sharing their own accounts. This shift aligns with growing demand for digital tools that help parents manage children’s online activity more effectively.

insidesport.in · Jul 16

BGMI 4.5 Update Release Date and Time Is Out Now

Krafton India announced that the Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) Version 4.5 update will launch on July 16, 2026. The update introduces a crossover with the Naruto anime franchise, adding iconic locations, characters, and jutsu from the Hidden Leaf Village to the game’s map. Players on Android and iOS can download the update through their respective app stores, with instructions provided for both platforms. Krafton confirmed the rollout schedule but withheld detailed content lists, promising further information on the new features soon. The announcement also included direct download links and a reminder to ensure sufficient device storage before updating. This marks the first time Naruto content appears in BGMI, expanding the game’s thematic collaborations.

💡 The Naruto partnership taps into a massive fanbase, likely driving a surge in active users and re‑engagement for BGMI at a critical growth phase.

ign.com · Jul 15

Bobiverse #6: The Infinite Extent Hits Audible This September – Exclusive

The sixth installment of the Bobiverse audiobook series, The Infinite Extent, will be released on Audible on September 10, IGN can exclusively reveal. The release marks the 10th anniversary of the Dennis E. Taylor series and features the return of narrator Ray Porter. The book continues Bob Johansson’s journey as he explores the galaxy, investigates alien technology, and confronts existential threats like a supermassive black hole.

💡 The release of The Infinite Extent reflects the growing popularity of serialized sci-fi audiobooks and the evolving role of voice actors in bringing complex, multi-character stories to life. Porter’s return and the franchise’s expansion into print and film options highlight its cultural and commercial momentum.

techcrunch.com · Jul 15

Spotify expands parent-managed accounts to users on its free tier

Spotify has expanded its Managed Accounts feature to free-tier users, allowing parents to control their children’s music access. Launched in 2024, these shared accounts let parents restrict explicit content, limit interactivity, and set personalized preferences without using the Spotify Kids app. The move aligns with broader industry efforts to give parents more control over children’s digital experiences amid regulatory pressure.

💡 The expansion gives more families access to tools that help balance child autonomy with parental oversight. By integrating these controls into the main app, Spotify simplifies the process for parents who want to manage their children’s listening habits without switching platforms.

9to5google.com · Jul 15

Android Auto is preparing a redesigned media player with quicker access to…

Google is preparing a redesigned media player for Android Auto, offering quicker access to more controls. The new layout features smaller album art, track information, and additional buttons such as shuffle, repeat, and thumbs up. The design is currently hidden in recent versions and may debut in beta, possibly alongside a larger Android Auto overhaul later this year.

💡 The addition of more interactive controls streamlines media management for drivers, reducing the need to switch apps or use voice commands. By integrating features like shuffle and like buttons directly into the interface, Google aims to enhance user convenience and engagement during hands-free driving.