Latest news with #AmazonFireStick
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Football and other premium TV being pirated at 'industrial scale'
A lack of action by big tech firms is enabling the "industrial scale theft" of premium video services, especially live sport, a new report says. The research by Enders Analysis accuses Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft of "ambivalence and inertia" over a problem it says costs broadcasters revenue and puts users at an increased risk of cyber-crime. Gareth Sutcliffe and Ollie Meir, who authored the research, described the Amazon Fire Stick - which they argue is the device many people use to access illegal streams - as "a piracy enabler". BBC News has contacted Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft for comment. Sports broadcasting is big business, with the total value of media rights across the world passing the $60bn (£44bn) mark last year. The increasing cost of rights deals results in higher prices for fans at home, especially if they choose to pay for multiple services to watch their team play. To get round this, some resort to illegal streams of big events. Enders say there are often multiple streams of individual events - such as high profile football games - each of which can have tens of thousands of people watching them. Bosses of big rights holders, Sky and DAZN, have previously warned piracy is causing a financial crisis in the broadcast industry. There is a risk for users too. The Enders report says fans watching football matches, for instance, via illegal streams are typically providing information such as credit card details and email addresses, leaving them vulnerable to malware and phishing scams. The researchers looked at the European market and focussed on Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft. While Meta, the owner of Facebook, was criticised for being the source of adverts for illegal streams, the technology of the other three was blamed for the increase in piracy. The Amazon Fire Stick is a major cause of the problem, according to the report. The device plugs into TVs and gives the viewer thousands of options to watch programmes from legitimate services including the BBC iPlayer and Netflix. They are also being used to access illegal streams, particularly of live sport. In November last year, a Liverpool man who sold Fire Stick devices he reconfigured to allow people to illegally stream Premier League football matches was jailed. After uploading the unauthorised services on the Amazon product, he advertised them on Facebook. Another man from Liverpool was given a two-year suspended sentence last year after modifying fire sticks and selling them on Facebook and WhatsApp. According to data for the first quarter of this year, provided to Enders by Sky, 59% of people in UK who said they had watched pirated material in the last year while using a physical device said they had used a Amazon fire product. The Enders report says the fire stick enables "billions of dollars in piracy" overall. The researchers also pointed to the role played by the "continued depreciation" of Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems, particularly those from Google and Microsoft. This technology enables high quality streaming of premium content to devices. Two of the big players are Microsoft's PlayReady and Google's Widevine. The authors argue the architecture of the DRM is largely unchanged, and due to a lack of maintenance by the big tech companies, PlayReady and Widevine "are now compromised across various security levels". Mr Sutcliffe and Mr Meir said this has had "a seismic impact across the industry, and ultimately given piracy the upper hand by enabling theft of the highest quality content". They added: "Over twenty years since launch, the DRM solutions provided by Google and Microsoft are in steep decline. "A complete overhaul of the technology architecture, licensing, and support model is needed. Lack of engagement with content owners indicates this a low priority." Man jailed for selling online access to TV football TV gang illegally streamed Premier League matches Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world's top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here.
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The free streaming service with 80 million users that's 'better than Netflix'
The cost of subscriptions to Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV Plus add up fast. But there are some streaming services out there that won't cost you a penny. You may have already heard of Tubi, one of the most popular free streaming services, which boasts 97 million users. But you might be less familiar with Pluto TV. Allow us to introduce you. Pluto TV is what's known as a FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) service, and is operated by Paramount. It offers over 150 live channels in the UK and over 1,000 TV shows and movies to stream. While it might not be home to the latest trending shows or Hollywood releases, you can watch everything in its library for no extra cost. That's right, it's completely free to use. First launched in 2014, the service has come on leaps and bounds in the last 12 years. It started with just 20 short-form channels, but has since convinced the likes of BBC, CNN, NFL, Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball to get on board. As of April 2023, Pluto TV had 80 million monthly active users across four continents and over 35 territories. But as there is no registration required to access Pluto TV's content library, it's likely that the number of users is actually much higher. All you need to do to watch for yourself is visit via your web browser, or download the channel on your Apple TV, your phone's App Store or on an Amazon Fire Stick. If you do choose to register for a free Pluto TV account, you'll be able to resume watching movies and TV shows from different devices and designate your favourite channels. Metro entertainment reporter and horror fanatic Rebecca Sayce is a fan of Pluto TV. 'I first decided to give Pluto a go when I saw Fangoria's Terror Tuesday programming on the platform, putting together horror films available on the streamer based on a theme. I was then hooked by their Halfway to Halloween releases, giving me some spooky offerings to enjoy long before October. 'While competing streamer Tubi boasts some hidden gem titles you may never have heard of, Pluto has plenty of huge TV and film franchises at your fingertips ready to binge in their entirety, from classic titles to more modern releases. 'Pluto may not have the hottest releases as soon as Netflix, Prime, or Disney Plus, but it is free, which is a huge selling point with the ever-increasing streaming fees amid a cost of living crisis.' There's a diverse range of content to check out, from live channels covering news, sports, entertainment and kids' TV to whole seasons of reality shows and sitcoms, movies across numerous genres and much more. Much like other live TV channels, Pluto airs adverts during shows and films — the revenue from which makes the free service possible. Pluto was acquired by Paramount in 2019, which allowed the streamer's content library to grow. Amy Kuessner, senior vice president of content partnerships for Pluto TV, previously told Forbes: 'With the acquisition, the access to the content that we've been able to get from Paramount has just been a pivotal moment for us. 'We have hundreds and hundreds of TV series, everything from NCIS to CSI to Love and Hip Hop to Basketball Wives and thousands of top-quality movies like The Godfather and the Indiana Jones franchise.' You can also catch episodes of Gracepoint, a Broadchurch spin-off starring David Tennant, all seven seasons of cult Channel 4 show Skins, hit reality shows including Hell's Kitchen, Catfish and Geordie Shore, plus 90s favourite Sabrina the Teenage Witch. There are regular new additions to Pluto, but, in general, the service focuses on older or classic titles — making it perfect for fans of nostalgia. Judging by the reviews, TV fans are delighted with the service. On the Amazon Appstore, Fiorina gave Pluto five stars, writing: 'Pluto TV is a game-changer in the world of streaming services. The fact that it's completely free caught my attention, but the exceptional quality kept me hooked.' Aiden added: 'I was stunned by the amount of movies there are available and all free! I felt like I had walked into a DVD rental store…There are some fantastic titles available too, some even have the sequel and there are TV box sets for free!' On Reddit, one user wrote of the free service: 'I find it is great, if you want to watch older movies from the 80s and 90s, better than something like Netflix or Hulu.' More Trending Another said: 'I've been watching Pluto since its inception and have always enjoyed it.' But others are frustrated by the platform's limited offering. One Reddit user wrote: 'I like Pluto, but Pluto repeats a lot of the same movies, for months,' while another simply said: 'Nothing but ads and reruns'. View More » As many have pointed out, however, it's a small price to pay for a service that's totally free. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Netflix viewers think WWE star is 'lucky to be alive' as move goes horribly wrong MORE: Jennifer Lopez slammed for 'desperate' stunt on stage at the American Music Awards MORE: Pierce Brosnan addresses criticism of his 'offensive' accent in gangster TV series
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
How to watch Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman, live stream details and start time
Here's all the details you need to know ahead of Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Josh Taylor is eyeing a return to winning ways this weekend upon his homecoming at the OVO Hydro. It's a welterweight debut for the Prestonpans fighter as he makes a change from super-lightweight. Taylor became Britain's first and to this point only undisputed champion at any weight across the four-belt era. He clinched that feat with a win over Jose Ramirez in 2021, but his duels with Jack Catterall in more recent bouts have proven tougher, winning a first fight controversially and then losing a rematch last May. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad His titles have slipped away and now he's making a fresh start in a new division in front of a crowd that will no doubt be in his corner throughout the night. Here is all you need to know ahead of Taylor's latest fight. How can I watch Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman? The event will stream live and exclusive on DAZN, where subscriptions start at £14.99 a month. DAZN has apps available for the following platforms: Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire Tablet, Android Phone & Tablet, iPhone & iPad, Android TV, LG, Smart TV, Panasonic Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, SmartCast, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Roku. What time does Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman? start? Taylor vs Essuman will take place on May 24th, at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow. The main card begins at 7pm BST and the main-event ring walks are due from 10pm BST. Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman card Subject to change Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman Nathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor Aloys Junior vs Davie Jamieson Moses Itauma vs Mike Balogun Luke McCormack vs Samir Cuentas Alex Arthur Jr. vs Robbie Chapman Josh Taylor thoughts on fight vs Ekow Essuman 'I haven't done nothing yet. A lot of people are writing me off. 'He's done.' 'He's finished.' I've got a lot of fire in my belly to prove people wrong again. This is Josh Taylor 2.0, and it starts on Saturday. It is great to be back here and this has been my home since the Commonwealth Games. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I've had most of my big fights here; Viktor Postol; my first world title against Ivan Baranchyk, so I've had most of my big nights here, so I am looking forward to getting back. It has been a little while since I've been here, so I am looking to put on a big show on Saturday. At 140lbs what else was there left for me to do? 'I'd completed boxing in a sense and won every single belt in boxing you can win. What else was there for me in terms of challenges; setting new targets? There was nothing to do. So, what there was, was moving up with an assault on becoming a two-time, two-weight world champion… The way I've been performing in the gym, if I perform the way I have been in the gym, it won't go the distance.'
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC plots major Amazon Fire Stick rival filled with free TV channels to succeed Freeview that's even easier to use
BBC Director-General says broadcaster is 'considering a streaming media device' CHANGE CHANNEL BBC plots major Amazon Fire Stick rival filled with free TV channels to succeed Freeview that's even easier to use Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BBC top boss has hinted that a Fire Stick rival loaded with free TV channels could launch in the future. Public service broadcasters are battling to keep up with streaming giants like Netflix and Prime that have contributed towards a fall in traditional linear TV viewing habits. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 BBC boss says broadcaster wants to 'double down on Freely' Credit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett 2 Streaming devices like Fire Sticks are incredibly popular among viewers Credit: Getty Freeview's successor, Freely, was launched last year as a way for telly lovers to beam channels into homes via the internet instead of an aerial. It also acts as a gateway to free streaming services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX all in one place. So far Freely has only been made available in new TVs that you can buy, as opposed to a box or streaming stick that plugs into your existing set. However, BBC Director-General Tim Davie has revealed that it could change. 'We have been working hard to build digital platforms and content to meet changing audience needs, enriching our offer and welcoming the possibilities of a post broadcast world,' he said during a speech at Salford's Lowry Theatre. 'We want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband. 'And we are considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services.' BBC, along with ITV, Channel 4 and 5 own Everyone TV, the company that operates Freeview, Freely and Freesat. The Beeb boss also called for a national plan on the switch off of traditional broadcast transmissions in the 2030s. "I talked a few years ago about my belief that we needed to own digital switchover, not get dragged, and proactively shape the future," he said. Freely the UK's new free streaming service Some 18million homes are still using Freeview. Amazon's popular Fire Stick only recently gained BBC channels on its live TV tab. But a Freely-inspired rival could make it even simpler for viewers. A Government report found that 87 per cent of UK homes had an internet-enabled primary TV in 2023 while 17 per cent were dependent on the current digital terrestrial set-up. However, it also predicts that around 1.5million homes could still rely on an aerial to watch TV by 2040 without intervention.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Is Eubank Jr vs Benn on TV? PPV price, live stream and how to watch boxing match
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will finally square off this weekend, as they look to settle their grudge at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The fight between the British rivals is due to play out two-and-a-half years after they were first due to clash, and more than 30 years after their fathers Chris Sr and Nigel Benn rounded out their own in-ring rivalry. Advertisement Benn will move up two weights to face Eubank Jr at middleweight, aiming to stay unbeaten as he does so. The main-event contest comes after the match-up collapsed in 2022, when it was revealed that Benn had returned two adverse drug-test results. The 28-year-old was subsequently banned from boxing in Britain until recently, and now that he has been cleared, he and 35-year-old Eubank Jr will meet in one of the country's biggest fights this generation. Here's all you need to know. When is the fight? Eubank Jr vs Benn is scheduled for Saturday 26 April at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The main card will start at 5pm BST, with main-event ring walks expected at around 10.30pm BST. How can I watch it? Chris Eubank Jr (left) and Conor Benn, days before their grudge match (Getty) The event will stream live on DAZN pay-per-view in more than 200 countries worldwide. The PPV is priced at £19.95 in the UK, $24.99 in the US, and €24.99 in Europe. The event will also air live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK at a cost of £19.95. Advertisement Viewers do not need a subscription to either platform to purchase the PPV, but buying the DAZN PPV grants you seven days of free access to the entire platform. You can purchase a subscription to DAZN here, with plans starting at £14.99 a month. DAZN has apps available for all of the following platforms: Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire Tablet, Android Phone & Tablet, iPhone & iPad, Android TV, LG, Smart TV, Panasonic Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, SmartCast, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Roku. Fight card in full* Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn (middleweight) Advertisement Anthony Yarde vs Lyndon Arthur (light-heavyweight) Liam Smith vs Aaron McKenna (middleweight) Chris Billam-Smith vs Brandon Glanton (cruiserweight) Viddal Riley vs Cheavon Clarke (cruiserweight) *Subject to change Viddal Riley is aiming to stay unbeaten when he fights on the Eubank Jr vs Benn undercard (Getty) Eubank Jr vs Benn prize money While the official figures have not been disclosed, it has been reported that the prize money on offer for Eubank Jr vs Benn sits at £18m. The purse split is believed to be 60-40 in favour of Eubank Jr, meaning Benn will earn approximately £2m less than his opponent. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
