Geek News

Amazon really isn't shy about its ambitions for live sports streaming . The tech firm is now selling access to pay-per-view UFC matches, starting with the March 3rd bout between Cris Cyborg and Yana Kunitskaya. If you're willing to drop $65, you can watch fights on any device that can play Prime Video -- although you won't need a Prime subscription. You won't need a TV subscription or a UFC Fight Pass, either. The company certainly isn't a stranger to cord cutting between Prime Video and Channels , which can unify your streaming services. However, this kicks things up a notch: it's supplementing Prime's broadcast-style programming with the premium events that would lead you to either stick with traditional TV or visit a rival digital service. You certainly can't depend primarily on Amazon for sports coverage at this point, but don't be surprised if that changes over time. Via: Recode Source: Amazon via Engadget RSS Feed "http://ift.tt/...

MoviePass' pseudo-unlimited subscription theater service is increasingly popular , but that doesn't mean it's profitable -- it currently has to subsidize tickets, which isn't exactly sustainable in the long run. The company's solution? Secure a stake in the movies themselves. It's launching a MoviePass Ventures subsidiary that will "co-acquire" films alongside distributors. While the details aren't entirely clear, MoviePass expects to benefit from the entire pipeline, whether it's the initial theatrical release, streaming services or in-flight viewing. The company is betting that its impact on movie performance will convince companies to hop aboard. MoviePass normally accounts for roughly 3 percent of US box office sales, but that figure has jumped to 10 percent or more when it uses its app and overall platform to influence viewing, such as The Post and The Shape of Water . In short: if MoviePass takes a share, it could do more to promote...