Mozilla has partnered with a startup called MatchStick in a Kickstarter campaign to bring a Chromecast-like HDMI streaming stick for just $25 .
Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast and Roku dominate the market for devices streaming internet and videos on televisions. A startup is trying to squeeze into this tight fit with an attractive package and a worthy price tag. Mozilla, well-known for its Firefox internet browser, along with a tech startup called MatchStick, introduced a new, tiny HDMI dongle that streams movies, music, games and more from mobile devices directly onto the HDTV.
The tiny plug-in device MatchStick, can cast any content, apps and experiences from computer, iOS or Android device on to the big TV screen. Powered by Firefox OS, users can also stream content from Chrome and Firefox browsers. According to the MatchStick's Kickstarter page, the dongle will support a wide range of apps like Netflix, HBO Go, Pandora, ESPN and ABC among others.
"Open source hardware and software means there are no limitations to what you can do with Matchstick. No need to jailbreak your Matchstick, the door is wide open!" the company said on its Kickstarter product page.
In an interview with CNET, Jack Chang, the US General Manager of Matchstick, said the openness of MatchStick will give rise to a great number of cool apps at lower prices.
MatchStick does not require a complicated set-up. By simply plugging the dongle into the HDMI output in the television, scan for MatchStick and connect with the dongle. After a connection is secured between the sender and the receiver, content can easily be streamed on to the big screens, the company explained in its official blog.
MatchStick is still in the developmental phase and the company is seeking more developers to create apps. The dongle is currently up for grabs via Kickstarter with shipping to begin in early 2015. The first 500 backers pre-ordered the device for $12 and the MatchStick sells for $18. Once the Kickstarter window closes, the retail price of the dongle will jump to $25, which is still $10 cheaper than Chromecast. If you want more than one MatchStick,a $34 pledge can secure a pack of two dongles and $160 will buy you 10 units.
The MatchStick team had pledged $100,000 to bring the product in to market and with 29 more days to go, the project has surpassed its goal. Till date, 4,528 backers have pledged $108,166.
