Chromecast challenger Matchstick beats Kickstarter goal

The streaming-media dongle reaches its $100,000 funding goal in just one day. But how will it do against similar devices from Google, Roku and others?

Matchstick is based on Firefox OS, the open-source operating system built by Mozilla. MatchStick/Kickstarter

Google's Chromecast, an HDMI dongle that streams video and music to your television, is in for a fight now that the Matchstick has reached its funding goal.

The HDMI streaming stick, which runs Mozilla's Firefox OS, surpassed its goal of $100,000 in crowdfunding on Kickstarter. Surprisingly, it took the device just one day to surpass its goal. It still has 28 days to go before its campaign is complete. As of this writing, Matchstick has generated more than $154,000 in pledges from over 6,000 backers.

Matchstick did not immediately responded to a request for comment.

Matchstick is the first streaming stick that's based on Firefox OS, the open-source operating system built by Mozilla. The device connects to an HDMI port on a television to stream content from the Internet via a computer or mobile device. Matchstick says it will work with apps like Netflix, HBO Go and Pandora at launch.

Matchstick is pitting itself against Google's Chromecast, which provides a similar service. That device, which costs $35, also allows users to stream content ranging from Netflix to YouTube to HBO Go.

When the Matchstick goes on sale next year, the company expects the device to retail for $25. People funding the Kickstarter campaign, however, can get the device for less. Backers have already purchased all 500 pledges at the $12 level, with the Matchstick expected to ship to them in February. As of this writing, more than 4,000 backers have claimed a device for an $18 pledge, and the developer units, which call for a $24 pledge, have sold out. Backers are also shelling out for multiple devices: more than 1,300 have pledged $34 for a two-pack and more than 40 people have pledged $160 to get 10 Matchsticks.

For now, Matchstick will stream from a wide range of mobile operating systems, including Firefox OS, Google's Android, and Apple's iOS. Microsoft's Windows Phone will not be supported out of the box.

In many circumstances, companies that get to their funding goal quickly will offer some stretch goals to increase funding. So far, Matchstick has not offered any additional stretch goals. The company has, however, committed to answering any questions consumers might have about the device on its Kickstarter page.

Don Reisinger Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications. See full bio

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Get a Google Chromecast for $25 shipped

Just $25? Yes, please. Sarah Tew

Every TV should be "smart," able to stream stuff from the likes of Netflix and Pandora and YouTube. Thankfully, it's a simple matter to add this kind of intelligence to just about any TV, without venturing into murky "Flowers for Algernon" territory.

And today, while supplies last, the science is cheap: Groupon has the refurbished Google Chromecast for just $25 shipped. Sure, it sells new for a mere $35 and routinely goes on sale for around $30, but there's something a bit magical about a $25 price tag -- especially for a gizmo as good as this.

In the unlikely event you're unfamiliar with it, here's a primer: Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port, then use your smartphone or tablet to sling Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, and loads of other stuff -- including Web pages from a laptop.

Now, that smartphone/tablet/laptop requirement (there's no remote included with the device) is something of a downside, at least if you're old-school like me. I must admit to preferring Roku's nice little handheld remote.

Speaking of which, the Chromecast's direct competitor is the Roku Streaming Stick, a nearly identical dongle that also plugs directly into an HDMI port -- no box or HDMI cable required. But it's literally twice the price.

Oh, and don't worry about this being a refurb: It comes with a one-year warranty, same as new Chromecasts. (Little-known fact: All Rokus are backed for just 90 days.)

If you're seriously trying to decide between one and the other, check out CNET's recent Chromecast vs. Streaming Stick Prizefight. (Spoiler: Roku wins by a nose, but both products rank as "awesome.")

My take: For $25 out the door, the Chromecast is a flat-out unbeatable deal. Grab one for yourself, another for your favorite blogger, maybe even get a little holiday shopping done early.

Bonus deal: So you've been wanting to get in on this fitness-band craze, but not if it's going to cost you $150. Today only, and while supplies last, Yugster has the refurbished Nike+ FuelBand fitness tracker for $54.97, plus $5 for shipping. It had a list price of $149 when it debuted a couple years back. You'll want to check out CNET's review before pulling the trigger -- and maybe wait to hear what your fellow cheeps think of the FuelBand, too. (I haven't tried one myself.)

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