Matchstick hopes to one-up the likes of the Google Chromecast, Roku, and Apple TV by announcing its $25 media and internet streaming device. The California based company, whose engineering team based in Beijing, has reached its $100,000 crowdfunding goal after being on Kickstarter for just 24 hours. Matchstick's self-titled dongle uses the Mozilla Firefox OS to “fling content, apps, and games from a computer, iOS, or Android device to a larger screen”.

Although the dongle works exactly like Chromecast, Matchstick spokesman Shawn Bow hopes Matchstick will hold up more promises than we expected from Chromecast, saying we were “disappointed when they pulled back on the devices' ultimate promise- any content on any HD screen, anywhere, anytime”. One of the problems the Chromecast had involved hackers consistently finding ways to root the software. Matchstick, however, will come with open source hardware and software, making it “essentially an open Chromecast”.

Both Mozilla and Matchstick are reaching out to developers who want to create apps for their product, especially those “who've built apps for iOS, Android, Firefox OS and Chromecast to adapt and port their software for Matchstick”. To encourage developers to get involved in what will be a fruitful library for Matchstick, the company is giving away 250 dongles to developers who want to create the most unique and fun applications. Right out of the box, Matchstick will come with ABC, ESPN, Pandora, Netflix, and HBO Go apps.

With the popularity of its new streaming stick, this is a good time for Mozilla, who wants to see its operating system in more devices, such as smartphones, tablets and even televisions. Although the dongle remains as a “project” on Kickstarter, there is no development work that needs to be done. The device is ready-to-go and fully functional, the only thing left to do is put it into mass production so it can be ready for shipment by early 2015. Kickstarter backers get an even sweeter price of $18 for Matchstick, with just $12 for early birds.