FirefoxOS-Based Matchstick Project Ends; All Money To Be Refunded

Kohenkatz writes: Matchstick, a project built on FirefoxOS that aimed to compete with Google's Chromecast, which was initially funded on Kickstarter, is shutting down and will be refunding all pledges. In a post to Kickstarter backers today, they announced that this decision was due to the difficulty of implementing the DRM components that are necessary for access to a lot of paid content. Rather than drag out the project on an unknown schedule, they have decided to end the project.

Comments

The Firefox OS project needs to be terminated.

[Anonymous Coward]

It's unbelievable how pretty much everything relating to Firefox OS is a total, unmitigated disaster.

We know that Mozilla has poured a huge amount of resources into its development. These are resources that could have been put to better use, like by improving desktop Firefox, the only product of theirs that really sees any actual use these days. Every cent put into Firefox OS has been, in my opinion, a complete waste. Their willingness to put money and effort toward Firefox OS in the first place is why I will no longer donate to Mozilla.

The most scathing review I've ever read about a phone and its software involved Firefox OS. Having read probably thousands of reviews, that one sticks out in my mind for just how pathetic the problems were. Some people will blame it on the hardware, but many of the complaints revolved around Firefox OS, and would be a problem regardless of the hardware being used.

Then there's the whole issue of Firefox OS choosing the limited, rather shitty JavaScript/HTML/CSS stack as its only option. It's really bad when people refer to apps written using those technologies as being "native" apps just because the platform is so awful that it doesn't support anything resembling real native code or even proper bytecode of some form.

Now we have this, which is yet another failure directly associated with Firefox OS.

Mozilla, why do you keep dragging out the Firefox OS project? When we look at the big picture, it is not positive at all! Firefox OS is being rejected in the market place. It's uninspiring compared to its competitors, even when compared to what the competitors were capable of years ago. Failure surrounds the project. It wastes valuable resources.

Like the Slashdot Beta, sometimes it's better to cut your losses as early as possible. Firefox OS is clearly one of those cases. Sometimes failures happen, and when they do, it's best to move on quickly. So Mozilla, please, finally put an end to the Firefox OS project. Direct the resources toward something useful. Please!

Re:The Firefox OS project needs to be terminated.

[narcc]

FirefoxOS is an extremely important project, right up there with the browser at the time it was conceived.

As for the OS itself, years ago, there really wasn't much to say. It's improved dramatically since those early releases on low-end hardware. Check out some of the 2.5 demos. It's really something. What will really amaze you, of course, are the customization features you'll likely never find on other platforms.

As this is about the Matchstick, and you seem to like scathing reviews, take a look at this FXOS vs Android head-to-head in the smart TV arena. Needless to say, I was looking forward to the Matchstick.

When we look at the big picture, it is not positive at all!

I know. Google's spyware, Apples walled garden, it's a nightmare! That's why FXOS is so important. The mobile space needs an open platform and, most importantly, an open app package standard that anyone can implement. Users benefit by being able to keep their apps even when switching platforms and new platforms benefit from a wealth of apps ready to go from day one.

When you have a really good thing, you don't "cut your losses" simply because some kickstarter project didn't want to see another delay. It's not like the backers were consulted. I'd have voted to wait an extra year, if necessary, to get my hands on the thing. After all, I funded the project to support FXOS, not because I was interested in the matchstick. I know how important it is, and what it can do for mobile.

Re: Why not just forgo paid content?

[Anonymous Coward]

Hey look everyone, it is one of the douchenozzles that cause the rest of us to have to deal with DRM.

Backers don't want DRM

[adisakp]

If you read the comments on the project, nearly all of the recent comments are backers that would be perfectly happy with a device that didn't have any DRM. Why don't they just completely the device development as is and skip the DRM? It's what most of their backers want anyhow.

Re:Backers don't want DRM

[NaCh0]

Because the vast majority of people saying they want a device without DRM don't understand that all of the CONTENT that they want (netflix, hulu, amazon video, etc) is using DRM.

So while firefox was smart enough to end a product that will be universally panned by reviewers, they are stupid to think that they can copy whatever Google does.

No Netflix, No Sale.

[westlake]

This would be an excellent example of Mozilla not being willing to compromise their principles to satisfy the media conglomerates obsession with DRM.

I know this always come as a shock to the geek, but without access to subscription services, protected media content, HD video and theatrical quality sound, you do not have a commercially viable product.

Best Buy has the Amazon Fire Stick on sale for $25.