AbraPick
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software development |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Las Vegas , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Steven L. Priedel (managing member), Maria H. Gara (managing member), Steve Sheraton (contractor, inventor, producer), Steve Charney (video host, radio personality, author, magician) |
| Products | Mobile applications for iOS, Android, Palm OS, Windows; physical "gimmix" products |
Hottrix is a software development firm established in 2008, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company specializes in creating applications for various mobile platforms such as iOS (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad), Android, Palm OS, and Windows. Hottrix’s iPhone and iPod Touch apps have garnered attention from notable media outlets including CNN, Newsweek, Time, and technology columnist David Pogue of The New York Times. Alongside its digital offerings, Hottrix also sells physical "gimmix" products designed to complement its magic-themed applications.
Background
Operating globally from its Las Vegas base, Hottrix’s software "tricks" were largely developed by Steve Sheraton, a Swiss-born magician and inventor. His first creation was "e-spresso," a virtual espresso cup designed for Palm Pilot devices.
Key members of the team include:
- Steven L. Priedel – managing member and magician
- Maria H. Gara – managing member and magician
- Steve Sheraton – contractor, inventor, and producer
- Steve Charney – video host, radio personality, author, and magician
Recognition
In 2008, Hottrix’s iBeer app achieved high rankings among the App Store’s most popular paid downloads both overall and within the entertainment category. CNN Money described iBeer as an essential application, while Condé Nast Portfolio commended Hottrix’s trick software lineup, highlighting iBeer as a great gift idea.
Intellectual property
In October 2008, Hottrix initiated a $12.5 million lawsuit against Coors Brewing Company over their creation of iPint, an iOS app resembling Hottrix’s iBeer. The legal action alleged copyright infringement, resulting in Apple removing iPint from the US App Store following Hottrix’s complaint.
App Store apps
These magic trick apps are accessible through the App Store.
HottrixPhone
This application simulates incoming calls from celebrities by using authentic pre-recorded voices of personalities such as Elvis Presley and Barack Obama, with options for users to add other figures.
iBeer
iBeer creates a realistic illusion of various beer types filling the screen accompanied by sound effects. When the device is tilted, the virtual beer shifts naturally and can be "drunk," triggering a belching sound. In December 2008, it appeared on Apple’s lists for "Top Paid Apps (Overall)" and "Top Paid Entertainment."
iBug
iBug presents a virtual bug on the screen that responds to touch interactions by growing larger and emits laughter when the device is shaken.
iMilk
Similar in concept to iBeer, iMilk simulates different milk varieties such as chocolate, strawberry, and even "martian milk." It features a pay trick alongside a magic button that produces money-related effects.
iMunchies
iMunchies gives the impression that snacks like candy, nuts, and popcorn are filling the device. Users can mimic retrieving snacks through sleight of hand or pour them out virtually.
iSoda
iSoda offers a trick comparable to iBeer and iMilk with various soft drink options including cola, energy drinks, and sparkling water.
Jarheads
The tricks Jarhead Bob, Jarhead Tim, and Jarhead Ned involve dungeon lab samples contained in potent juice. When tilted, the heads roll their eyes; shaking turns the juice into blood; tilting causes it to drain similarly to iBeer.
Magic Wallet
Magic Wallet resembles iMunchies but features coins from various currencies instead of edible treats.
Premier apps
Available solely through Hottrix's Premier App Shop, these applications include:
- iHypno, a card trick app recognized by The Wall Street Journal as a lawful alternative to the Apple iTunes Store
- MindBeam along with its variation MB: Euro
- Snapshot
Simulated apps
These illusions are presented as videos played via iOS's video player:
- iBugClassic, iCharger, iFireplace, iGoldfish, iGoyfish, iRescueCall, iSnail, iVegas, iYuleLog, and MMS-3D
List of Android OS applications
- iBeer
- iMilk
- iChocolate
List of Palm OS applications
- AbraMath
- AbraPick
- e-spresso
- NerdAlert