E-spresso
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software development |
| Founder | Steve Sheraton |
| Headquarters | Las Vegas , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Steven L. Priedel (managing member), Maria H. Gara (managing member), Steve Sheraton (contractor and product inventor), Steve Charney (magician and video presenter) |
| Products | Mobile applications for iOS, Android, Palm OS, Windows; magic-themed physical accessories ("gimmix") |
Hottrix is a software development firm focused on creating applications for various mobile operating systems, including iOS, Android, Palm OS, and Windows. Their iPhone and iPod Touch applications have been featured by prominent media outlets such as CNN, Newsweek, Time, and technology journalist David Pogue of The New York Times. The company has also been involved in legal disputes concerning the intellectual property of its software.
Beyond digital products, Hottrix also offers physical "gimmix" accessories designed to enhance their magic-themed app experiences.
Background
Operating out of Las Vegas, Nevada, Hottrix’s innovation largely stems from Steve Sheraton, a Swiss-born magician and inventor credited with developing "e-spresso," a virtual espresso cup application for the Palm Pilot.
Key team members include:
- Steven L. Priedel, managing member and professional magician
- Maria H. Gara, managing member and magician
- Steve Sheraton, contractor and product inventor
- Steve Charney, magician and video presenter
Recognition
In 2008, Hottrix’s leading app, iBeer, secured a position among the top downloads on the App Store, appearing in both the "Top Paid Apps (Overall)" and "Top Paid Entertainment" rankings. CNN Money described iBeer as an essential app, while Condé Nast Portfolio recommended it as a prime technology gift, highlighting Hottrix’s significant influence within the mobile entertainment sector.
Intellectual property
In October 2008, Hottrix initiated a $12.5 million lawsuit against Coors Brewing Company over their development of iPint, an iOS application closely resembling Hottrix's iBeer. The legal action claimed copyright infringement, resulting in Apple removing iPint from the US App Store following Hottrix's complaint.
App Store apps
The following magic tricks are accessible via the App Store.
HottrixPhone
This application mimics phone calls featuring celebrities using authentic pre-recorded voices, including personalities like Elvis Presley and Barack Obama, with additional options for users to add other figures.
iBeer
iBeer simulates the appearance of various beer types filling the device screen complete with sound effects. Tilting the device causes the virtual beer to shift realistically; users can "drink" it until empty, which triggers a belching sound effect. In December 2008, iBeer was listed among Apple's "Top Paid Apps (Overall)" and "Top Paid Entertainment" charts.
iBug
iBug presents a virtual bug on-screen that responds to touch by growing larger and emits laughter when the device is shaken.
iMilk
Similar in concept to iBeer, iMilk features different milk varieties such as chocolate and strawberry. It incorporates a pay trick alongside a magic button that produces money-related effects.
iMunchies
iMunchies creates the illusion of filling the device with snacks like candy, nuts, and popcorn. Users can simulate pulling snacks from the device using sleight-of-hand techniques or pour them out visually.
iSoda
iSoda is a novelty app akin to iBeer and iMilk, offering a selection of soft drink varieties such as cola, energy beverages, and sparkling water.
Jarheads
The Jarhead series—comprising Jarhead Bob, Jarhead Tim, and Jarhead Ned—features dungeon lab samples contained in concentrated juice. When tilted, the heads shift their gaze upward; shaking causes the liquid to transform into blood, and further tilting results in the juice draining, mirroring the behavior seen in iBeer.
Magic Wallet
Similar in concept to iMunchies, Magic Wallet replaces snacks with coins from diverse currencies.
Premier apps
Available exclusively through Hottrix's Premier App Shop, these select tricks include:
- iHypno, a card trick application recognized by The Wall Street Journal as a legitimate alternative to Apple’s iTunes Store
- MindBeam
- MB: Euro
- Snapshot
Simulated apps
These applications operate by playing videos within iOS's native video player:
- iBugClassic
- iCharger
- iFireplace
- iGoldfish
- iGoyfish
- iRescueCall
- iSnail
- iVegas
- iYuleLog
- MMS-3D
List of Android OS applications
- iBeer
- iMilk
- iChocolate
List of Palm OS applications
- AbraMath
- AbraPick
- e-spresso
- NerdAlert