Hottrix
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software development |
| Founder | Steven L. Priedel, Maria H. Gara |
| Headquarters | Las Vegas , United States |
Key people | Steven L. Priedel (managing member), Maria H. Gara (managing member), Steve Sheraton (contractor, producer, inventor), Steve Charney (video host) |
| Products | Mobile applications for iOS, Android, Palm OS, Windows; magic-themed "gimmix" items |
Hottrix is a software firm specializing in the creation of applications for multiple mobile platforms, including iOS (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad), Android, Palm OS, and Windows. Their software designed for iPhone and iPod Touch has garnered acclaim from outlets such as CNN, Newsweek, Time, and David Pogue of The New York Times. The company has also encountered legal challenges concerning intellectual property rights related to its products.
Beyond their digital offerings, Hottrix also sells tangible "gimmix" items that enhance their magic-themed app experiences.
Background
Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, Hottrix was established by Steven L. Priedel and Maria H. Gara. Many of the magic "tricks" they produce are developed by Steve Sheraton, a Swiss-born inventor and ex-magician recognized for creating the "e-spresso" virtual espresso cup application for Palm Pilot.
Key team members include:
- Steven L. Priedel – managing member and magician
- Maria H. Gara – managing member and magician
- Steve Sheraton – contractor, producer, and inventor
- Steve Charney – video host and magician
Recognition
In 2008, Hottrix’s iBeer was featured in Apple’s App Store among the "Top Paid Apps (Overall)" as well as the "Top Paid Entertainment" categories. CNN Money identified iBeer as an essential app, while Condé Nast Portfolio commended Hottrix’s magic software, citing iBeer as an ideal gift choice.
Intellectual property
In October 2008, Hottrix initiated a $12.5 million lawsuit against Coors Brewing Company over their development of iPint, an iOS application bearing close resemblance to Hottrix’s iBeer. The lawsuit alleged copyright violations, resulting in Apple removing iPint from the US App Store after Hottrix filed their complaint.
App Store apps
These magic apps are accessible via the App Store.
HottrixPhone
This application allows users to simulate phone calls with celebrities, featuring authentic pre-recorded voices of personalities such as Elvis Presley and Barack Obama, with options to add more.
iBeer
iBeer produces the effect of filling the device screen with various types of beer, accompanied by realistic sound effects. When the device is tilted, the virtual beer moves naturally and can be "drained," triggering a belching noise. In December 2008, iBeer appeared on Apple’s "Top Paid Apps (Overall)" and "Top Paid Entertainment" rankings.
iBug
iBug displays a virtual insect on-screen that responds to user touches, enlarges in size, and emits laughter when the device is shaken.
iMilk
Following a concept similar to iBeer, iMilk offers different milk flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and even "martian milk." It features a pay trick alongside a magic button that produces money-related effects.
iMunchies
iMunchies simulates filling the device with snacks such as candy, nuts, and popcorn. Users can mimic retrieving snacks through sleight of hand or pretend to pour them out from the device.
iSoda
Like iBeer and iMilk, iSoda presents an illusion of various soft drinks including cola, energy drinks, and sparkling water.
Jarheads
Jarhead Bob, Jarhead Tim, and Jarhead Ned are illusions featuring dungeon lab samples immersed in a potent liquid. When the heads tilt, their eyes shift, and shaking the container causes the liquid to transform into a blood-like substance. The fluid empties out upon sufficient tilting, resembling the effect seen in iBeer.
Magic Wallet
Similar to iMunchies, Magic Wallet is an illusion that uses coins from various currencies instead of edible items.
Premier apps
These unique illusions can be found exclusively at Hottrix's Premier App Shop:
- iHypno, a card trick application recognized by The Wall Street Journal as a legitimate alternative to the Apple iTunes Store.
- MindBeam
- MB: Euro
- Snapshot
Simulated apps
These illusions function as video files played on iOS devices:
- 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