NerdAlert
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software development |
| Founder | Steve Sheraton |
| Headquarters | Las Vegas , United States |
Key people | Steven L. Priedel (managing member), Maria H. Gara (managing member), Steve Sheraton (contractor and inventor), Steve Charney (video presenter, radio host, author, and magician) |
| Products | Mobile applications for iOS, Android, Palm OS, Windows; magic-themed "gimmix" accessories |
Hottrix is a software development firm focused on creating applications for mobile platforms such as iOS, Android, Palm OS, and Windows. Their iPhone and iPod Touch applications have garnered acclaim from notable media outlets including CNN, Newsweek, Time, and technology columnist David Pogue of The New York Times. The company has also encountered legal challenges concerning intellectual property rights tied to its software.
Beyond digital offerings, Hottrix produces physical "gimmix" accessories designed to enhance the experience of their magic-themed apps.
Background
Operating out of Las Vegas, Nevada, Hottrix's collection features numerous "tricks" developed by Steve Sheraton, a Swiss-born former magician and inventor. Sheraton's first creation was "e-spresso," a virtual espresso cup application for the Palm Pilot.
Key members of the team include:
- Steven L. Priedel – managing member and magician
- Maria H. Gara – managing member and magician
- Steve Sheraton – contractor and inventor
- Steve Charney – video presenter, radio host, author, and magician
Recognition
In December 2008, Apple recognized Hottrix's iBeer as one of the App Store’s leading downloads in both the "Top Paid Apps (Overall)" and "Top Paid Entertainment" categories. The application was recommended as an essential download by CNN Money and described by Condé Nast Portfolio as an ideal gift, highlighting Hottrix's significant impact within entertainment software markets.
Intellectual property
In October 2008, Hottrix initiated a $12.5 million lawsuit against Coors Brewing Company over their iOS app iPint, which Hottrix claimed infringed upon the copyright of their own app, iBeer. Subsequent to Hottrix’s legal action, Apple removed iPint from the United States App Store.
App Store apps
The following tricks are accessible via the App Store.
HottrixPhone
This application simulates incoming calls featuring prerecorded voices of celebrities such as Elvis Presley and Barack Obama, with options allowing users to include additional personalities.
iBeer
iBeer creates a visual effect of beer filling the device screen accompanied by sound effects. Tilting the device causes the virtual beer to move realistically, and users can simulate drinking it, which triggers a burp sound. In December 2008, this app appeared on Apple's lists for "Top Paid Apps (Overall)" and "Top Paid Entertainment".
iBug
iBug displays a virtual insect that responds to touch interactions, can grow in size, and emits laughter when the device is shaken.
iMilk
iMilk simulates various milk flavors such as chocolate and strawberry. It includes payment-related tricks along with a magic button that produces money-themed effects.
iMunchies
iMunchies offers a simulation where the device appears to fill with treats like candy, nuts, and popcorn. Users can mimic the action of retrieving snacks through sleight of hand, with the option to virtually dispense these items.
iSoda
iSoda presents a gimmick akin to iBeer and iMilk, showcasing a variety of soft drinks including cola, energy beverages, and carbonated water.
Jarheads
The tricks Jarhead Bob, Jarhead Tim, and Jarhead Ned feature dungeon lab specimens immersed in a strong juice. When tilted, the heads roll their eyes; shaking causes the juice to transform into blood, and tilting again results in the liquid draining, resembling the behavior seen in iBeer.
Magic Wallet
Magic Wallet operates similarly to iMunchies but replaces snacks with coins from different currencies.
Premier apps
These specialized tricks are exclusively offered through Hottrix's Premier App Shop:
- iHypno, a card illusion app recognized in The Wall Street Journal as a legitimate alternative to the Apple iTunes Store
- MindBeam
- MB: Euro
- Snapshot
Simulated apps
These illusions function as video presentations on iOS media 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