Universal Remote Control App Wins Google Demo Day Detroit
DETROIT (WWJ) -- Detroit-based iRule beat six other competitors to win the Detroit Google Demo Day, earning an opportunity to pitch its business to Google executives in Silicon Valley in April.
The contest was one of seven held nationwide, part of the Google for Entrepreneurs Program.
The contest, organized by Grand Circus Detroit as part of a partnership with Google for Entrepreneurs, lasted several weeks and featured more than 100 applications. Twenty-one semifinalist companies were selected to demo to a panel of judges, and finally seven companies made it to the final stage, presenting to a panel of four Southeast Michigan investors and an audience of more than 150 people.
"2014 has been a milestone year for iRule thus far, continuing to solidify our commitment to our customers and to Detroit," said Itai Ben-Gal, iRule co-founder and CEO. "The opportunity involves much more than presenting to executives, including meeting some of the top tech startups across the country and the minds that make Google so successful."
IRule is cloud-based software coupled with simple hardware that controls any infra-red, RS-232 or Ethernet-enabled audio or video equipment, making it compatible with nearly any system or combination of components.
A customizable interface allows users to simplify controls, upload their own images and personalize menus to their preferences. IRule is also easily updated to control additional components or to migrate to the latest versions of smartphones and tablets, making it the last remote you'll ever need.
IRule is available from Apple's App Store, Google Play, from integration professionals and at www.iRuleAtHome.com. The company has sold tens of thousands of licenses in more than 55 countries via word-of-mouth and online "buzz" among early adopters, home theater professionals and online forums.