certainly the case with Play Inc.'s Snappy." Play's next consumer-oriented product was Gizmos, a suite of utilities, games and multimedia software for Windows personal computers. PC Magazine said Gizmos was one of the "Best Products of 1998". Play created Trinity as the next-generation Video Toaster for the Windows personal computer platform. Trinity included real-time 3D video effects, digital component video switcher, chroma-keyer, still and video clip store, character generator, paint system, and non-linear video editor. After several lengthy delays, Trinity shipped in August 1998 to wide critical acclaim. To many in the industry, Trinity became the logical successor to the Video Toaster. Play also acquired 3D animation software developer Electric Image in November 1998. Electric Image animation system was re-launched for both Mac and Windows platforms as Electric Image Universe. Play also launched 'Play TV', an online network of shows broadcast from Play headquarters, the San Francisco Bay Area and as far away as Revelstoke B.C. and streamed over the Internet. The network was the first live internet TV network and an early precursor to the internet video revolution. TV Technology called Play Incorporated “one of the industry's most aggressive and innovative developers“. Play folded following Montgomery's death, with many employees, including Kiki Stockhammer returning to NewTek, which by then had redirected its efforts also into the Windows platform. Management style Montgomery's enthusiasm for technology and people helped both NewTek and Play develop a passionate customer base, including high-profile celebrity users. Early users of the Video Toaster included Todd Rundgren, Herbie Hancock, Penn and Teller, U2 and Oingo Boingo. Montgomery's leadership and marketing skills helped NewTek and Play obtain major national press attention for its products, including feature stories on NBC Nightly News and an article in Rolling Stone Magazine. He was the self-proclaimed P.T. Barnum of NewTek. Company culture NewTek and Play both contained employees passionate about Montgomery and the products they created. Wil Wheaton, who briefly moved to Topeka to work for NewTek, called Montgomery "the soul of NewTek and the soul of Play" in his book Just a Geek. NewTek employees were often spotted roller blading, playing laser tag, video games and working long hours. Death June 19, 1999 Montgomery died of a heart attack while vacationing in Seattle. Montgomery was survived by his wife, Michele, his parents, and siblings. References Businesspeople in software Businesspeople from California 1999 deaths 1960 births 20th-century American businesspeople