Spider Man (2000)

Swing through the streets of New York City as Spiderman as you fight to stop Doctor Oc from taking over the city. This is a level-by-level game where you get to square off against other villains such as Rhino, Lizard and even Carnage! Being the first 3D game of the series, this was so much fun to play and was the start for superhero games to come.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

Modeled after the first book and movie that came out around the same time, the game was better than most had anticipated. You’re able to roam around Hogwarts at Harry Potter completing quests and solving fun puzzles from the beginning of the traditional story until the very end. Of course, they added some parts of it to be more interactive, but all in all, this was a great game to play, especially for children at the time.

Mega Man X4 (1997)

Mega Man X4 was one of the earlier games to be released for the original PlayStation and became a pretty tough act to follow. You can play the story mode as either Mega Man X or Zero (this is an X, after all), where you take part in the war against the hunters. Level by level, this game was filled with action and even though it was a platformer, they always found a way to keep the gameplay fresh and never repetitive.

Ape Escape (1999)

Ape Escape is about a monkey (Specter) that lives in a family fun amusement park who is given a helmet designed by a crazy scientist that gives him super monkey powers. As cool as the powers are, the helmet also turns him evil. So you, Spike, must rally all the other monkeys to stop Specter from rewriting history. It sounds wild, but Ape Escape was one of the best family-friendly games of its time, introducing a fun plot, dynamic gameplay and excellent graphics for its time.

Tomb Raider (1996)

The start of an era, you can start your adventure as Lara Croft in what were the best graphics at the time. Explore caves, tombs and crypts to find a special artifact in the mountains of Peru. This game was successful enough to sell over 7 MILLION copies, which was crazy at the time.

Crash Bandicoot (1996)

Naughty Dog’s first hit was none other than Crash Bandicoot where you must get through each level to stop the evil Doctor Neo Cortex from taking over the world. With the help of Aku Aku, a floating magic mask who sometimes takes damage for you, you must get through each stage, collecting apples and defeating enemies in the process. As much fun as this game was, it was equally (if not more) frustrating. Beware of the boulders.

Spyro the Dragon (1998)

One of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises started here. Play as Spyro, the small, yet powerful dragon who learns more abilities as you go to defeat Gnasty Gnorc and rescue all the other dragons and dragonflies from his reign of terror. The game consists of multiple worlds where you meet friends, collect valuables and are tested in many different facets.

Metal Gear Solid (1998)

The ultimate game for 3D stealth missions and combat-related tasks was, of course, Metal Gear Solid and it all started here. You play as Solid Snake as you navigate through a nuclear weapons facility to neutralize the threat of war… nuclear war.

Spyro the Dragon: Year of the Dragon (2000)

The best of the entire series (in our opinion), Year of the Dragon takes Spyro to a whole new level. Actually, there are 37 in which you have to collect dragon eggs that have been stolen by a thief. Among the many fun adventures involving ‘out there’ themes like gliding, swimming and even skateboarding, you also meet a lot of recurring characters like Hunter and Sheila the Kangaroo to help you with your quest. This is especially fun for kids!

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)

Considered to be the best Castlevania game, you play as Alucard (Dracula’s son) to fight through Dracula’s castle in an attempt to defeat the possessed Richter Belmont. While still 2-dimensional, this game offered a lot to explore, so many monsters to fight, surprising adventures within the initial quest and so much more for it’s time to the point that it’s still considered to be one of the best PlayStation games, period, not just from the original.

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Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (2000)

The first full 3D adventure in the Kirby franchise was a total hit. The side-scrolling 3D platformer has players fighting through Dreamland as none other than Kirby in an act to retrieve the sacred crystal shards to defeat Dark Matter. This was the first game where Kirby actually teams up with King Dedede. Between the unconventional teamwork and the tons of challenging levels, this game was amazing.

Bomberman 64 (1997)

We’ll be totally honest with this one. Bomberman 64 was a pain in the you know what because of all the fun puzzles and (sometimes) time restraints. As annoying as these parts were, it was all the more rewarding as you work through each level and defeat dangerous space pirates every step of the way.

Yoshi’s Story (1997)

This was the first N64 game that focused on Yoshi, who was previously known as basically Mario’s horse. The graphics of this game weren’t the best of its time, but the gameplay more than made up for it. The side-scrolling platformer was a classic as you fought to protect the fruit-bearing super happy tree from the likes of the super jealous Baby Bowser.

Star Fox 64 (1997)

The source of the infamous “do a barrel roll” meme, Starfox 64 was ahead of its time in a dogfight-style aerial battle. The only game of it’s time that even compares was Star Wars: Rogue Squadron. There were countless levels as you played as Fox McCloud and his team of fighter pilots.

Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)

The second Zelda installment for the N64, Majora’s Mask picks up after Ocarina of Time. You play as Link in an alternate reality from that of the Ocarina where you have to save the moon from complete destruction. The graphics were totally ahead of its time, which was surprising considering it only took Nintendo 2 years to make and develop it.

Rayman 2: The Great Escape (1999)

Rayman 2 was so much fun! The plot begins when you find yourself (Rayman) and a couple of allies in a prison aboard a giant ship. Shocker, you eventually escape from your cell and retreat deep into the forest to reconnect with Globox, Rayman’s trusted guide. From dashing through swamps to swinging on vines, this action-packed game was arguably the best of the series.

Donkey Kong 64 (1999)

If there is one lesson to take away from Donkey Kong 64, it’s not to mess with a monkey’s bananas. You play mostly as Donkey Kong on Donkey Kong island where you fight the likes of King K Rool to retrieve your stache of delicious bananas and free Diddy Kong from captivity. This game was full of fun puzzles and mini-games that really spiced things up and made for an excellent sequel to Donkey Kong Country.

Banjo-Kazooie (1998)

We’re not going to lie, Banjo-Kazooie is tough, even for adults. There are 9 worlds in total where you have to complete (sometimes annoying) puzzles to collect musical notes and advance to the next world. Like Super Mario and Donkey Kong 64, it was the closest thing to being ‘open-world’ at the time, meaning you could go back and try old missions, meaning not everything had to be completed in linear order. The uniqueness of the story and gameplay made this game a major hit.

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Considered one of the highest-rated games of all time, Ocarina of Time is a staple in the Zelda franchise. You play as both young and adult link as you move throughout time to help Zelda defeat the sinister Gannondorf. This game allowed for a lot of flexibility for its time, like playing special songs to give you unique power upgrades to help you advance through the story.

Super Mario 64

The game that everybody (and we mean everybody) had was Super Mario 64. The entire game takes place in the Mushroom Kingdom (mostly within Peach’s castle) where Mario must collect stars to advance throughout the castle and defeat bowser. Getting to explore the castle and play levels ranging from haunted houses to lava fields, ice worlds, and carpets in the clouds – it really felt like this game had no limits. This game set the standard for not only Super Mario, but all other 3D adventure games to come.

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Ask Yourself “Why” First

No, we don’t want to deter you from getting a robot vacuum cleaner. But there are new advancements with manual vacuum cleaners to consider. Checking out the best vacuum cleaners in your area is a solid place to start! After weighing all of your options, you’ll want to consider what features will have the most impact on your robotic cleaning experience.

Ask Yourself “Why” First

You’ll want to invest in a vacuum cleaner that’s fit for the job you need. With that said, there are models made specifically for small/big spaces, so it’s important to get what works for your space. The most important things to consider here are overall strength and battery life. To get a good idea, consider getting an estimated square footage of your home (or at least the areas you’ll want vacuumed) and compare that with the respective battery lives.

What Kind of Flooring Do You Have?

Just as with power and battery life, some vacuum cleaners are made specifically for select flooring, such as carpeting, hardwood, tile, or laminate, etc. It’s not necessarily the case that getting a carpet cleaner (won’t) get the job done, it’s more about efficiency and preserving the lifespan of your investment. While there are a plethora of vacuum cleaners made to handle multiple surfaces, many are optimized for a specific one. Aside from a noticeable difference in overall performance, investing in something specifically made for the job you need will decrease the chances of you needing a vacuum repair company. So with that said, know what goes on in your house and don’t settle. Get something built for what you need.. and maybe even a notch or two above just to be safe.

Do You Have Pets (How Many)?

If you have any cats, dogs, ferrets, birds… whatever… you know that pet hair and dander can be a real pain. Not only does it sit around, but it can clog up vacuum cleaners, depreciating their value over time. That’s why select robot vacuum cleaners are made specifically for pet owners – ideal for picking up shedded hair in the summer months, dander, even strands from broken-down toys. We probably don’t have to tell you how frustrating (and downright nasty) doing this is, so avoid having to use a vacuum cleaning guide and just avoid the issue altogether. From here, you’ll just want to consider how many pets you have, as the quantity of hair and dander will determine the level of power and capacity you’ll want to invest in.

Check out our other “How To” or “Shopping” articles.

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Tomb Raider: Raider Chronicles (2000)

Embark on another adventure as players could fight through temples and jungles as none other than Lara Croft. While this was considered to be one of the weaker games from the Tomb Raider series, it was still strong enough to make the list and was known for giving Lara many of the tools in her arsenal that made the series iconic, including her ability to walk the tightropes and swing on horizontal bars.

Shenmue (1999)

Shenmue was one of the first games to merge 1v1 platform fighting games with gut-wrenching adventures, making it a storied franchise in Japanese gaming. You play as a teenage martial artist seeking revenge for his dojo, as you investigate and fight through the streets of Hong Kong. The game featured a great balance of action, story and adventure that kept it from getting stale.

Nightmare Creatures 2 (2000)

One of the first successful horror adventure/survival games was the Nightmare Creatures series, with the second installment being considered one of the best. Here you play to stop an occult from taking over the world. The overall style was so unique and fun for the time that we just had to add it to the list. It almost gives you the feel of exploring a fun haunted house.

Stupid Invaders (2001)

Fun for the entire family, Stupid Invaders is something of a cartoon parody that adds a level of comedy to your adventure. The plot involves you and your alien friends literally just trying to get back into space, but of course, you run into problems along the way. It’s a fun, almost-spoofy kind of game that has aged fairly well.

Shadow Man (1999)

Play as the “Shadow Man” where you possess the voodoo magic that originally spawned in the 1880’s with Jack the Ripper. The protagonist is Michael LeRoi, who is set to protect the living from the monsters and demons that walk the earth in an attempt to cause harm to the innocent.

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver (1999)

The Legacy of Kain was riveting at the time, acting as a dungeon crawler meets RPG at a time where this was brand new. You act as a sort-of nephalem and fight through vampires, werewolves and all other kinds of monsters to progress through Nosgoth and defeat Kain to save the world. The graphics and gameplay were innovative, making this a great addition to our list.

The Nomad Soul (2000)

Taking place sometime in the future, in The Nomad Soul, you play as an ex-police officer to combat the “The Awakened”, a governmental group of religious zealots. You fight through the streets of Omikron, fighting everything from gangsters to demons to strip the power from the group of power-hungry monsters looking to take over the world. In addition to battling, there are also other fun things to do in the city. The 3rd-person perspective was perfect because it gave players the energy of an adventure with the plot of a fantasy.

Fun fact – David Bowie created and put the soundtrack together!

Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)

The Sonic Adventure series took the franchise to a whole new level! The 3D effects were amazing, as you speed through cities with multiple playable characters. The story is split into two parts, Eggman and Shadow. There are 3 unique game modes, including fast-paced plat forming, multi-directional shooting and our personal favorite, action-exploration.

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999)

Arguably the best Tomb Raider game of all time, The Last Revelation featured the best of its core specialty – exploring. The caves, temples and ruins were so cool for the time and the combat portion was so unique. There’s a reason why so many are skeptical as to why it hasn’t been remastered yet.

Sonic Adventure (1998)

A lot of us remember Sonic Adventure for it’s introduction to Shadow, probably still the coolest character of the franchise 20+ years later. But it’s also the first real 3D adventures that totally reimagined the series entirely. It was also the first to incorporate the slight RPG elements, making the game fun for longer.

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Batman: Arkham City (2011)

We name Arkham City not only the best Batman game ever, but the best superhero game ever – period. You’re no longer confined to Arkham Island… you have the whole city to explore and fight crime in. There’s an extensive main story filled with high-profile villains such as The Joker, Killer Croc, Scarecrow and more, plus tons of mini-games and side quests to feed your craving. Oh – and there are additional heroes you can play as, such as Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl and more!

Toy Story 3: The Video Game (2010)

Did you like the Toy Story 3 movie? If so, you’ll love the game! It’s a platform-adventure game that is based on the movie, but with more included. Play as Woody, Buzz, or Jessie in multiple game modes, including multiplayer, where you explore everything from Andy’s room to the outside world.

Ori and the Blind Forest (2015)

Left to explore the dying forest alone, you play as Ori and are accompanied by Sein, a spirit that guides you through your adventure. Your goal is to restore the forest, along with those who you lost within it. The beautiful, natural-looking graphics add an aesthetically pleasing tribute to the Rayman games while demonstrating some originality of its own. The story and gameplay are truly loads of fun for the whole family.

Doritos Crash Course (2010)

Have you ever watched shows like “American Ninja Warrior” or “Sasuke” (in Japan)? They have people attempting crazy-timed obstacle courses that require immense physical strength and durability. Well, this was re-animated with a super fun platformer-adventure game sponsored by Doritos. There are various stages across 5 countries, each more difficult than the last. You can play alone, competing against your past times, or challenge friends in real-time. Tons of fun, and even better it was free!

Sonic Generations (2011)

The modern Sonic of today (well, of 2011) collides with the vintage Sonic of the Sega Genesis era, creating a wild adventure for all. This happens because Dr. Eggman tries going back in time to defeat a more vulnerable Sonic, but it backfires because the two just unite for some extra action. You get the best of both worlds, with a combination of nostalgia and modern action that anyone can enjoy.

South Park: The Stick of Truth (2014)

If you’re a fan of South Park, there’s no way you won’t love this game. It takes place following the Game of Thrones gag trilogy from their 14th season, where you play as your own character. As the “new kid”, you embark on a fantasy quest with the kids in South Park, defining your role and backstory along the way. Warning: the contents of this game aren’t ideal for younger audiences.

Alan Wake (2010)

Playing as the famous author, Alan Wake, you embark on a journey to find your missing wife. During this process, you notice something weird going on in town. Like his books, the plot consists of 6 episodes, each loaded with plot twists and cliffhangers. It’s very creative, and a great way to combine action with mystery for a ton of fun.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (2008)

The fifth installment of the series was not a disappointment. Your team has to compete in a long set of difficult challenges to win the L.O.G. (Lord of Games) competition. There is a lot to unwrap here, tons of game styles and mini-games built for both single and multiplayer – lots of fun! Though we have to admit, while the graphics were great, we thought the animations were a bit… awkward.

Red Dead Redemption (2010)

This open-world adventure is like Grand Theft Auto meets the Wild West. As a super cool cowboy, you engage in revolver combat on horseback. There are hundreds of bounties to finish that you can complete alone or with friends (up to 15 of them). The story is solid, graphics were ahead of its time with years with an impressive budget to boot.

Assassin’s Creed 2 (2009)

It’s time to get back into the animus, but instead of playing as Altaïr during the crusades, you’re playing as Ezio in Italy during the Renaissance era. Haven’t you always wanted to travel to Italy? Here’s your chance – battle the Knights Templar and assassinate corrupt world leaders for the greater good. Here you’re equipped with new tools and gadgets, including flying machines designed by Leonard Di Vinchi himself! In our opinion, this is the best from the entire Assassin’s Creed series.

The post The 10 Best Adventure Games For The Xbox 360 appeared first on Koshka.

Kirby Super Star (1996)

The platform-style was one of the first to take place in Dreamland. You play as Kirby through 8 unique game modes, that include mini-games, racing and adventure modes. It offered quite a bit of content, including boss battles against the likes of King Dedede and Metaknight, the 2 main antagonists of the series.

Super Ghosts ‘n Ghouls (1991)

One of the darker-styled games of the Super Nintendo, you play as the Knight Arthur in a quest to rescue a princess from an army of zombies, ghosts and ghouls across large graveyards, castles caves, temples and other maps. We loved this game because it found a way to stay fresh relative to other games of its genre, as it remained just as fun at the end as the first level. The boss battles are tough, but very rewarding when you finish it all.

Donkey Kong Country (1994)

A lot of people remember Donkey Kong Country for how innovative its graphics were for the time. The platform game was almost telling for what the graphics would begin to look like for the Nintendo 64, just a few notches below. It truly started a new chapter in gaming design that would only continue to get better.

The platform game has you play as Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr as you fight through 40 levels of Donkey Kong Island to stop King K Rool from getting away with the precious banana hoard. You have to swing through trees and shoot through barrels to get through each checkpoint. It’s challenging, without being too difficult for the children playing.

Mega Man X (1993)

Mega Man X represented a new era in the Mega Man series. Players could play as Mega Man alongside Zero to fight the AI-powered evils of Dr. Thomas Light. Mega Man X featured enhanced graphics and gameplay that you just didn’t see from the older, more simplistic Mega Man games, which made it that much more fun and exciting.

Star Fox 2 (1993)

The sequel to Star Fox met and exceeded expectations. The 3D motions made it somewhat unlike any other game from it’s time, which later gave rise to other popular ‘aero dogfighting’ games like Star Wars Rogue Squadron and Ace Combat. The added story and intense gameplay made Star Fox 2 a real keeper.

Super Castlevania IV (1991)

Castlevania did an unbelievable job of kicking things up a notch after the notorious Castlevania Dracula game. Here you play as Simon Belmont with a twist – this was the first game that let you control the vampire-slaying whip in any direction, giving the player more control in mobility and combo building.

Batman Returns (1992)

Based on the blockbuster movie, Batman Returns takes players through the streets, parks and sewers of Gotham City. The game was pretty much undeniably better than the movie, with a dark theme that later became “The Dark Knight”. This game was seen as more thrilling because of how many enemies and boss fights there were versus the previous games.

Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1994)

The force was with this game, as players hacked and slashed through multiple levels as many players including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca and more, which was new. To make things even better, they mixed up the playstyle by adding 7 vehicle levels, letting players pilot iconic ships such as the Y-Wing and even Millenium Falcon!

Super Metroid (1994)

The first battle between Samus Aran and Ridley on the SNES was seen on Super Metroid, as you fought through space as Nintendo’s favorite intergalactic bounty hunter. Between the super creative aesthetics and interesting gadgets, it’s no wonder Metroid went on to become one of Nintendo’s highest-rated series.

Super Mario World (1990)

We still get the occasional bad dream from the original Super Mario World. It’s difficulties and sometimes-unnecessary time limits probably weren’t ideal for younger audiences, but nevertheless made for the best adventure game from the SNES. When many think retro gaming from the 1990s, Super Mario World always comes to mind. Fun fact: this was the first Mario game that let you ride Yoshi and also introduced many of the common villains like Hammer Bro and Monty Mole.

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Far Cry 3 (2012)

Here you play as someone stranded on a fictional tropical island. You notice your girlfriend is gone (later to find out she’s been kidnapped), so you accept numerous missions in an act to gather intel and rescue her. The game focuses on the exploration of the island, where you battle people and wildlife – it’s much like Far Cry 2 (which took place in Africa), but it has a lot more added to it.

Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (2007)

The dynamic duo is back together, but at the beginning of the story, you realize there’s something up with the hovercraft. While working on it, you get a call from Captain Qwark and have to go fight an army of commandos. From here, you get word of a bigger war at stake – this story takes place after Up Your Arsenal and Going Commando – but with more gadgets and battles than ever!

Crash of the Titans (2007)

With twenty full levels of boss-battling fun, Crash of the Titans decided to add a new “punky” look to their game. This was the first Crash game that enabled co-op, which allowed people to play together, instead of taking turns. While still challenging, this wasn’t quite as frustrating as the original 3 Crash games, making it less inclined to drive you crazy.

Grand Theft Auto 5 (2013)

To this day, it’s the highest-rated Grand Theft Auto game, as well as any game published by Rockstar. You play the story mode alternating as 3 protagonists, Michael, Franklin and Trevor who have been involved in heists together. They find themselves crossing paths in an open world that allows players to do just about what their imagination lets them. Online and off, you’ll find there are tons of fun things to do in San Andreas.

Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)

The Arkham series brought the darker side of Batman to home gaming consoles everywhere. It all starts with Arkham Asylum, where the Joker finds a way to escape and hold Gotham City hostage, telling Batman he can’t leave Arkham Island without bombs destroying the city. You have to fight through a prison filled with bad guys, all while uncovering clues in furthering your mission to rescue Commissioner Gordon and save the city. Oh, and getting all the inmates back in prison where they belong.

God of War 3 (2010)

About an epic of a game series as it gets – you play as Kratos (son of Zeus) in the world that’s loosely based on Greek Mythology. You fight armies of soldiers and in some cases, Greek Gods. The combo-style button masher has been praised for its playstyle and graphics, not just the third installment, but all of them. However, God of War 3 is considered to be the best of them all.

LittleBigPlanet (2008)

Sony’s favorite platformer adventure game was a smash hit for good reason. You play as Sackboy in a 2-dimensional world where you try to help the 8 creators fix their own issues and stop the collector from taking over. You can also create your own worlds and share them with your friends, making this the game that keeps on giving.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009)

The sequel to the original Uncharted was even better than the first. You embark on a quest as none other than Nathan Drake to find special treasure in the Middle East. But in the process, you find a lot of double-crosses and issues that make for a really fun and interesting story.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008)

The decorated Solid Snake has aged but must return from retirement. You team up with a genius kid to battle cyborgs and corrupt soldiers with the fate of the country in your hands. The in-depth story and state-of-the-art graphics were considered ahead of its time – making this a must-play!

The Last Of Us (2013)

Following an outbreak of mutant fungus, you find yourself in something of a post-apocalyptic world just trying to make it to tomorrow. Joel (the main protagonist) teams up with a child, Ellie to gather supplies and… survive. The story of this one tugs at the heartstrings and the gameplay makes you feel as if you were there. This is truly a game for the ages.

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Back in the 1980s, the Public Broadcast Company offered a TV series that demonstrated how early inventions influenced future innovations which prompted even further technological development through the ages to the present day and beyond. “Connections” ‘, hosted by British scientist Dr. James Burke, explained in layman’s terms how great minds have influenced each other and thereby improved all our lives. Mindful of Burke’s hypothesis, here are the emerging technologies for the coming decade that will support existing initiatives to improve the ways business is conducted as well as how we continue to live.

INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT): The first time this author heard this expression was 15 years ago in an advice column from a financial publishing guru. The article heralded IoT as the investment possibility of the future and advised that one should get on board before the lemmings. But what is it? The Internet of Things can be loosely defined as the relationship and reliance upon computers and similar devices, such as digital machines, objects, animals or people featuring unique identifiers. These identifiers can be used to transfer data over a network without the need for human intervention. When we tell you that Smart devices are common examples, you’ll immediately understand where we have come from, although it may not be clear where IoT will be taking us next. Today IoT is influencing the future of people, places, things, and businesses, including, would you believe, -Marketing?

5G (6G/7G/8G): For most of us, 5G simply means a visit to their cell phones carrier’s website or brick and mortar for a Smart Phone upgrade. In reality, 5G networks facilitate moving, manipulating, and analyzing data via WiFi. For businesses, it will level the playing field to enable emerging markets to participate in the same arenas as more mature enterprises. For investors, it is easy to understand that the race goes to the swift. This means those who back developers who offer solutions to specific industries, as well as those companies, will also profit. The potential boost offered to the global economy by responsible and considered 5G development is said to be staggering.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)/ VIRTUAL REALITY (VR)/AUGMENTED REALITY (AR): While different by definition and scope, it is expected over the next decade that these three disciplines will interact and interrelate to create business solutions. Of these, AI is the best known and is already part of our daily lives via interactive websites and bots. This trend will continue. Currently, AI is frequently behind the technology that increases data security. Over time it is expected to enhance the speed with which decision-makers can facilitate change as well as to further enhance its original purpose (back in the 1980s) to train employees virtually. For many years Fortune 100 companies have invested in AI solutions as a means to increase staff efficiency and to increase output/productivity while decreasing operating costs. Going forward, AR and VR which offer a combination of mixed reality and sensory technology, are being incorporated as team players to produce optimal business outcomes.

ROBOTICS/DRONES: From the first time we saw images of automobiles advancing on an automated assembly line, to the windowless mega warehouses that dot many an interstate, even to the disc-shaped vacuums no Millennial household wants to be without, robotics have held our interest and sparked our imaginations. Development and integration with drone technology now enable automation without geographic restrictions. The possibilities are endless: future services alone could include postal and package deliveries from local depots or even around the globe.

BIOMETRICS/3D PRINTING: Several years ago, this author remembers inadvertently witnessing a 3D printer demonstration with the awe and wonder of a child. Its possibilities seemed endless. Currently, this technology offers a low-cost solution for manufacturers of complex parts including medical devices. From mobile devices to home security systems, Biometrics is quickly becoming the chief means to verify identity. Biometric face, fingerprint, and retina scans combined with 3D Printing will facilitate forensics, as well as offer more secure encryption options.

BLOCKCHAIN: Overhyped from the get-go, blockchain is still a mystery to most consumers and many investors. Simply put “block” = the digital information that is stored in the “chain” = public database. An example most of us can relate to is the marked change in delivery speed for our online purchases over the past few years. Blockchain technology says, “You’re welcome!” Blockchain also utilizes Bitcoin to facilitate and provide transactional security and is well-regarded in the banking and financial sector. Hype notwithstanding, blockchain’s future looks bright- and lucrative.

SERVERLESS COMPUTING: This advance enables firms to create a NoOps IT environment- one that is automated and abstracted from its basic infrastructure. The goal is to reduce operational expenses in favor of more significant core business value-adds. As with all new technology aimed to move data, encryption and security will prove to be as important as the technology itself.

Today’s technology is the realization of yesterday’s dreams. So while some of the innovations reported above may seem to owe more to Buck Rogers than reality, each does exist and all are in successive generation status. It will be interesting to observe how not only how each continues to evolve but also synergizes with future technologies as these emerge. We’ll all just have to stay tuned!

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Back in the day, when one landed a job, the applicant essentially had a job for life. Many of our commuter fathers worked for the same company for their entire career. At the onset they would have been given a trajectory, a roadmap to assist them to ascend the corporate ladder. As they rose in stature, the number of staffers they presided over would multiply as well. Essentially, the more braves one had, the bigger one’s stature as a corporate chieftain. This was true if one worked for a plumbing supply house, major hotel chain, a Fortune 100 financial institution, or a medical equipment multinational.

Whenever a new concept or business tool was introduced, employees would attend classes presided over by a trainer, associated with the Human Resources department. AI changed all that. At first Artificial Intelligence was utilized as a training tool. This author remembers being left alone in front of a huge desktop computer and instructed to watch the program. Figuring out how to turn the desktop on was a conundrum, and the tedious instructional video, comprised of black on white line drawings and text, boring as all hell. Soon, however, the role of the Office Automator, or HR Trainer was history, supplanted by cost-effective AI.

Soon, other office positions, usually entry level or administrative, began to disappear. The team who serviced the copiers and the mailroom gave rise to more sophisticated IT personnel who maintained those cumbersome desktops which sprouted during the 1980s into every cubicle. Over time, more business processes were automated, some by AI, and soon, greater productivity was created by fewer personnel. The status of chieftain was no longer determined by the number of scalps, either. That concept spawned the myth of displaced workers and that AI was a job eater.

Enabling Employees = Greater Job Satisfaction

Actually, AI bridges the gap between management’s need to turn a profit and staffers’ needs to stay engaged and employed. If anything, AI predicts what is needed and fulfills it. Think about it. Years ago, when you wanted to update your W-2, you had to make an appointment to see someone in Human Resources. Today, you need only access your company’s intranet, fill out the online form, hit submit and your status is updated automatically. As for training, one does not need to leave one’s desk. Just click on a link and watch a vastly evolved educational presentation that is engaging, entertaining and highly informative. All thanks to AI.

Across the corporate universe the concept of providing the best possible customer service has taken hold. And it will not be going away anytime soon. For savvy business owners, providing that same concept to their employees, usually through AI-driven technology, provides greater job satisfaction, higher productivity, and an increased ROI. All because the human experience has been enhanced. The strongest argument for AI is not in looking at what it takes away, but what it gives. By marrying digital and human functions the hybrid result is a win-win for all parties. Additionally it furthers the advancement of technologies to propel the human experience forward.

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We are all utterly dependent on the internet. If you do not think so, try to remember the last time you were impacted by a natural disaster. Hereabouts, that was Hurricane Sandy back in Fall 2012. This writer’s domicile was without power for two weeks. Imagine two weeks without internet access for banking and paying bills, finding information fast, communication, remote working, gaming, NetFlix, and so much more! Our lives are on the internet (and Cloud). Other than a power outage what is the internet’s Kryptonite? Hackers. So this long-winded preamble sets the stage for Apple Card, touted as the most secure credit card in history. And, since its launch, the biggest target for hackers on the internet ever. Here are its pros and cons:

Before we delve into the specifics of Apple’s revolutionary (well sorta) transaction process it is important to note that the card itself is a work of art. Conventional size, but not conventional in appearance, Apple card bears the incised brand logo, the cardholder’s name, and the smart chip. It is spare, simple, and secure, much as Apple’s process.

The primary reason for Apple’s bravado regarding the security of its credit card is this: Apple owns the entire transaction process so in their minds, there are no weak links to invite fraud. With Apple Card, commonplace credit card encryption is passe. Biometrics, now common with their other products, confirm that the Apple cardholder is indeed making a purchase. Your fingerprint, face, or wrist + passcode are required in order to perform a transaction. This of course means that Apple Card owners must also have one or several other Apple products. At this point in our story, Apple’s modus should be transparent.
Vendor Does Not Read Apple Card

But back to performing that transaction. For additional security, when your Apple Card is held over a retailer’s card reader, a one-use token is passed to it instead of the device reading your card’s entire 16-digit number. In other words, your credit card number is never captured by the vendor who could be far more vulnerable to hackers than your individual account.

In the event a conventional credit card is lost or stolen, one has to call the bank or issuer, recite the card’s 16-digit proprietary number as well as the CVV number on the back of the card. And wait. Then listen to a recital of all recent transactions and exclude valid purchases from those one did not make. Or, one is completely unaware that their account has been accessed and learns from an automated voicemail that questions recent transactions from across the globe.
Another inconvenience for conventional cardholders is when they are unaware that their account has been breached until they attempt to make a purchase and find their card has been blocked. If shopping online, no problem, when shopping in a retail store, embarrassing!

With Apple Card (and frankly with many other card issuers) every transaction triggers an email so that you’ll notice if you receive word that you just bought dinner in Tokyo yet you reside in Duluth. The disparity in location will prompt an ‘Unusual Activity Detected’ alert notification along with useful information including the amount of the purchase, the date, exact location in text and on a map. Cardholders are prompted to tap either ‘Transaction is OK’ or another option to report a potential problem or dismiss the action. What happens next is where Apple distinguishes itself: if there is an issue, from that point Apple takes complete charge on to resolve or remediate. To recap, two taps is all it takes for an account holder to verify a purchase or to instigate an investigation by Apple.

Additional pluses include ease of access by the account holder. Instead of going to your card issuer’s website, then using logins to access your account to view your dashboard, Apple’s status summary is easily accessible from your iPhone using biometrics. Superb design is an Apple hallmark. Accordingly, the graphics and layout are meant to be read from any device. This means each summary page is succinctly laid out by color-coded category. Even for mobile device users, the state of your account can be understood at a glance.

What still needs to be ironed out? Okay, ordering food delivery for one. If the vendor does not accept Apple Pay you are essentially SOL. That’s because there are no numbers printed on Apple card, they are encrypted. And while we are on the subject, the incentive for brand loyalists is 3% cash back on purchases of Apple products, and 2% for items bought using Apple Pay. That is not very competitive and will not likely lure consumers away from banks they have been doing business with for years. So promotions are tepid and with their credit card, Apple is marketing to its minions (I know without asking that there is a slot in Kel’s wallet reserved for Apple card), not the greater percentage of individuals in this market share. A lost opportunity?

While the goal for Apple Card is to reduce the expenses and interest for its cardholders, offering a credit card may just be another way to have its Apple Pay product more widely accepted. And since Apple is renowned for making improvements to just about every existing technology, there’s the surety that Apple holds patents on their innovations and that the financial transaction herd will soon follow.

It is easy to predict that Apple card is the future of credit cards, at least to the point where electronic transactions will be made more secure which will also facilitate the sales funnel. The win-win here is for consumers who just offer their iPhone to be scanned at the drive-through as well as for Apple’s profit margins. Increased security and ease of use for cardholders and untold ROI for Apple. Not hard to see who is the bigger winner now is it?

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