Navigating through the twists and turns of the Mount Holly estate to reach Room 46 is one of the main goals of Blue Prince. In Blue Prince, you play as Simon, a 14-year old child who has inherited the will of his wealthy grandfather — under condition that you can find the elusive Room 46. Room 46 is a hidden and rumored room that can only be found at the northernmost end of the estate, but since the mansion’s floor plan changes every day, how are you supposed to reach such a room? In this Blue Prince guide, we’ve given you a full walkthrough on how to reach Room 46. Take note that while we’ve taken steps to partition out segments, this guide still covers some spoilers on specific Blue Prince puzzles. How to reach Room 46 in Blue Prince There are many routes to reach Room 46 in Blue Prince. You can actually get there in one day with a bit of luck and a lot of information, but this walkthrough will instead focus on taking a route with minimized randomness. We can’t control your RNG, but we can offer some universal advice. Before you start… Before we get into the meat of the walkthrough, we recommend that you unlock as many permanent additions as you can. While our guide will ask you to unlock just one permanent addition, these upgrades to the house will drastically help you on your days as they’ll provide you with extra starting resources and another way to reach one of the mandatory rooms to finish the game. Additionally, make sure to keep an eye out for these items: Broken Lever Battery Pack Sledgehammer These items aren’t necessarily required to reach Room 46, but they can combine to make the Power Hammer, which can make your journey a lot easier. The Power Hammer can break walls to reveal hidden Antechamber Levers and corridors that allow you to save steps and time. (That said, save the Power Hammer in your Coat Check for later use!) Blue Prince walkthrough overview In brief, here’s the steps of how to reach Room 46 and claim your inheritance in Blue Prince: Step 1: Unlocking Outer Rooms Step 2: Traversing the Tomb Step 3: Unlocking the Antechamber Step 4: Finding the Basement through the Foundation Step 5: Getting through the Basement Step 6: Unlocking Room 46 Some of these steps aren’t necessarily required to reach Room 46, but, as noted before, this route will provide you with a few permanent changes that’ll make your journey easier day to day. Step 1: Unlocking Outer Rooms Outer Rooms are one of the many permanent additions in Blue Prince, and can be unlocked by drafting the Garage and Utility Closet in your estate, and using the two to open the West Gate and reveal the West Path as a permanent addition. (The Garage door can also be opened if the Boiler Room is powered and connected to the Garage, but the chance for that happening is a little more rare.) For more details, see our guides on how to open the Garage door and how to open the West Gate, but the key takeaway here is to make sure to unlock the gate, so you can revisit the Outer Rooms at the start of each day. The Outer Rooms function similarly to the rooms inside the estate, as they must be drafted every day, but the room you’re looking for is the Tomb. Step 2: Traversing the Tomb Inside the Tomb, you’ll find statues that resemble the stained glass windows in the Chapel. To progress, you’ll need to activate each statue in the same order as they appear in the Chapel by interacting with the arm holding the item: Gardener – Rimmed hat and a hoe Chef – Chef hat and a pizza peel Farmer – Cowboy hat and a rake Chimney Sweep – Top hat and a brush Maid – Bonnet and a broom Jockey – Riding helmet and a racing whip Queen – Crown and a scepter This will lower a secret wall and reveal a path that takes you to the Catacombs. Inside, you’ll find a lot of coffins, a large arrow, and a statue of Draxus, a skeleton wielding a scythe. Interact with the arm holding the scythe to lower yet another secret wall, revealing a path to the Abandoned Mine. As soon as you step onto the path, turn to the left to find a minecart. Interact with the minecart and pull it backwards until it can’t move further. This won’t have an immediate effect on your day, but it’ll be necessary for a step later down the line. With that done, you can return to the daily program of trying to reach the Antechamber. Step 3: Unlocking the Antechamber Unlocking the Antechamber may seem like the penultimate goal, but it’s about the midway point of your quest to find Room 46. To enter the Antechamber, you’ll need to unlock one or more of the east-, south-, or west-facing doors and build a path to the open door. Each door can be unlocked by finding and activating one of its associated levers hidden in the Secret Garden, Greenhouse, and Great Hall, alongside additional locations. See our guide on where to find all Antechamber levers for more details. Before heading into the Antechamber, you’ll need to make sure you have enough steps to reach either the Foundation or Coat Check from the Antechamber because you’ll need to do some extra walking. In one day, you’ll need to [deep breath] unlock one of the Antechamber’s doors, connect a path to the Antechamber, collect the Basement Key inside, and unlock its associated door. (The key can also be left in the Coat Check to be used on a later day if you can’t accomplish all of that in one go.) Step 4: Finding the Basement through the Foundation The Basement Key can open two doors around the estate: the door at the bottom of the Foundation and the door at the bottom of the drained Fountain. This walkthrough covers the route through the Foundation. One of the most important rooms in Blue Prince is the Foundation. The Foundation is a room that defies the rules of the estate, as it will stay in the same position every day. It’s a rare blueprint, so the odds of it appearing aren’t very high, but if it shows up as an option, you should draft it.  As its location is permanent and it’s a room you’ll need to go in and out of, you might be worried about its placement on your grid, but you should know that it’s only capable of appearing in the middle three columns and the rank you place it at has its pros and cons.  When placed in higher ranks, it’s going to be harder to reach, but you will need to traverse between the Antechamber and Foundation in order to complete the game. The closer it is, the fewer steps you’ll need to take. On the other hand, when placed in lower ranks, the pros and cons are reversed. Inside the Foundation, there’s an elevator that’s a little too high off the ground to reach, and you’re going to need to lower it down to ride it to the basement. To lower the elevator, you’ll need to draft a room with a door that connects to the Foundation’s wall without a door. As you try to enter the Foundation from the other side, you’ll find a lever that lowers the elevator to the ground. After activating the lever, return to the Foundation and ride the elevator down and permanently unlock the door with the red symbol using the Basement Key. Step 5: Getting through the Basement With the door unlocked, you can now enter the Basement through the Foundation. The Basement is full of boxes, filing cabinets, your typical basement storage, but the most important of all are the jacklifts, the carts with stacks of boxes on top, and a button that is a little too high to reach. To press the button, we’ll first need to shift the jacklifts to create a passage leading to the opposite side of the L-shaped room. Here, you’ll find more cabinets and boxes, but also a set of stairs that is surrounded by boxes along one wall and a ramp leading up to the top of a line of boxes along the opposite wall. To reach the stairs, you’ll need to create a bridge between the two walls using a jacklift and a powered jacklift, which can raise and lower its height. Once the bridge is complete and you descend the stairs, push the powered jacklift straight across to the opposite wall and raise its height to create another pathway. This pathway will lead you to the button, but first, you’ll need to create another bridge with three jacklifts. Reuse the two used for the first bridge and the jacklift that can move parallel to the pathway to connect the boxes. Once the bridge is complete, return to the ramp from before and push the button at the end of the path to reveal a secret passage way into the Reservoir. (This step is entirely optional, but, if you have a power hammer, you can create a shortcut to the basement to make your trip a little quicker.) Head to the top of the L-shaped basement to find a patch of the brick wall that is a little darker than the rest. Interact with the wall to break open a hidden passageway that leads to an area of the grounds just beside the four braziers. Now at the start of a new day, you can go down the stairs and enter the basement right away! Step 6: Unlocking Room 46 Now that you’ve arrived at the Reservoir, you’ll notice a lake to your left, a railroad track ahead of you, and a doorway on your right. Our main focus in the Reservoir will be just through the doorway on the right, which will reveal a gear platform and a lever that can rotate the platform. Turn the lever four times, which won’t create a walkway straight ahead of you, but rather to your left. Exit the doorway and follow the railroad track to find the minecart you repositioned in Step 1 and a path to the right. Continue down the path and cross the newly created gear pathway to the next lever. Turn this lever five times and continue along the path and through a doorway to find eight locked doors, a familiar moon symbol, and a lever unlocking Room 46. Return to the gear platform, but don’t immediately walk across. Turn the lever five times and walk across to what seems like a dead end, but in actuality, is a secret path. Open the door inside to end up back on the railroad track path from before. Now, make the trek back to the Antechamber and enter Room 46 to complete Blue Prince. Although this is technically the end of Blue Prince, there are still a lot of puzzles and mysteries to solve inside the estate!

Let’s talk about the real cost of UX design beyond the numbers and into what actually mattersPhoto by Jakub Żerdzicki on UnsplashAfter years of UX design work, I’ve learned something interesting: it’s not always about the user. Sure, desirability is crucial for end-customer products, but when you’re dealing with business-to-business tools, internal systems, or complex enterprise solutions, what’s feasible and viable often outweighs pure desirability.I’ve had my share of battles trying to convince stakeholders that user research is valuable. That’s why understanding the business side of design and the impact we make is crucial. We need to get comfortable with discussing risk, cost, and expected outcomes in ways that make sense to business leaders.And no, saying “good design is good business” isn’t enough. We need to prove it-or at least try to.In this article, I’ll share a practical model I’ve developed for understanding UX ROI by balancing cost-efficiency, risk, user testing, and the impact of design expertise.Metric for UX cost efficiencyThe real cost of design workLet’s start with the basics. Here’s a simple formula I use to calculate the direct cost of UX design work:Cost of Work (COW) = H × T × (1 + R)Where:H = Hourly rate (junior or senior designer)T = Time required to complete the task (in hours)R = Revision factor (typically 0.2–0.5 for junior designers, 0.1–0.2 for senior designers)I’ve added this revision factor because, in my experience, junior designers typically need more revisions, making their effective cost higher than their hourly rate suggests.Designer Type | Hourly Rate (H) | Time per Task (T) | Revision Factor (R) | Total Cost (COW) - - - - - - - - - | - - - - - - - - - | - - - - - - - - - - -| - - - - - - - - - - - - | - - - - - - - - - -Junior Designer | $50 | 10 hours | 0.4 | $700Senior Designer | $100 | 4 hours | 0.15 | $460At first glance, junior designers might seem more cost-effective due to their lower hourly rates. But in my experience, the increased time (T) and revision factor (R) they typically need can lead to higher overall project costs. For complex or high-risk projects, I’ve found that the efficiency of a senior designer often reduces overall expenses.Not all tasks are created equal. A simple landing page redesign is worlds apart from an enterprise dashboard revamp. Let’s adjust for this by introducing task complexity.A Quick Note: I’m not talking about roles here-a junior designer might have more experience than a senior designer in certain contexts. We’re focusing on the experience gained, assuming that senior designers have more years under their belt and a proven track record.Understanding task complexityIn my work, I’ve found that task difficulty comes down to these key factors:- Cognitive load (how much mental effort is needed)- Sequential dependencies (how steps relate to each other)- Error sensitivity (what happens when things go wrong)- Feedback loops (how users know they’re on the right track)Take configuring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in an enterprise security dashboard. It’s a complex task that requires administrators to understand security protocols, authentication methods, and user access levels. The process involves multiple settings that must be configured in a specific order, where mistakes can lock out users or create security vulnerabilities, and errors might not be immediately visible.Photo by Resource Database on UnsplashThe task complexity formulaAfter years of analysing different tasks, I’ve developed this formula to measure complexity:C = (S × 0.3 + D × 0.2) × SD + (E × 0.3 — F × 0.2)Where:S = Number of Steps (weighted 30%)D = Number of Major Decision Points (weighted 20%)SD = Sequential Dependencies (a multiplier that adjusts for dependencies between steps)E = Error Sensitivity (weighted 30%)F = Feedback Clarity (weighted 20%)This formula:- Weights different factors based on their real-world importance- Emphasizes steps and error sensitivity (because these matter most in practice)- Maintains the relationship between dependencies and complexity- Better reflects what I’ve seen in actual projectsA Real Example:Let’s say we’re setting up MFA with:- 8 steps (S)- 4 major decision points (D)- Strong sequential dependencies (SD = 2)- High error sensitivity (E = 5)- Moderate feedback clarity (F = 3)Here’s how it works:C = (8 × 0.3 + 4 × 0.2) × 2 + (5 × 0.3–3 × 0.2)C = (2.4 + 0.8) × 2 + (1.5–0.6)C = 3.2 × 2 + 0.9C = 6.4 + 0.9 = 7.3But here’s the thing: efficiency alone doesn’t tell the whole story. While a senior designer might finish a complex task faster than a junior designer, the real question is: what happens if the design is flawed?Risk impactIn my experience, understanding the relationship between task complexity and cost efficiency is crucial. A poorly executed low-risk task (like a simple UI tweak) might only need minor revisions. But a flawed high-risk task-think checkout flow, medical device UI, or enterprise security settings-can have serious financial, legal, or usability consequences.That’s why when we evaluate who should handle which tasks, we should look beyond just task complexity and consider risk impact (R):The risk impact formulaR = (U × 0.4 + B × 0.4 + T × 0.2)Where:U = User Impact (40% weight)B = Business Impact (40% weight)T = Technical Complexity (20% weight)I’ve weighted it this way because:- User and business impact matter most (40% each)- Technical complexity is important but often secondary (20%)- This better reflects what I’ve seen in real projectsEach factor is rated from 1 (low impact) to 5 (high impact).Real-World ExamplesScenario 1: Minor UI Tweak (like changing button color)User Impact (U) = 1 (Users barely notice)Business Impact (B) = 1 (No financial impact)Technical Complexity (T) = 1 (Simple CSS change)R = (1 × 0.4 + 1 × 0.4 + 1 × 0.2) = 1.0Scenario 2: Checkout Flow (high-risk task)User Impact (U) = 5 (Critical failure, prevents key tasks)Business Impact (B) = 5 (High financial loss, regulatory risk)Technical Complexity (T) = 4 (Requires deep expertise, major risks)R = (5 × 0.4 + 5 × 0.4 + 4 × 0.2) = 4.8In this case, the risk score for the checkout flow would be 4.8, significantly higher than the 1.0 for the minor UI tweak. This tells us that the checkout flow needs more careful handling and likely requires higher expertise.Photo by The Chaffins on UnsplashRisk-adjusted cost (RAC)Once you’ve figured out the Risk Impact (R), here’s the formula I use to calculate the overall cost efficiency:RAC = COW × R × (1 + C)Where:COW = the original Cost of WorkR = Risk Impact (calculated as above)C = Task Complexity (calculated as above)This formula:Includes task complexity as a multiplierBetter reflects how complex tasks increase risk-adjusted costsGives you a more complete picture of true project costsReal Examples:For a minor UI tweak (assuming COW = 5 hours, C = 1):RAC = 5 hours × 1.0 × (1 + 1) = 10 hoursFor a checkout flow (assuming COW = 20 hours, C = 7.3):RAC = 20 hours × 4.8 × (1 + 7.3) = 796.8 hoursBy considering both risk impact and task complexity, we get a much clearer picture of the true cost of a task. This helps me make better decisions about when to invest in senior expertise versus using a more cost-efficient solution with a junior designer.User research as a risk mitigatorIn my experience, risk in design doesn’t just come from complexity or technical challenges-it also comes from uncertainty about user behavior. A product might look great from a business or engineering perspective, but if users can’t figure it out, the risk of failure skyrockets.That’s where user research becomes a powerful risk mitigation tool. By catching usability issues early, it helps reduce rework costs, user frustration, and potential business losses.Here’s how I adjust the Risk Score (R) formula to account for user research:R_adjusted = R × (1 — UR) × (1 — C × 0.1)Where:UR = Effectiveness of user research (scaled 0 to 1)0 (No research): Maximum risk remains0.5 (Moderate research): Risk is reduced by 50%1.0 (Comprehensive research): Risk is fully mitigated (in theory)C = Task Complexity (as calculated above)0.1 = Complexity factor (more complex tasks benefit more from research)This formula:- Shows how research effectiveness varies with task complexity- Demonstrates that complex tasks benefit more from research- Gives a more realistic view of risk reductionReal Example: Checkout Flow RedesignInitial Risk Score (R) = 4.8 (Critical feature, complex integration, business impact)Task Complexity © = 7.3No user research (UR = 0):R_adjusted = 4.8 × (1–0) × (1–7.3 × 0.1) = 4.8 × 1 × 0.27 = 1.3High risk remains → Needs senior expertise & extensive testingModerate research (UR = 0.5):R_adjusted = 4.8 × (1–0.5) × (1–7.3 × 0.1) = 4.8 × 0.5 × 0.27 = 0.65Risk is reduced → Still needs validation but is saferComprehensive research (UR = 0.8):R_adjusted = 4.8 × (1–0.8) × (1–7.3 × 0.1) = 4.8 × 0.2 × 0.27 = 0.26Low risk → Junior designers can implement with minimal oversightPhoto by Who’s Denilo ? on UnsplashResearch validityOne of the most important things I’ve learned in UX design is knowing when you’ve done enough testing. This is where Nielsen’s Law of Diminishing Returns for Usability Testing comes in (Nielsen, 2000). It states that the first few usability test participants uncover most usability problems, while additional users reveal fewer new issues. In practice, testing with 5–8 users usually finds most major problems, making usability testing highly cost-effective.Here’s the formula I use for calculating the Percent of Usability Issues Found (P):P = 1 — (1 — λ)^n × (1 + C × 0.05)Where:λ(lambda) is the problem discovery rate per participant (typically 0.31, based on Nielsen’s research)n is the number of participantsC is the task complexity0.05 is the complexity adjustment factorThis formula:- Accounts for how task complexity affects issue discovery- Shows that complex tasks need more testing- Maintains the core relationship from Nielsen’s LawReal Examples:For a simple task (C = 1):- At 5 participants: ~85% of issues found- At 8 participants: ~95% of issues foundFor a complex task (C = 7.3):- At 5 participants: ~92% of issues found- At 8 participants: ~98% of issues foundBeyond 8 participants, the ROI in terms of discovering new issues drops sharply, making additional users less cost-effective.In my experience, cost-efficiency in UX design is crucial because the more users you test, the higher the cost. However, most usability issues surface early in testing, making it more effective to test 5 users, fix the issues, and then retest rather than testing 20 users all at once.This iterative testing approach lets you improve the design faster and more cost-effectively. However, there are exceptions where more users are necessary:- For diverse user groups, you might need separate tests for different personas- Quantitative metrics (like A/B testing) need larger sample sizes (50–100 users)- Edge cases or accessibility testing might need specialized users (like screen reader users)Cost of user testingLet me break down the real costs of user testing based on my experience. These costs vary depending on multiple factors like test complexity, participant numbers, required resources, and the tools or services used. It’s crucial to factor in all these elements when budgeting for usability testing.Here’s the formula I use to calculate the Cost of User Testing (CUT):CUT = (H × T × n × (1 + C × 0.1)) + Recruitment + (n × Incentive)Where:H = Hourly rate of facilitator/moderatorT = Time per test sessionn = Number of participantsC = Task complexityRecruitment = Base recruitment costsIncentive = Per-participant incentiveThis formula:- Accounts for how complexity affects testing time- Includes both fixed and variable costs- Better reflects real-world testing expensesReal Examples:For a simple task (C = 1):- 5 participants- $100/hr facilitator- 2 hours per session- $50 recruitment- $25 per participant incentiveCUT = ($100 × 2 × 5 × 1.1) + $50 + (5 × $25)CUT = $1,100 + $50 + $125 = $1,275For a complex task (C = 7.3):- 8 participants- $150/hr facilitator- 3 hours per session- $100 recruitment- $50 per participant incentiveCUT = ($150 × 3 × 8 × 1.73) + $100 + (8 × $50)CUT = $6,228 + $100 + $400 = $6,728While user testing might seem expensive upfront, I’ve found it’s highly cost-effective in the long run. Early identification of issues lets teams make quick corrections, often at a much lower cost than fixing problems after launch.Post-launch fixes can be significantly more expensive, involving costly design changes, development time, and potentially brand damage or lost users.By conducting iterative testing (small batches of tests with users), you can catch and fix problems early in the design process, reducing the need for expensive fixes after the product is live.Photo by Ian Schneider on UnsplashExpert VS user testing in UX designIn my experience, there are two main approaches to usability testing: Expert Testing and User Testing. Both are valuable but serve different purposes depending on the design stage, product type, and test goals.Expert testingExpert testing involves having UX designers, usability experts, or subject matter specialists evaluate the product based on their knowledge and experience. This type of testing is usually done without actual users interacting with the product.What I’ve Learned About Expert Testing:- Quick & Cost-Effective: No need to recruit participants or wait for test sessions- Professional Insight: Experts can spot high-level usability issues quickly- Early in Development: Great for early stages when you’re still prototyping- High-level feedback: Focuses on general usability issuesThe Downsides I’ve Seen:- Lack of Real-World Feedback: Experts might miss specific user needs- Subjectivity: Personal biases can influence evaluations- Limited in Depth: Can’t fully capture user-specific challengesThe Expert testing risk formulaRisk = R / [1 + P × (1 + C × 0.1)]Where:R = Expert risk factor (usually 0.2 to 0.8)P = Problem discovery rate (usually 0.3 to 0.5)C = Task complexity (e.g., 1–10)This formula:- Shows how complexity affects expert effectiveness- Demonstrates that experts are more valuable for complex tasks- Provides a more nuanced view of expert testing riskUser testingUser testing involves having real users-who match your target audience-interact with the product. These users are observed while completing tasks, and their behaviors and reactions are recorded for analysis.What I’ve learned about user testing:- Real User Insights: Reveals actual usability issues users face- Real-World Data: Involves actual people who will use the product- Unbiased Feedback: Users offer authentic feedback about struggles- Exploration of Edge Cases: Users might interact in unexpected waysThe Challenges I’ve Faced:- Cost and Time-Consuming: Requires significant resources- Logistical Challenges: Can be difficult to organize- Limited Scope: Small user groups only uncover some issuesThe user testing risk formulaRisk = R / [1 + P × (1 + C × 0.2)]Where:R = User risk factor (usually between 0.1 and 0.3)P = Problem discovery rate (typically between 0.6 and 0.8)C = Task complexity (e.g., 1–10)This formula:- Shows that users are more effective at finding issues in complex tasks- Reflects the higher discovery rate of user testing- Provides a more accurate risk assessmentReal Example:R = 0.2P = 0.75C = 7.3Result: Risk_User = 0.2/(1 + 0.75 × (1 + 7.3 × 0.2)) ≈ 0.05This indicates very low risk because real users are more likely to uncover usability problems than experts, especially for complex tasks.Comparing expert design, user research and junior designIn my experience, not all design tasks need the same level of expertise, and not all projects require extensive user research. Understanding where each approach fits best within a cost-effective framework has helped me make smarter design decisions.Expert design vs. junior design: finding the right fitA Real Scenario:Let’s say we’re creating a new UI for a security system with a moderately complex user flow (like an admin panel for managing user roles and permissions).What I’ve Learned:- Expert Designer: Can complete tasks faster with fewer revisions- Junior Designer: Needs more time, guidance, and iterationsReal Costs:Role | Hourly Rate | Estimated Time (Hours) | Revision Factor | Total Cost - - - | - - - - - - -| - - - - - - - - - - - -| - - - - - - - - - | - - - - - - Expert Designer | $150/hr | 12 hours | 0.15 | $2,070Junior Designer | $75/hr | 24 hours | 0.4 | $2,520My Analysis:In this case, the expert designer ($2,070) actually costs less than the junior designer ($2,520) because:- Lower revision factor (0.15 vs 0.4)- Faster completion time (12 vs 24 hours)ConclusionI’ve spent years developing these formulas as a way to understand the complex relationships in UX design. While I never actually calculate these numbers in my daily work, they’ve become a valuable mental framework that helps me navigate design decisions and communicate with stakeholders.What makes these formulas powerful isn’t their precision, but how they help me understand the trade-offs between cost, expertise, and impact. They’re like a compass that helps orient my thinking, not a rigid map that tells us exactly where to go.UX design is both art and science. While these formulas help us understand the relationships between different factors, they can’t capture the full complexity of real-world design decisions. Every project brings unique challenges that require experience, intuition, and good judgment.The real value of this framework lies in how it helps me think about and discuss complex design decisions. It’s a tool for understanding, not a replacement for experience. The best UX decisions come from balancing analytical thinking with creative intuition — something no formula can fully capture.ReferencesNielsen, J. (2000). Why You Only Need to Test with 5 Users. Nielsen Norman Group. https://www.nngroup.com/articles/why-you-only-need-to-test-with-5-users/Nielsen, J. (1993). Usability Engineering. Academic Press.Nielsen, J., & Landauer, T. K. (1993). A mathematical model of the finding of usability problems. Proceedings of the INTERACT ’93 and CHI ’93 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 206–213.Faulkner, L. (2003). Beyond the five-user assumption: Benefits of increased sample sizes in usability testing. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers, 35(3), 379–383.The cost of UX: balancing cost, expertise, and impact was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

If you haven't filed tax returns for several years, you're not alone: The IRS anticipates a $500 billion decrease in tax revenue this year. (That’s a more than 10% decline compared to last year.) More anecdotally, the IRS has also noted increased talk online from people saying they won’t pay taxes this year, and that they're willing to take the gamble that they won’t be audited. So, with just a few days left before the April 15 deadline, you might be wondering: What if I keep on ignoring my taxes? How long can this con go on? Unfortunately, that's a mighty risky gamble. You're better off filing as soon as you can, or else be on the line for costly penalties and interest. Here are the steps you need to address unfiled tax returns and get back on track with the IRS.What happens when you don't file your taxesFirst off, it's important to clarify the difference between failure to file and failure to pay. Failure to file refers to neglecting to submit tax returns by the filing deadline, while failure to pay occurs when taxes owed are not remitted by the due date. The most important piece of advice here: File even if you can't pay. Filing on time avoids the failure-to-file penalty, which is typically higher than the failure-to-pay penalty.The IRS imposes a late filing penalty of 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month the return is late, capped at 25% of the unpaid tax bill. Additionally, interest accrues on both unpaid taxes and penalties from the due date until the debt is settled.Plus, if you don't file, you of course won't get any refund. You must claim refunds within three years, so if you don't file, you risk losing out on the money you're owed altogether. Steps to take to file your old taxes ASAP The good news: The IRS generally prefers late filing to no filing at all and has programs to help taxpayers become compliant.Gather your documentsStart by collecting the basics, like your W-2s and 1099s from employers; bank and investment statements; receipts and records of deductible expenses; any prior tax returns you still have available.If you're missing documents—understandable, at this point—you can request wage transcripts from the IRS through a few different avenues:IRS.gov (Use the "Get Transcript" tool)Form 4506-T (Request for "Transcript of Tax Return")Contacting previous employersDetermine which years you need to fileThe IRS generally focuses on the last six years of unfiled returns, though legally you should file for all unfiled years. Priority should be given to the most recent three years, so that you have a chance of getting your potential refunds. After that, focus on any years during which you had significant income.Prepare and file those returnsFile returns in chronological order, starting with the oldest. Unfortunately, one of the most common filing options, like IRS Free File, doesn't accept past tax years. Still, you have several filing options:Use commercial tax preparation software. Think big names like H&R Block, TurboTax, and FreeTaxUSA.Hire a tax professional. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) or Enrolled Agents can help with complex returns. Here's how to make sure your preparer knows what they're doing.File by mail. Mail each year separately with appropriate documentation. Address your payment optionsIf you owe taxes but can't afford to pay the full sum, call the IRS and ask about the following options:Installment agreement: A monthly payment plan until you're paid upOffer in compromise: Settlement for less than full amount owedCurrently Not Collectible status: Temporary hardship reliefFrom here, the IRS may be able to guide you through some special programs available to you, such as:Administrative penalty relief: They may waive failure-to-file penalties for first-time offenders with a good compliance history.Voluntary disclosure programs: The IRS offers various programs to encourage taxpayers to come forward voluntarily as a means to resolve non-compliance and limit exposure to criminal prosecution.Streamlined filing compliance procedures: For taxpayers with foreign accounts who haven't filed required FBAR forms.Going forwardThe worst approach is continued inaction. The IRS has extensive information-gathering capabilities and eventually identifies non-filers. By taking proactive steps, you can minimize penalties, protect your financial future, and eliminate the stress of unfiled returns.If you find yourself with multiple years of unfiled returns, or maybe even need representation before the IRS, you really should consult with a qualified tax professional.Once you're back on track, you can avoid the headache that brought you to this article and start using a spreadsheet to track all your tax-related information throughout the year. I've created a basic template to get you started here. The purpose is to create a handy archive of all your tax records in one spot, making it much easier to file on time next year.Remember: Your current situation is fixable, and addressing it sooner rather than later will always be the smartest choice.

Smart security cameras can be a useful addition to your smart home setup, letting you keep an eye on things when you’re not around. Indoor units can show your dog sleeping on the couch and what’s going on in the playroom. Outdoor cams will notify you of unexpected movement in the backyard or when a package is delivered on your porch. Cameras can also serve as triggers for automations, like turning on lights when you get home.Before you buy your first security camera, you’ll likely want to consider things like whether it’ll work with your other smart home devices, as well as how much (and how necessary) a monthly subscription is. Features like privacy settings, night vision capabilities and mounting options will also make a difference. We set up more than a dozen cameras in and around our homes, testing out the settings while filming our cats and family members for a few weeks. We found a few clear winners and also include our advice on what to consider so you can pick the best security camera for your home. Table of contents  Best security cameras for 2025 What to look for in a security camera Other security cameras we tested Security camera FAQs Best security cameras for 2025 What to look for in a security camera Hardware and design One of the first things you’ll want to consider before buying a home security camera is where you intend to put it. Do you want an outdoor or indoor setup, or cameras that can work in both environments? That’s the first decision to make, since not all cameras are designed to be weatherproof. Next, consider where those cameras will live: do you need ones that can easily mount to the side of your home or above your garage? Do you want cameras in every room of your house, installed up in a ceiling corner out of reach? Should those cameras be able to swivel and turn on their own to track subjects or give you a wider field of view? If you just want to see packages on your porch or who's coming to the door, a doorbell camera might be a better option.  Check the specifications for the cameras you’re considering to see if they come with any mounting hardware in the box, or if you’ll need special attachments to get the capabilities you want. For example, an extra feature like solar power for outdoor security cameras typically requires buying the solar panel separately, or buying a configuration of the camera that includes the panel in the box. Another hardware component to consider is the proper connection for local storage. Many home security cameras give you the option to save footage locally by connecting a thumb drive or a microSD card either to the camera itself or to its base station. If you don’t intend on using cloud storage (which typically comes with a subscription cost), choosing a surveillance camera system that allows for local storage will be key. Battery life Battery life considerations will only apply to wireless cameras, so you’ll want to make note of the expected battery life of any wire-free camera you’re considering. For most that use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, it will come down to how “busy” the camera will be on a regular basis recording video. Some could estimate a minimum battery life of a couple weeks to one month with high usage, but you could get even more than that if the camera is in a low-traffic area. I personally think you should be getting at least three weeks of battery life out of any rechargeable-battery security camera — anything less and it becomes a hassle just to keep the device in working order. Also, be prepared to access your cameras (including those mounted in high places) whenever you need to recharge their batteries. Scant few options today (looking at you, Blink), run on AA or AAA batteries, and those tend to last up to two years before you need to replace them. Audiovisual features Nearly every security camera can send you a notification when it detects motion. Most also offer more sophisticated alerts, like person, package, pet and vehicle detection, though those sometimes require a subscription. You can decide under which conditions you’d like to be alerted as well. Many cameras will let you set location preferences, using your phone to discern where you are, so you’re only alerted when you’re away. Some can then be programmed to turn off completely when you’re home, or you can decide to keep the camera recording without alerting you of activity. Systems without location tracking can be armed on a schedule or manually turned on and off. Almost every security camera can listen as well as see — some can send you an alert when specific sounds are detected, such as breaking glass, barking dogs or fire alarms. Those microphones also let you hear what’s going on in the room, while built-in speakers allow for two-way conversations. If viewing events at night is important to you, you’ll want to consider a camera’s ability to see in the dark. Most use infrared LEDs to detect motion and record events after the sun goes down. Infrared will work in total darkness, but can only produce a black and white image. A few cameras can capture color video at night through a combination of larger sensors and onboard image processing, but they won’t work in total darkness. A couple of the options we tried were spotlight cams with an onboard light you can manually turn on to light up a space for a better picture. Floodlight cameras are another option for outdoor models, which shine a bright light when motion is detected which may act as a deterrence.   Subscription features Without exception, every camera we tested has an optional subscription component. These typically run between $3 and $15 per month, though some offer a discount if you pay for a year up front. Advanced (and sometimes basic) features are paywalled behind these subs, so if you’re looking for things like person detection, extended live feeds, cloud storage, event labeling and longer event history, you’ll want to check whether you get those for free or only if you pay up. Cloud storage for video clips beyond a day or so is the most common subscription-only feature, but some cameras have the option of using local storage with a microSD card or flash drive. Cameras that work with Apple’s HomeKit will usually let you store clips using your iCloud+ plan, so you might not need a separate subscription for those. To help make sense of whether you need to pay for a plan or not, we detail the monthly prices and membership features for each pick below so you can gauge the full cost of the level of monitoring you want. Privacy settings The majority of security cameras use cloud storage for clips. Even those that store your footage locally on SD cards or USB drives are still considered Wi-Fi cameras, connecting to the world at large through your home internet. Anything that’s in communication with other networks has the potential to be accessed by bad actors. Manufacturers take measures such as encrypting video before it’s sent to the cloud and requiring two-factor authentication to sign into any account to make systems safer. Users can go one step further by regularly installing security updates and making sure the passwords they use are strong and not reused elsewhere. As for keeping your personal activity private, all cameras have a disarm feature, but some can automatically turn off when you are home if you share your location. Others will also let you set privacy zones and won’t capture footage or send alerts for movements in designated areas. That could be a part of the house you don’t want recorded or, for outdoor coverage, parts of your neighbor’s yard or driveway. All the units we tested have indicator lights that turn on when a live view is being accessed or recording is taking place. But you’ll have to check what your particular camera’s LEDs mean, as nearly every one is different. Recording in progress is sometimes indicated with a red light, sometimes that light is blue, and on other cameras, it’s green. Some security cameras let you disable the recording light too, if you don’t want to alert would-be intruders that you’re watching them. Compatibility If this is your first foray into smart home gear, you just need to ensure that the camera you buy will work with your phone — and all of our top picks here have apps that work with both iOS and Android. If you already have TVs, smart monitors, home hubs, doorbells and other smart devices, check that what you buy now will work with what you already have if you want the most seamless system. We’ve listed which of the three major smart home ecosystems each of our picks will work with, but in general, Amazon Alexa has the widest compatibility with third party brands, followed by Google. Apple’s HomeKit has a smaller number of compatible cameras on the market, but the list is still sizable enough and includes well-regarded brands like Ecobee, Logitech and Aqara, so you’ll likely be able to find one with the features you want. Other security cameras we tested Logitech Circle View Apple HomeKit-Enabled We called out the Logitech Circle View camera as a HomeKit-enabled alternative to our top Siri pick, the Ecobee cam but it’s worth mentioning its merits once more. The Circle View works well with Apple’s smart home system and connected easily with my HomePod. Like with Ecobee, you may not need to pay for an additional subscription for cloud storage if you already have an iCloud+ plan. The video captured is warm and sharp. But it’s pricier than Ecobee’s HomeKit option and the web cam-aesthetic isn’t particularly elegant. Roku Indoor Security Camera While we don’t love that the Roku Indoor Security Camera uses a micro USB connection, the unit itself has a solid build. It can spin in either direction to track movement, either automatically or manually through the app. It’s easy to set up and is remarkably affordable. A subscription is required for clip storage and event filtering. Without it, the camera will only store stills from detection events, though you can easily manually save clips to your photos library from within the app. The color night vision is surprisingly clear, and the daytime recordings are bright and sharp. While other cameras we tested simply offered more features and better apps, this could be a compelling budget pick. Aqara 2K Hub G3 If you ask a seven-year-old which camera is best (and we did) they will tell you it’s the Aqara 2K Hub G3, thanks to the unit’s cute little ears. We tested it with its own app, which worked well, and with HomeKit, which unfortunately kept disconnecting throughout our testing. The camera was easy and quick to set up thanks to the dual-bank Wi-Fi connection. We also appreciated the privacy setting that physically angled the camera lens down inside the unit (revealing a pair of shut-eye images that added to the adorableness). If you’re considering getting other Aqara smart home devices, and will primarily use the Aqara app, the Hub H3 is a good buy as it acts as the required hub for other devices from the brand. Ring Indoor Cam (wired) The Blink camera was simply a better value than the Ring Indoor Cam. The Ring unit felt overly lightweight and insubstantial, to the point where its own cable caused it to fall over. Set up was a little fussy and many of the available features are reserved for paid subscriptions. But the app helpfully leads you through setup and walks you through the various features, making it good for beginners. You’re also automatically opted into the Ring Neighbors app which is a fascinating glimpse into your neighborhood’s porch piracy events, lost cats, wild animal sightings and missing binky alerts. Ring Outdoor Cam (Stick Up Cam, wireless) Similarly to the Indoor Cam, the Ring Outdoor Cam was easy to set up and could be a decent option for beginners. Previously known as the Stick Up Cam, this model is wireless and rechargeable, but our biggest gripe with it is that it powers up via microUSB. USB-C is the standard now, so we recommend only buying new tech that supports the latest standard whenever possible. It’s worth noting that the new Ring Outdoor Cam Plus also charges via microUSB, so it seems Ring faithfuls may be stuck with old tech for a while longer. Security camera FAQs Is it better to have wired or wireless security cameras? Wired security cameras are hardwired directly to the system’s local video storage, such as a digital video recorder (DVR) or a network video recorder (NVR) connected via Ethernet cables. That makes it more secure and not subject to the whims of Wi-Fi connections. But running the power and Ethernet cables to the camera require more intensive installation, possibly requiring a professional. Wireless cameras or plug-in cameras give you more flexibility in the installation process and location. Though a local, wired connection is less susceptible to remote hacking, most current wireless cameras implement fairly strong security measures — but you’ll still want to make sure you choose complex passwords and turn on safety measures like two-factor authentication. What do security camera subscriptions look like? Subscriptions for security cameras usually run between $3 and $15 per month, though you can often get a discount if you pay for a year of service up-front. They give you access to advanced (and sometimes basic) features such as person detection, cloud storage, live feeds and intelligent labelling of events. What security system does not require a monthly fee? Excluding cameras from home security system companies like ADT and Slomins, nearly all DIY security cameras will work on a basic level without a subscription, meaning you can usually get motion-triggered alerts and the ability to see at least a short history of recorded action. Some cameras, such as the Blink Mini, offer no cloud storage without a subscription, but you can still see a live feed and you can opt for local footage storage with additional equipment. How do you install a security camera? Installing a security camera can be as simple as setting it on a table, plugging it in and using the app to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi. Indoor cameras often come with user-installable wall mounts as well. Wireless outdoor security cameras are sometimes battery-operated, so you don’t need to install them near an outlet and they often come with mounting brackets for attaching them to outdoor surfaces. Larger security systems with hardwired cameras may require professional installation. Do security cameras record sound? Every security camera we tested records sound as well as video. You can turn sound recording on or off at your leisure. Do security cameras work with existing surveillance systems? Some do. The easiest way to ensure that your camera will work with your other surveillance equipment is to get devices from the same brand. Do wireless security cameras work without Wi-Fi? Most wireless home security cameras connect via Wi-Fi. However, some cameras have the option of connecting through a cellular data plan. Of course, there’s an additional cost for such connectivity, but it allows the cameras to record if the Wi-Fi goes out or if a camera is too far from home to get a signal from the router.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-security-camera-130035012.html?src=rss

There's a new update to Google Play services heading to devices, and we should see some tangible benefits.

Goodbye Kansas brings imagination to life in their Spring 2025 House Showreel—where VFX, cinematics, animation, and real-time technology collide. This reel showcases their signature blend of artistry and innovation, proving once again that they’re masters at making the impossible possible.From breathtaking creatures to seamless worldbuilding and cinematic storytelling, each shot reflects their commitment to pushing boundaries. Whether it’s game cinematics, film, TV, or immersive content, Goodbye Kansas turns every frame into an unforgettable moment. This isn’t just VFX—it’s storytelling with soul. The post Goodbye Kansas -House Showreel Spring 2025 appeared first on Vfxexpress.

For years, baby boomers have been “aging in place” and keeping home turnover low. And now, not only are boomers holding onto their homes, they’re also the generation buying the most property—boxing out millennial homebuyers for only the second year since 2013. Millennials, who range from 26 to 44 years old, have largely dominated the housing market for the past decade. The only exceptions to this rule have occurred in 2023 and 2024, according to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Between July 2023 and July 2024, the share of millennial homebuyers dropped to 29%, down from 38% a year ago. Meanwhile, boomers (ages 60 to 78) accounted for 42% of home purchases. “In a plot twist, baby boomers have overtaken millennials—the largest U.S. population—to become the top generation of home buyers,” Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research, said in a press release. “What’s striking is that half of older boomers and two out of five younger boomers are purchasing homes entirely with cash, bypassing financing altogether.” What does this mean for aspiring homebuyers? While this is only the second time that boomers have overtaken millennials in recent years, it does represent a larger pattern: First-time homebuyers are getting older. In 1991, the median age of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. was 28 years old. In 2024, it was 38 years old. As real estate expert Lance Lambert put it, “the median first-time U.S. homebuyer in 2024 (age 38) has been out of high school for 20 years but is also only 24 years away from the earliest age at which they could receive Social Security benefits (age 62).” One main driver for this shift is the fact that both cost of living and home affordability have increased significantly in the past several years. Since 2020, the income needed to afford the average American home has shot up by a whopping 79%. Starter homes are a thing of the past for many aspiring young homebuyers. Still, some young Americans are managing to become first-time homebuyers, and they’re establishing new standards for home ownership along the way. Per the NAR report, 3% of homebuyers over the past year were Gen Zers.  “Gen Z is slowly entering the housing market with the lowest household income and they’re more likely to be single than other buyers,” Lautz said. Of the generations, Gen Z had the largest share of single, female homebuyers—presumably as many women put off marriage or choose to remain single.

With more people ditching paper bills and coins for cards and e-wallets, the trend has been to shrink down wallets to the thinnest size possible. Such thin wallets, however, have a tendency to fall out of pockets or get lost, so the birth of MagSafe tech provided a simple yet elegant solution. Simply slap the wallet onto the back of your phone and you’re good to go. This potent combination gave rise to quite a few MagSafe wallet designs, many of which espoused minimalism to the extreme, looking like nothing more than very simplistic pouches for two to three cards only. This rather creative design, however, adds not only a mechanical touch but also a tactile element to the product that turns it into an addictive fidget toy as well. Designer: Puncube Most MagSafe wallets are “top-loading,” which is to say that you pull out and insert cards from the top. That’s a common design that not only mirrors the convention of typical cardholders but also aligns with the vertical orientation of smartphones. Unfortunately, this can be quite cumbersome at times, particularly when the wallet is still stuck to the phone’s back, as the camera bump can get in the way of smooth and quick movement. The Puncube MagSafe Wallet’s design doesn’t just fix this by having the cards come out from the sides, it also makes it possible to simply push out the cards using a side-sliding mechanism that’s so enjoyable that you might find it to be habit-forming. No need to dig your fingers into those thin slots; simply push to the side with one hand and pull out the card you need with the other. This works whether the wallet is on its own or, even better, when it’s still attached to the back of the iPhone. What makes the design even more curious is the three different “flavors” you can pick depending on your preferred mechanical action. Wasteland – Pinball uses a mechanical ratchet system that offers a satisfying click, but if you prefer a smoother and more silent movement, the Horizon – Slide’s zero-resistance slider and return assistance might be for you. Standing somewhere in the middle is the Ripples – Magnetic, which uses magnets to deliver precise movement stages with distinct tactile feedback. The Puncube Magsafe Wallet is also a work of craftsmanship, CNC precision milled from space-grade 6063 aluminum. Its compact body has room for up to five cards, fully protected from RFID scanners with its total enclosure. Whether on its own or snapped on the back of your iPhone, this MagSafe Wallet provides a secure way to hold your precious cards while still giving easy access that feels almost like a game with each and every slide. The post Puncube MagSafe Wallet Has An Addictive Side-Sliding Method For Easy Access first appeared on Yanko Design.

I'm no less bewildered.

From a national security breach to The Group Chat series on TikTok, the messy dynamics of group communication are igniting questions around trust and the rules of social connection.