YashasVM · Sep 23, 2026 · Sep 23, 2026 · Sep 23, 2026
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
@@ -2,28 +2,27 @@
 
 <picture>
   <source media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)" srcset="https://img.shields.io/badge/OpenStream-Turn_Your_Phone_Into_a_Wireless_OBS_Camera-00D4AA?style=for-the-badge&labelColor=0A0A0F">
-  <img alt="OpenStream V1.0.1 Banner" src="https://img.shields.io/badge/OpenStream-Turn_Your_Phone_Into_a_Wireless_OBS_Camera-00D4AA?style=for-the-badge&labelColor=0A0A0F">
+  <img alt="OpenStream banner" src="https://img.shields.io/badge/OpenStream-Turn_Your_Phone_Into_a_Wireless_OBS_Camera-00D4AA?style=for-the-badge&labelColor=0A0A0F">
 </picture>
 
 ### Turn any Android phone into a wireless camera source for OBS Studio
 
-[![Version](https://img.shields.io/badge/version-1.0.1-00D4AA?style=flat-square&labelColor=1a1a2e)](https://github.com/YashasVM/OpenStream/releases/tag/v1.0.1)
+[Latest release](https://github.com/YashasVM/OpenStream/releases/latest)
 [![Platform](https://img.shields.io/badge/platform-Android%20%2B%20Windows%20%2B%20Linux-green?style=flat-square&labelColor=1a1a2e)](https://github.com/YashasVM/OpenStream)
 [![OBS](https://img.shields.io/badge/OBS-Studio%20Plugin-purple?style=flat-square&labelColor=1a1a2e)](https://obsproject.com)
 [![Website](https://img.shields.io/badge/website-openstream.pages.dev-00D4AA?style=flat-square&labelColor=1a1a2e)](https://openstream.pages.dev)
 
-**Open-source** | **One phone, one camera** | **Hardware phone encoding** | **Local Wi-Fi**
+**Source available** | **One phone, one camera** | **Hardware phone encoding** | **Local Wi-Fi**
 
 ---
 
 </div>
 
 > [!IMPORTANT]
-> This branch simplifies OpenStream to one Android camera per OBS process and adds a native Linux build. Published V1.0.1 downloads predate these changes. Candidate builds need the device acceptance checks in [docs/testing.md](docs/testing.md) before release.
+> The repository branch may contain changes that are not in the latest published release. Candidate builds need the device acceptance checks in [docs/testing.md](docs/testing.md) before release.
 
-The supported V1.0.1 path is the legacy Android app plus the legacy OBS camera
-source/dock over local Wi-Fi. USB transport and USB camera-source support are
-not included in this release.
+The latest published release may not include the changes on this branch. USB
+transport and USB camera-source support are not included in the published app.
 
 ## Quick Downloads
 
@@ -32,28 +31,27 @@ not included in this release.
 | 1 | [`openstream-android.apk`](https://github.com/YashasVM/OpenStream/releases/latest/download/openstream-android.apk) | Android phone |
 | 2 | [`openstream-obs-plugin-installer-windows-x64.exe`](https://github.com/YashasVM/OpenStream/releases/latest/download/openstream-obs-plugin-installer-windows-x64.exe) | Windows OBS PC |
 | Fallback | [`openstream-obs-windows-x64.zip`](https://github.com/YashasVM/OpenStream/releases/latest/download/openstream-obs-windows-x64.zip) | Manual OBS plugin install |
-| Linux candidate | [Build and install from source](docs/linux.md) | Native Linux OBS; the next tagged release will include a matched Linux package |
+| Linux candidate | [Build and install from source](docs/linux.md) | Native Linux OBS; check the release assets for a published package |
 
 Need the non-technical walkthrough with screenshots? Start with [`docs/set-up.md`](docs/set-up.md).
 
 ---
 
 ## What is OpenStream?
 
-OpenStream V1.0.1 sends your Android phone camera directly into OBS Studio over local Wi-Fi. It uses Camera2, MediaCodec video/audio encoding, MPEG-TS muxing, SRT transport, two-way LAN discovery, single-camera pairing, and a native OBS source plugin.
+OpenStream sends an Android phone camera to OBS Studio over local Wi-Fi. The app uses Camera2 and MediaCodec, then carries MPEG-TS video and audio over SRT to an OBS source plugin.
 
 ```text
 Phone camera -> hardware AVC/H.264 + AAC -> SRT over Wi-Fi -> OpenStream camera source in OBS
 ```
 
-### V1.0.1 Release
+### Published V1.0.1 release
 
 | Area | V1.0.1 release detail |
 |---|---|
-| **OBS setup** | The V1.0.1 release uses its legacy source controls. The current candidate exposes controls in source properties. |
-| **Scene compatibility** | Existing `OpenStream V7` scene sources keep loading while new sources appear as `OpenStream V8`. |
-| **Pairing clarity** | One camera per OBS process, with a simple computer picker on Android. |
-| **Release polish** | Version defaults, release notes, and setup docs are aligned around V1.0.1. |
+| **OBS setup** | The published plugin registers the source identifiers found in the historical release. Actual saved-scene settings and media compatibility still need device and OBS checks. |
+| **Source identity** | The plugin displays the source name `shin`; the historical release registers `openstream_phone_v7_source` and `openstream_phone_v8_source`. |
+| **Published assets** | The release includes the Android APK and Windows installer and plugin archive. |
 
 ## Quick Start
 
@@ -66,7 +64,7 @@ Download the APK from the release, copy it to your Android phone, open it, and a
 Connect the phone with USB debugging enabled and run `cd android && ./gradlew
 installDebug`. Repeating this command installs the updated app in place when
 the installed build has the same application ID and signing key. The version
-name and code come from `android/gradle.properties`; increase the code there
+name and code come from `release/version.properties`; increase the code there
 for a release. Android rejects an in-place update if the APK uses a different
 signing key, such as when switching between a local debug build and the
 published release. Keep using the same build type for day-to-day updates.
@@ -80,15 +78,15 @@ Download and run `openstream-obs-plugin-installer-windows-x64.exe` on the Window
 
 ### 3. Add One Camera in OBS
 
-In OBS, click `+` in Sources, choose `OpenStream V8`, and press OK. Keep one OpenStream source. To use the camera in another scene, select **Add Existing**. If upgrading a scene with multiple camera sources, remove the extras; additional capture sessions are blocked with an explanation.
+In OBS, click `+` in Sources and choose `OpenStream Camera`. Keep one OpenStream source. To use the camera in another scene, select **Add Existing**. If upgrading a scene with multiple camera sources, remove the extras; additional capture sessions are blocked with an explanation.
 
 ### 4. Pair the Phone
 
-Open the OpenStream Android app on the same Wi-Fi network as the PC. Its discovery panel lists available OBS computers; tap yours to connect. The camera feed should appear in OBS within a few seconds.
+Open the OpenStream Android app on the same Wi-Fi network as the PC. Its discovery panel lists available OBS computers; tap yours to connect. Check the source status and phone preview to confirm that the camera connected.
 
 ### 5. Stream
 
-Use OBS as usual. Open **Docks → OpenStream Camera Control** for the camera controls. Phone audio appears on the OpenStream source’s OBS mixer channel.
+Use the OpenStream source properties for camera controls. Phone audio appears on the OpenStream source’s OBS mixer channel.
 
 > [!TIP]
 > Use a 5 GHz or Wi-Fi 6 network, keep both devices on the same subnet, and disable VPNs or router client isolation during first setup.
@@ -102,7 +100,7 @@ Use OBS as usual. Open **Docks → OpenStream Camera Control** for the camera co
 | **Phone OS** | Android 10+ with Camera2 and hardware MediaCodec support. |
 | **OBS host** | Windows x64: OBS Studio 32.2.1. Native Linux: build against the installed OBS, Qt, and FFmpeg packages; see [Linux setup](docs/linux.md). Flatpak/Snap builds are not covered. |
 | **Network** | Same LAN/subnet; guest Wi-Fi, VPNs, and client isolation can block discovery. |
-| **Release maturity** | V1.0.1. Expect device-specific camera quirks and Wi-Fi-dependent latency. |
+| **Release maturity** | Camera behavior varies by device, and network latency depends on Wi-Fi conditions. |
 
 ---
 
@@ -124,7 +122,7 @@ Use OBS as usual. Open **Docks → OpenStream Camera Control** for the camera co
 | **Manual Connect** | Enable **Receive manual connection from phone** in OBS advanced settings, then enter the PC IP/port on the phone. Remote camera controls stay on the phone in this mode. |
 | **Live Stream Telemetry** | Shows frames, keyframes, transferred megabits, errors, and active lens while streaming. |
 | **Identify Overlay** | Displays a connection label on the phone when triggered from OBS. |
-| **Reconnect Hold** | Keeps a reserved OBS connection for `45` seconds after a disconnect to make brief Wi-Fi drops less disruptive. |
+| **Reconnect Hold** | Keeps a reserved OBS connection for `45` seconds after a disconnect. |
 
 ### OBS Plugin
 
@@ -133,7 +131,7 @@ For native Linux build and installation instructions, see [docs/linux.md](docs/l
 
 | Feature | Details |
 |---|---|
-| **Native OBS Source** | Adds an `OpenStream V8` source type inside OBS Studio while preserving V7 scene compatibility. |
+| **Native OBS Source** | Adds an `OpenStream Camera` source type inside OBS Studio. Saved-scene settings and media compatibility with the published release still need verification. |
 | **OBS controls** | Connection, phone selection, zoom, torch, lens, and identify controls are exposed through source properties. |
 | **One-Click Installer** | Windows installer copies the plugin into the OBS plugin folder. |
 | **Phone ownership** | Each phone can be reserved by one OBS source at a time. Reuse that source across scenes. |
@@ -267,7 +265,7 @@ This is a developer/debug tool only. Normal users should install the OBS plugin.
 
 | Link | URL |
 |---|---|
-| Website | [OpenStream V1.0.1](https://openstream.pages.dev) |
+| Website | [OpenStream](https://openstream.pages.dev) |
 | Releases | [github.com/YashasVM/OpenStream/releases](https://github.com/YashasVM/OpenStream/releases) |
 | Issues | [github.com/YashasVM/OpenStream/issues](https://github.com/YashasVM/OpenStream/issues) |
 

diff --git a/docs/release-notes-template.md b/docs/release-notes-template.md
@@ -1,44 +1,28 @@
-# OpenStream V1.0.1
+# OpenStream {{VERSION}}
 
-OpenStream V1.0.1 is a fixed Android-to-OBS camera release with V8 source naming, V7 scene compatibility, universal Android packaging, and install downloads for both surfaces.
+{{SUMMARY_OF_THE_RELEASE}}
 
-## What's New
+## What's new
 
-| Area | Change |
-|---|---|
-| OBS setup | Source properties now follow `1. Camera Slot`, `2. Live Camera Controls`, and `3. Network & Pairing (Advanced)`. |
-| Scene compatibility | Existing `OpenStream V7` scene sources keep loading through a compatibility source id. |
-| Pairing copy | OBS now explains the phone-side slot selection flow instead of leading with SRT details. |
-| Setup docs | The walkthrough now includes stale-plugin checks for Program Files, ProgramData, and per-user OBS plugin folders. |
-| OBS compatibility | Windows plugin releases target OBS Studio 32.2.1 x64 and its FFmpeg 62/62/60/9 ABI. |
+- {{USER_VISIBLE_CHANGE}}
 
 ## Downloads
 
 | File | Use |
 |---|---|
-| `openstream-android.apk` | Install this on your Android phone. |
-| `openstream-android.apk.sha256` | Verify the downloaded APK before installation. |
-| `openstream-obs-plugin-installer-windows-x64.exe` | Recommended Windows installer for the OBS plugin. |
-| `openstream-obs-windows-x64.zip` | Manual plugin package with DLL and install scripts. |
-| `openstream-obs-windows-x64.zip.sha256` | Verify the downloaded manual plugin package. |
-
-> [!NOTE]
-> The Android APK is release-signed and accompanied by a SHA-256 checksum. Public releases fail instead of publishing a debug-signed fallback when signing inputs are unavailable.
-
-## Install
+| `openstream-android.apk` | Install on an Android phone. |
+| `openstream-obs-plugin-installer-windows-x64.exe` | Install the OBS plugin on Windows. |
+| `openstream-obs-windows-x64.zip` | Install the Windows plugin manually. |
+| `shin-obs-linux-x86_64.tar.gz` | Install the Linux plugin on a compatible system. |
 
-1. Install the APK on your Android phone.
-2. Run the OBS plugin installer on your Windows OBS PC.
-3. Restart OBS Studio.
-4. Add an `OpenStream V8` source.
-5. Open the Android app on the same Wi-Fi network and tap the discovered OBS slot.
+## Compatibility
 
-For the screenshot walkthrough, read [`docs/set-up.md`](https://github.com/YashasVM/OpenStream/blob/main/docs/set-up.md).
+- Android: {{ANDROID_COMPATIBILITY}}
+- Windows OBS: {{WINDOWS_OBS_COMPATIBILITY}}
+- Linux OBS: {{LINUX_OBS_COMPATIBILITY}}
+- Scene compatibility: {{SCENE_COMPATIBILITY_EVIDENCE}}
 
 ## Notes
 
-- Windows OBS plugin only.
-- Existing source names may still say `OpenStream V7`; rename them in OBS if you want the scene label to match V1.0.1.
-- Use 5 GHz or Wi-Fi 6 for best results.
-- Keep both devices on the same subnet.
-- Please report issues on GitHub.
+- {{KNOWN_LIMITATION_OR_MIGRATION_NOTE}}
+- See the [setup guide](https://github.com/YashasVM/OpenStream/blob/main/docs/set-up.md).
diff --git a/docs/release.md b/docs/release.md
@@ -36,27 +36,42 @@ The APK is universal with `minSdk 29` and native libraries for `arm64-v8a`,
 `armeabi-v7a`, `x86`, and `x86_64`. Camera lens availability and device-specific
 Camera2 behavior still require checking on target phones.
 
-## Automated Release
+## Build and publish a release
 
-Set both `openstream.versionName` and `openstream.versionCode` in
-`android/gradle.properties`, then create and push a matching `vMAJOR.MINOR.PATCH`
-tag that points to that commit. The version name must equal the tag without its
-leading `v`; the version code must be a positive integer greater than every
-previous release code and no greater than Android's 2,100,000,000 limit.
+Set `productVersion` and `androidVersionCode` in `release/version.properties`.
+The version must match the `vMAJOR.MINOR.PATCH` tag without its leading `v`.
+The version code must be greater than the previous published APK and no greater
+than Android's 2,100,000,000 limit.
 
 ```powershell
-git tag v1.0.1
-git push origin v1.0.1
+git tag vMAJOR.MINOR.PATCH
+git push origin vMAJOR.MINOR.PATCH
 ```
 
-The same workflow can be run manually with an already pushed release tag. It
-builds the commit referenced by that tag and rejects malformed or mismatched
-tags. It does not create a release from the current default branch. Older
-releases used the tag commit timestamp as the Android version code; the
-workflow uses that value when checking historical tags without the canonical
-`openstream.versionCode` property.
+Pushing a tag runs the `Release candidate` workflow. It builds the Android APK,
+the Windows installer and plugin archive, and the Linux plugin archive. It
+checks the tag, APK package, version code, signing certificate, plugin versions,
+installer version, and artifact hashes. It uploads a candidate bundle as a
+GitHub Actions artifact with `release-manifest.json`; it does not publish a release.
 
-The `Release` workflow builds:
+After the candidate passes the device and OBS checks, dispatch the same workflow
+in `publish` mode. Enter the tag and successful candidate run ID. The workflow
+checks that the candidate belongs to the tagged commit, verifies its manifest
+and hashes, then publishes those downloaded files without rebuilding them.
+If an earlier published APK cannot be fetched, publication fails closed.
+
+The staged manifest records the product version, Android identity, protocol,
+supported OBS ABIs, and each artifact's filename, size, and SHA-256 hash. The
+website shows a version and version-specific download links only after the
+latest published release contains this manifest and the GitHub release API
+reports the matching size and SHA-256 digest for every listed asset. The
+website also checks that each published checksum sidecar matches the manifest.
+Until those checks pass, the website labels the links "Latest release".
+
+The website's npm package version is build-tool metadata. Keep it at `0.0.0`;
+release version changes belong in `release/version.properties`.
+
+The candidate workflow builds these files:
 
 | Job | Output |
 |---|---|
@@ -65,10 +80,16 @@ The `Release` workflow builds:
 | OBS plugin installer | `openstream-obs-plugin-installer-windows-x64.exe`, `openstream-obs-plugin-installer-windows-x64.exe.sha256` |
 | Linux OBS plugin | `shin-obs-linux-x86_64.tar.gz`, `shin-obs-linux-x86_64.tar.gz.sha256` |
 
-The publish job runs only after repository tests, Android unit tests and lint,
-the signed Android build, and both Windows and Linux plugin builds succeed. It
-downloads all artifacts, verifies each published binary's SHA-256 sidecar, and
-then runs `gh release create`.
+The workflow requires repository tests, Android unit tests and lint, the signed
+Android build, and both Windows and Linux plugin builds to pass before it stages
+a candidate. The publish job verifies the staged SHA-256 sidecars before it
+creates a GitHub release.
+
+Prepare new release notes for every release. Copy
+[`release-notes-template.md`](release-notes-template.md) into the workflow's
+`release_notes` input and replace every placeholder with details verified for
+that release. Keep earlier published notes unchanged. The publish workflow
+requires non-empty notes and uses the submitted text as the release body.
 
 Public releases require all Android signing secrets. Missing or incomplete
 signing inputs fail the workflow; it never publishes a debug-signed fallback.
@@ -146,14 +167,15 @@ only; do not publish that APK as a release.
 
 ## Release Checklist
 
-- Confirm the README links point to the release tag being published.
+- Confirm the README links use the latest published assets.
 - Confirm the setup guide links to the same APK, installer EXE, and plugin zip.
 - Confirm pytest, Android unit tests, lint, and Android, Windows, and Linux release builds passed.
 - Confirm `openstream-android.apk.sha256` matches the APK.
 - Confirm `openstream-obs-plugin-installer-windows-x64.exe.sha256` matches the installer.
 - Confirm `openstream-obs-windows-x64.zip.sha256` matches the manual plugin package.
 - Confirm `shin-obs-linux-x86_64.tar.gz.sha256` matches the Linux package.
-- Confirm OBS lists `OpenStream V8` and can still load saved `openstream_phone_v7_source` scenes.
+- Confirm the published `release-manifest.json` matches each artifact's name, size, and SHA-256 hash.
+- Confirm OBS lists `OpenStream Camera` and test saved scenes from each published plugin version. Record settings and media results; do not infer them from source registration alone.
 - Confirm the dependency report names `avformat-62.dll`, `avcodec-62.dll`, `avutil-60.dll`, and `swscale-9.dll`, and the clean OBS 32.2.1 log has no OpenStream module-load error.
 - Seed `openstream-obs.dll`, run both installer forms, and confirm stale Program Files, ProgramData, and AppData copies were migrated without touching OBS settings or scenes.
 - Confirm the Android APK is release-signed and installable over the previous public release.

diff --git a/tests/test_production_contracts.py b/tests/test_production_contracts.py
@@ -140,7 +140,10 @@ def test_android_and_obs_release_artifacts_stay_atomic() -> None:
     assert "python -m pytest -q" in android_workflow
     assert ":app:lintDebug" in android_workflow
     assert "openstream-android.apk.sha256" in android_workflow
-    assert "android/gradle.properties" in release_docs
+    assert "release/version.properties" in release_docs
+    assert "android/gradle.properties" not in release_docs
+    assert "release-manifest.json" in release_docs
+    assert "inputs.release_notes" in release_workflow
     assert "release/version.properties" in release_workflow
     assert "productVersion=" in release_workflow
     assert "androidVersionCode=" in release_workflow