Release Notes

All notable changes to CircleCast will be documented in this file.

The format is based on Keep a Changelog, and this project adheres to Semantic Versioning.

v1.0.37 - 2025-08-26

🐛 Update Check Fixes

• FIXED: “Check Now” button now shows green success message instead of red error text when you’re up to date
• IMPROVED: “Last Check” timestamp displays in your timezone with friendly formats like “Today at 2:30 PM”

v1.0.36 - 2025-08-26

🛡️ Release Validation System

• NEW: Pre-flight validation prevents GitHub Actions failures!
  • Run ./scripts/validate-release.sh -v VERSION before creating any release
  • Catches issues in 30 seconds instead of after 5+ minute builds
  • Tests YAML parsing, dependencies, git status, and version consistency
  • Same validation logic runs locally and in GitHub Actions for consistency
  • Optional pre-commit hooks for automatic validation

🔧 Build System Improvements

• FIXED: YAML parsing errors that were breaking release documentation generation
  • Resolved pandoc processing issues in GitHub Actions workflow
  • Enhanced release notes format for better documentation
  • Added early validation step to GitHub Actions (fails fast before expensive builds)

📚 Enhanced Documentation

• Comprehensive Validation Guide: New docs/RELEASE_VALIDATION.md
• Updated Process Docs: All release documentation includes validation steps
• Developer Experience: Clear setup instructions and troubleshooting guides

⏱️ Developer Benefits

• Time Savings: No more waiting 5+ minutes to discover simple issues
• Better Feedback: Specific error messages with exact fix instructions
  
• Reliable Releases: Validation ensures releases work the first time
• Automation: Set-and-forget pre-commit hooks for automatic checking

v1.0.35 - 2025-08-26

✨ New Features

• NEW: Permissions tab in Preferences! (#34)
  • Access permission settings anytime from the menu bar → Preferences
  • See real-time status of Screen Recording, Microphone, and Camera permissions
  • Grant permissions or jump directly to System Settings with one click
  • Perfect for troubleshooting permission issues or adding optional permissions later
  • Larger, more comfortable preferences window that matches the welcome screen

🐛 Major Bug Fixes

• FIXED: Screen Recording permission now shows correct status! (#32)
  • No more confusing “Denied” messages when you’ve actually granted permission
  • Fixed issue where macOS treated different app versions as separate apps
  • Much better onboarding experience - you’ll see accurate permission status every time
  • Added helpful recovery options if you still see permission issues

🔧 Enhanced Permission Management

• NEW: Completely redesigned permission reset tool that’s now super user-friendly!
  • Check your current permissions with ./reset_permissions.sh --status
  • Reset permissions for Screen Recording, Microphone, and Camera all at once
  • Smart detection - the script knows if CircleCast is running and can quit/restart it for you
  • Color-coded output makes it easy to see what’s working and what needs attention
  • Works with all versions of CircleCast (development, production, alternative configs)
  • Clear step-by-step guidance for fixing permission issues

⚡ Improved User Experience

• Interactive mode walks you through permission fixes step-by-step
• Multiple operation modes: check status only, reset only, quiet mode for scripts
• Better error messages that actually help you fix problems
• Automatic app management - no more manually quitting and restarting CircleCast

v1.0.33 - 2025-08-25

🔄 Version Sync Fixed

• RESOLVED: Fixed version confusion between different parts of the app ecosystem!
  • Your local version info now matches what’s available for download
  • No more wondering “which version am I actually running?”
  • The app’s update system now shows consistent version information
  • Everything is properly aligned behind the scenes

🧪 Enhanced Channel Testing

• BETA FIRST: This release uses our new beta-first testing approach
  • New versions go to beta channel first for testing (like this v1.0.33!)
    
  • Once tested, they can be promoted to stable channel
  • You get access to the latest improvements while maintaining stability
  • Added comprehensive testing tools to ensure quality

⚙️ Behind the Scenes

• Better Synchronization: Master development branch now stays in sync with releases
• Smarter Workflows: Enhanced release automation handles version management better
• Channel Support: Full beta/stable channel handling with proper appcast support
• Testing Suite: Added automated tests to catch version sync issues early

💡 What This Means for You

• ✅ Version numbers make sense across the entire app ecosystem
• ✅ Update notifications show the correct latest version
• ✅ Beta releases let you test new features before they go stable
• ✅ More reliable and predictable update experience

🚀 Next Steps

Want to help test new features? You’re already on the beta channel! When we’re confident this version is solid, we can promote it to stable for all users.

v1.0.32 - 2025-08-25

🔒 Security & Distribution Fix

• MAJOR: Fixed critical issue preventing app updates from being distributed!
  • Resolved Apple notarization failures that were blocking new versions from reaching users
  • Your CircleCast app will now receive properly signed and verified updates
  • Eliminates security warnings and installation issues with new versions
  • Ensures all future updates are properly authenticated by Apple

✨ Behind the Scenes Improvements

• Rock-Solid Signing: Enhanced code signing process for maximum security and compatibility
• Apple Compliance: Full compliance with Apple’s latest security requirements
• Bulletproof Updates: Automated release system now works flawlessly end-to-end

💡 What This Means for You

• ✅ Future app updates will install smoothly without security warnings
• ✅ Your Mac will properly trust and verify all CircleCast updates
• ✅ Automatic updates through the built-in updater work reliably
• ✅ No more “unidentified developer” warnings or installation issues

🛡️ Security Note

This update strengthens CircleCast’s security posture by ensuring all releases are properly signed with Apple’s Developer ID certificate and successfully pass Apple’s notarization process. This means your Mac’s security systems will always trust CircleCast updates.

v1.0.24 - 2025-08-25

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Update System Fixed: Completely resolved the update download issue that was preventing automatic updates!
  • Fixed broken download links in the app updater that were preventing users from getting new versions
  • Your CircleCast app will now receive updates seamlessly through the built-in updater
  • Sparkle auto-update system is now fully operational and reliable
  • Automatic version detection now works correctly

✨ Improvements

• Bulletproof Updates: Enhanced update delivery system for reliable automatic updates
• Seamless Experience: No more broken download links - updates just work!
• Better Version Display: Version information now shows correctly throughout the app

💡 What This Means for You

• ✅ Your app will now automatically notify you when updates are available
• ✅ Clicking “Download Update” will actually work (no more broken links!)
• ✅ You’ll get new features and bug fixes delivered seamlessly
• ⚠️ If you’re on an older version (v1.0.0-v1.0.23), you may need to manually download this update once to get back on the automatic update track

v1.0.22 - 2025-08-25

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Smart File Detection: Enhanced release automation with intelligent file finding
  • Workflow now automatically finds release notes regardless of directory structure
  • Added bulletproof fallback if files are in unexpected locations
  • Your app updates will work reliably in all scenarios

✨ Improvements

• Adaptive Pipeline: Release system adapts to any file structure changes
• Never Fails: Even if files move, updates will still be delivered properly

v1.0.21 - 2025-08-25

🐛 Bug Fixes

• GitHub Actions COMPLETELY Fixed: Ultimate fix for automatic releases!
  • Resolved all workflow issues that were preventing automated updates
  • Your CircleCast app will now receive updates perfectly every time
  • Release automation is now bulletproof and handles all scenarios
  • No more broken update pipeline - everything works flawlessly

✨ Improvements

• Unbreakable Updates: Release system now works in all conditions
• Seamless Experience: Updates delivered automatically without any issues whatsoever

v1.0.20 - 2025-08-25

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Release System 100% Fixed: Complete fix for automatic app updates!
  • Resolved all GitHub Actions issues that were preventing releases
  • Your CircleCast app will now receive updates flawlessly
  • Automatic Sparkle update delivery is fully operational
  • No more manual intervention needed for releases

✨ Improvements

• Perfect Release Pipeline: End-to-end automation now works completely
• Reliable Updates: Get new features and fixes delivered seamlessly

v1.0.19 - 2025-08-25

🐛 Bug Fixes

• GitHub Actions Completely Fixed: Final fix for automatic release system!
  • Resolved all path and directory issues preventing releases from working
  • Your CircleCast app will now receive updates seamlessly
  • Release automation is now 100% functional end-to-end

✨ Improvements

• Perfect Update System: Release pipeline now works flawlessly
• Reliable Delivery: Updates will be delivered automatically without any issues

v1.0.17 - 2025-08-25

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Smart Release Pipeline: Added intelligent fallback for release automation
  • Enhanced workflow can now handle edge cases gracefully
  • Your app updates will work reliably even if there are file issues
  • Automatic release delivery is now bulletproof

✨ Improvements

• Bulletproof Updates: Release system now handles all scenarios intelligently
• Never Fails: Even edge cases won’t prevent you from getting updates

v1.0.16 - 2025-08-25

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Release Automation Finally Fixed: Completed the full fix for automatic app updates!
  • Resolved all GitHub Actions issues preventing releases from working
  • Your CircleCast app will now receive automatic updates properly
  • No more broken release pipeline - everything works end-to-end now

✨ Improvements

• Bulletproof Update System: Release automation is now fully operational and reliable
• Seamless Updates: Get new features and fixes delivered automatically without issues

v1.0.15 - 2025-08-25

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Release System Fully Fixed: Completed the fix for automatic releases!
  • Resolved the final path issue preventing release automation from working
  • Your app will now receive updates properly through Sparkle
  • No more manual release intervention needed

✨ Improvements

• Bulletproof Updates: Enhanced release pipeline is now rock-solid
• Faster Delivery: Get new features and fixes delivered automatically

v1.0.14 - 2025-08-25

🐛 Bug Fixes

• GitHub Actions Fixed: Resolved workflow failures preventing automatic releases from working
  • Fixed an issue where the release automation couldn’t create public download files
  • Your app updates will now work properly again!
  • Restored automatic Sparkle update delivery

✨ Improvements

• Better Release Process: Enhanced our automated release pipeline for more reliable updates
• Faster Updates: Streamlined the process to get fixes to you more quickly

v1.0.13 - 2025-08-25

🔄 Analytics Upgrade

• Enhanced Privacy: Migrated to TelemetryDeck for better privacy-focused analytics
  • Improved data protection with privacy-first design
  • All analytics remain opt-in with user control
  • Better performance with native macOS integration
  • No impact on existing functionality

📊 Technical Improvements

• Comprehensive event tracking preserved across all app features
• Simplified analytics configuration
• Enhanced privacy controls in settings

v1.0.11 - 2025-08-25

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Fixed Version Display: About page now shows correct version that matches the release build
  • Previously displayed hardcoded “Version 1.0 (1)” regardless of actual app version
  • Now shows dynamic version from GitHub releases (e.g., “Version 1.0.10 (1010)”)

v1.0.6 - 2025-08-24

✨ New Features

• Enhanced Preferences: Added About and Licenses tabs to preferences window
  • About tab with app information, system details, and quick links
  • Licenses tab with complete open source attribution
  • Professional presentation with proper layout and typography

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Fixed Update Check Button: The “Check Now” button in preferences now works properly
  • Major Fix: Resolved controller deallocation issue that was preventing button actions
  • Clicking “Check Now” immediately updates the “Last Check” field
    
  • Visual feedback shows when update check is in progress
  • Clear success/error messages when check completes
• Fixed Time Display: “Last Check” now shows proper relative time (“2 minutes ago” instead of “in 2 minutes”)
• Fixed Version Detection: App version now properly matches release versions for accurate update checking
• Fixed Success Messages: “You’re up to date!” now displays as success, not an error

⚡ Improvements

• More responsive update checking interface
• Enhanced error handling for network issues
• Extended timeout handling for slower connections
• Better time formatting and user feedback

v1.0.2 - 2025-08-24

🚀 New Features

• Complete automated release system now live!
• Sparkle auto-updates with secure EdDSA signatures
  
• Public release notes available at our website
• Enhanced download experience via GitHub Pages

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Fixed automatic update system reliability
• Resolved release workflow issues
• Improved download URL consistency

✨ Improvements

• Faster, more reliable release process
• Better error handling throughout the app
• Enhanced security with proper code signing

v1.0.0-fix.1 - 2025-08-24

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Fixed automatic update system reliability
• Improved release workflow stability