diff --git a/Cargo.lock b/Cargo.lock
index 4089721..3a5d97b 100644
--- a/Cargo.lock
+++ b/Cargo.lock
@@ -1642,7 +1642,7 @@ checksum = "09edd9e8b54e49e587e4f6295a7d29c3ea94d469cb40ab8ca70b288248a81db2"
 
 [[package]]
 name = "lesavka_client"
-version = "0.15.2"
+version = "0.15.3"
 dependencies = [
  "anyhow",
  "async-stream",
@@ -1676,7 +1676,7 @@ dependencies = [
 
 [[package]]
 name = "lesavka_common"
-version = "0.15.2"
+version = "0.15.3"
 dependencies = [
  "anyhow",
  "base64",
@@ -1688,7 +1688,7 @@ dependencies = [
 
 [[package]]
 name = "lesavka_server"
-version = "0.15.2"
+version = "0.15.3"
 dependencies = [
  "anyhow",
  "base64",
diff --git a/client/Cargo.toml b/client/Cargo.toml
index d36e7a8..7e0521f 100644
--- a/client/Cargo.toml
+++ b/client/Cargo.toml
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ path                    = "src/main.rs"
 
 [package]
 name                    = "lesavka_client"
-version                 = "0.15.2"
+version                 = "0.15.3"
 edition                 = "2024"
 
 [dependencies]
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/preview/status_pipeline.rs b/client/src/launcher/preview/status_pipeline.rs
index 4dddb74..9ce92fb 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/preview/status_pipeline.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/preview/status_pipeline.rs
@@ -179,18 +179,16 @@ fn build_preview_pipeline(
     profile: PreviewProfile,
     decoder_name: &str,
 ) -> Result<(gst::Pipeline, gst_app::AppSrc, gst_app::AppSink, String)> {
-    let source_mode = eye_source_mode_for_request(
+    let _display_bounds = (profile.display_width, profile.display_height);
+    let _source_mode = eye_source_mode_for_request(
         profile.requested_width.max(2) as u32,
         profile.requested_height.max(2) as u32,
     );
-    let (render_width, render_height) =
-        preview_render_size(profile, source_mode.width, source_mode.height);
     let desc = format!(
         "appsrc name=src is-live=true format=time do-timestamp=true block=false ! \
          queue max-size-buffers=6 max-size-time=0 max-size-bytes=0 leaky=downstream ! \
          h264parse name=preview_parse disable-passthrough=true ! {} name=decoder ! videoconvert ! \
-         videoscale add-borders=false ! \
-         video/x-raw,format=RGBA,width=(int){render_width},height=(int){render_height},pixel-aspect-ratio=1/1 ! \
+         video/x-raw,format=RGBA,pixel-aspect-ratio=1/1 ! \
          appsink name=sink emit-signals=false sync=false max-buffers=1 drop=true",
         decoder_name,
     );
@@ -219,8 +217,6 @@ fn build_preview_pipeline(
     appsink.set_caps(Some(
         &gst::Caps::builder("video/x-raw")
             .field("format", "RGBA")
-            .field("width", render_width)
-            .field("height", render_height)
             .field("pixel-aspect-ratio", gst::Fraction::new(1, 1))
             .build(),
     ));
@@ -228,27 +224,6 @@ fn build_preview_pipeline(
     Ok((pipeline, appsrc, appsink, decoder_name.to_string()))
 }
 
-#[cfg(not(coverage))]
-fn preview_render_size(
-    profile: PreviewProfile,
-    source_width: u32,
-    source_height: u32,
-) -> (i32, i32) {
-    fn round_down_even(value: i32) -> i32 {
-        let clamped = value.max(2);
-        clamped - (clamped % 2)
-    }
-
-    let source_w = source_width.max(2) as f32;
-    let source_h = source_height.max(2) as f32;
-    let max_w = profile.display_width.max(2) as f32;
-    let max_h = profile.display_height.max(2) as f32;
-    let scale = (max_w / source_w).min(max_h / source_h).clamp(0.01, 1.0);
-    let render_w = round_down_even((source_w * scale).round() as i32);
-    let render_h = round_down_even((source_h * scale).round() as i32);
-    (render_w.max(2), render_h.max(2))
-}
-
 #[cfg(not(coverage))]
 fn preview_decoder_candidates() -> Vec<String> {
     let mut candidates = Vec::new();
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/tests/preview.rs b/client/src/launcher/tests/preview.rs
index 7180200..9073230 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/tests/preview.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/tests/preview.rs
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ use super::{
     DEFAULT_EYE_SOURCE_HEIGHT, DEFAULT_EYE_SOURCE_WIDTH, INLINE_PREVIEW_MAX_KBIT,
     INLINE_PREVIEW_REQUEST_FPS, INLINE_PREVIEW_REQUEST_HEIGHT, INLINE_PREVIEW_REQUEST_WIDTH,
     LauncherPreview, PREVIEW_HEIGHT, PREVIEW_WIDTH, PreviewSurface, PreviewTelemetry,
-    preview_render_size, sanitize_preview_request,
+    sanitize_preview_request,
 };
 use crate::launcher::state::{CaptureSizePreset, LauncherState};
 use futures::stream;
@@ -155,18 +155,6 @@ fn breakout_preview_profile_defaults_to_higher_quality() {
     assert_eq!(profile.max_bitrate_kbit, 18_000);
 }
 
-#[test]
-fn preview_render_size_fits_source_into_display_budget() {
-    let profile = PreviewSurface::Inline.profile();
-    assert_eq!(preview_render_size(profile, 1920, 1080), (960, 540));
-}
-
-#[test]
-fn preview_render_size_never_upscales_beyond_source_geometry() {
-    let profile = PreviewSurface::Window.profile();
-    assert_eq!(preview_render_size(profile, 1280, 720), (1280, 720));
-}
-
 #[test]
 fn preview_request_sanitizer_keeps_requested_source_geometry() {
     let adapted = sanitize_preview_request(1920, 1080, 60, 18_000);
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/tests/ui_runtime.rs b/client/src/launcher/tests/ui_runtime.rs
index 8675f5f..f47ddf6 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/tests/ui_runtime.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/tests/ui_runtime.rs
@@ -377,7 +377,7 @@ fn breakout_size_changes_resize_the_open_popout_window() {
 fn server_chip_state_tracks_connection_not_just_reachability() {
     let mut state = LauncherState::new();
     assert_eq!(server_light_state(&state, false), StatusLightState::Idle);
-    assert_eq!(server_version_label(&state), "-");
+    assert_eq!(server_version_label(&state), "???");
 
     state.set_server_available(true);
     state.set_server_version(Some(crate::VERSION.to_string()));
@@ -396,7 +396,7 @@ fn server_chip_state_tracks_connection_not_just_reachability() {
 
     state.set_server_version(Some("  ".to_string()));
     assert_eq!(server_light_state(&state, false), StatusLightState::Idle);
-    assert_eq!(server_version_label(&state), "-");
+    assert_eq!(server_version_label(&state), "???");
 }
 
 #[test]
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui.rs
index 656eed2..041a91b 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui.rs
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ use {
     super::diagnostics::PerformanceSample,
     super::launcher_clipboard_control_path,
     super::launcher_focus_signal_path,
+    super::preview::{LauncherPreview, PreviewSurface},
     super::power::{fetch_capture_power, reset_usb_gadget, set_capture_power_mode},
     super::state::{
         BreakoutSizePreset, CapturePowerStatus, CaptureSizePreset, DisplaySurface,
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui/stage_device_bindings.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui/stage_device_bindings.rs
index 21329b8..463639b 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui/stage_device_bindings.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui/stage_device_bindings.rs
@@ -157,6 +157,8 @@
                         let mut state = state.borrow_mut();
                         state.set_server_available(false);
                         state.set_server_version(None);
+                        state.set_server_media_caps(None, None, None, None);
+                        state.set_capture_power(CapturePowerStatus::default());
                     }
                     if let Some(preview) = preview.as_ref() {
                         preview.set_server_addr(server_addr.clone());
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui/utility_button_bindings.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui/utility_button_bindings.rs
index 1d31679..8172008 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui/utility_button_bindings.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui/utility_button_bindings.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 {
-    const EYE_RECORD_FPS: u32 = 20;
-    const EYE_RECORD_FRAME_INTERVAL_MS: u64 = 1000 / EYE_RECORD_FPS as u64;
+    const DEFAULT_EYE_RECORD_FPS: u32 = 30;
 
     #[derive(Default)]
     struct EyeRecordState {
@@ -10,6 +9,8 @@
         output_path: Option<PathBuf>,
         next_frame_index: u32,
         captured_frames: u32,
+        encode_fps: u32,
+        encode_bitrate_kbit: u32,
     }
 
     fn eye_slug(title: &str) -> &'static str {
@@ -97,6 +98,35 @@
             .map_err(|err| format!("could not write {}: {err}", output_path.display()))
     }
 
+    fn recording_interval_ms(record_fps: u32) -> u64 {
+        let fps = record_fps.max(1);
+        (1000_u64 / fps as u64).max(1)
+    }
+
+    fn best_effort_recording_profile(
+        state: &LauncherState,
+        preview: Option<&LauncherPreview>,
+        monitor_id: usize,
+    ) -> (u32, u32) {
+        let choice = state
+            .display_capture_size_choice(monitor_id)
+            .unwrap_or_else(|| state.capture_size_choice(monitor_id));
+        let mut fps = if choice.fps == 0 {
+            DEFAULT_EYE_RECORD_FPS
+        } else {
+            choice.fps.max(1)
+        };
+        if let Some(snapshot) =
+            preview.and_then(|feed| feed.snapshot_metrics(monitor_id, PreviewSurface::Inline))
+            && snapshot.server_fps.is_finite()
+            && snapshot.server_fps >= 1.0
+        {
+            fps = snapshot.server_fps.round().clamp(1.0, 120.0) as u32;
+        }
+        let bitrate_kbit = choice.max_bitrate_kbit.max(800);
+        (fps, bitrate_kbit)
+    }
+
     fn write_record_frame(state: &mut EyeRecordState, picture: &gtk::Picture) -> Result<(), String> {
         let frame_dir = state
             .frame_dir
@@ -121,8 +151,12 @@
             .take()
             .ok_or_else(|| "recording output path was not initialized".to_string())?;
         let captured_frames = state.captured_frames;
+        let encode_fps = state.encode_fps.max(1);
+        let encode_bitrate_kbit = state.encode_bitrate_kbit.max(800);
         state.captured_frames = 0;
         state.next_frame_index = 0;
+        state.encode_fps = 0;
+        state.encode_bitrate_kbit = 0;
 
         if captured_frames < 2 {
             let _ = std::fs::remove_dir_all(&frame_dir);
@@ -130,6 +164,7 @@
         }
 
         let frame_pattern = frame_dir.join("frame-%06d.png");
+        let bitrate_arg = format!("{encode_bitrate_kbit}k");
         let encode = Command::new("ffmpeg")
             .args([
                 "-hide_banner",
@@ -137,13 +172,17 @@
                 "error",
                 "-y",
                 "-framerate",
-                &EYE_RECORD_FPS.to_string(),
+                &encode_fps.to_string(),
                 "-i",
                 &frame_pattern.to_string_lossy(),
                 "-c:v",
                 "libx264",
                 "-pix_fmt",
                 "yuv420p",
+                "-r",
+                &encode_fps.to_string(),
+                "-b:v",
+                &bitrate_arg,
                 &output_path.to_string_lossy(),
             ])
             .status()
@@ -300,6 +339,8 @@
             let pane = pane.clone();
             let widgets = widgets_for_ui.clone();
             let save_state = Rc::clone(&save_state);
+            let state = Rc::clone(&state);
+            let preview = preview.clone();
             let record_button = pane.record_button.clone();
             record_button.connect_clicked(move |button| {
                 if save_state.borrow().timer.is_some() {
@@ -330,6 +371,10 @@
                     return;
                 }
 
+                let (record_fps, record_bitrate_kbit) = {
+                    let state = state.borrow();
+                    best_effort_recording_profile(&state, preview.as_deref(), monitor_id)
+                };
                 let root = {
                     let borrowed = save_state.borrow();
                     match ensure_eye_capture_root(borrowed.save_dir_override.as_ref()) {
@@ -361,13 +406,15 @@
                     state.output_path = Some(output_path.clone());
                     state.next_frame_index = 0;
                     state.captured_frames = 0;
+                    state.encode_fps = record_fps;
+                    state.encode_bitrate_kbit = record_bitrate_kbit;
                 }
 
                 let pane_for_tick = pane.clone();
                 let widgets_for_tick = widgets.clone();
                 let save_state_for_tick = Rc::clone(&save_state);
                 let timer = glib::timeout_add_local(
-                    Duration::from_millis(EYE_RECORD_FRAME_INTERVAL_MS),
+                    Duration::from_millis(recording_interval_ms(record_fps)),
                     move || {
                         let mut state = save_state_for_tick.borrow_mut();
                         if state.frame_dir.is_none() {
@@ -385,8 +432,8 @@
                 save_state.borrow_mut().timer = Some(timer);
                 button.set_label("Stop");
                 widgets.status_label.set_text(&format!(
-                    "Recording {}... press Stop to finish.",
-                    pane.title
+                    "Recording {} at {} fps (~{} kbit)... press Stop to finish.",
+                    pane.title, record_fps, record_bitrate_kbit
                 ));
             });
         }
@@ -400,7 +447,7 @@
         widgets.usb_recover_button.connect_clicked(move |_| {
             let server_addr = selected_server_addr(&server_entry, server_addr_fallback.as_ref());
             widgets_for_click.status_label.set_text(
-                "Requesting a forced USB gadget re-enumeration on the relay host...",
+                "Recover USB 1/3: sending gadget reset request to relay host...",
             );
             let (tx, rx) = std::sync::mpsc::channel();
             std::thread::spawn(move || {
@@ -411,20 +458,20 @@
             glib::timeout_add_local(Duration::from_millis(100), move || match rx.try_recv() {
                 Ok(Ok(())) => {
                     widgets.status_label.set_text(
-                        "USB gadget recovery requested. Give the host a few seconds to re-enumerate keyboard, mouse, webcam, and audio.",
+                        "Recover USB 2/3: relay acknowledged reset. Recover USB 3/3: waiting for USB/UAC/UVC chips to settle.",
                     );
                     glib::ControlFlow::Break
                 }
                 Ok(Err(err)) => {
                     widgets
                         .status_label
-                        .set_text(&format!("USB gadget recovery failed: {err}"));
+                        .set_text(&format!("Recover USB failed: {err}"));
                     glib::ControlFlow::Break
                 }
                 Err(std::sync::mpsc::TryRecvError::Empty) => glib::ControlFlow::Continue,
                 Err(std::sync::mpsc::TryRecvError::Disconnected) => {
                     widgets.status_label.set_text(
-                        "USB gadget recovery ended unexpectedly before the relay answered.",
+                        "Recover USB failed: relay stopped responding before completion.",
                     );
                     glib::ControlFlow::Break
                 }
@@ -441,7 +488,7 @@
             let server_addr = selected_server_addr(&server_entry, server_addr_fallback.as_ref());
             widgets_for_click
                 .status_label
-                .set_text("Requesting UAC recovery (USB gadget rebuild) on the relay host...");
+                .set_text("Recover UAC 1/3: sending gadget reset request to relay host...");
             let (tx, rx) = std::sync::mpsc::channel();
             std::thread::spawn(move || {
                 let result = reset_usb_gadget(&server_addr).map_err(|err| format!("{err:#}"));
@@ -451,20 +498,20 @@
             glib::timeout_add_local(Duration::from_millis(100), move || match rx.try_recv() {
                 Ok(Ok(())) => {
                     widgets.status_label.set_text(
-                        "UAC recovery requested via USB gadget rebuild. Give the host a few seconds to re-enumerate audio.",
+                        "Recover UAC 2/3: relay acknowledged reset. Recover UAC 3/3: waiting for UAC chip to settle.",
                     );
                     glib::ControlFlow::Break
                 }
                 Ok(Err(err)) => {
                     widgets
                         .status_label
-                        .set_text(&format!("UAC recovery failed: {err}"));
+                        .set_text(&format!("Recover UAC failed: {err}"));
                     glib::ControlFlow::Break
                 }
                 Err(std::sync::mpsc::TryRecvError::Empty) => glib::ControlFlow::Continue,
                 Err(std::sync::mpsc::TryRecvError::Disconnected) => {
                     widgets.status_label.set_text(
-                        "UAC recovery ended unexpectedly before the relay answered.",
+                        "Recover UAC failed: relay stopped responding before completion.",
                     );
                     glib::ControlFlow::Break
                 }
@@ -481,7 +528,7 @@
             let server_addr = selected_server_addr(&server_entry, server_addr_fallback.as_ref());
             widgets_for_click
                 .status_label
-                .set_text("Requesting UVC recovery (USB gadget rebuild) on the relay host...");
+                .set_text("Recover UVC 1/3: sending gadget reset request to relay host...");
             let (tx, rx) = std::sync::mpsc::channel();
             std::thread::spawn(move || {
                 let result = reset_usb_gadget(&server_addr).map_err(|err| format!("{err:#}"));
@@ -491,20 +538,20 @@
             glib::timeout_add_local(Duration::from_millis(100), move || match rx.try_recv() {
                 Ok(Ok(())) => {
                     widgets.status_label.set_text(
-                        "UVC recovery requested via USB gadget rebuild. Give the host a few seconds to re-enumerate webcam video.",
+                        "Recover UVC 2/3: relay acknowledged reset. Recover UVC 3/3: waiting for UVC chip to settle.",
                     );
                     glib::ControlFlow::Break
                 }
                 Ok(Err(err)) => {
                     widgets
                         .status_label
-                        .set_text(&format!("UVC recovery failed: {err}"));
+                        .set_text(&format!("Recover UVC failed: {err}"));
                     glib::ControlFlow::Break
                 }
                 Err(std::sync::mpsc::TryRecvError::Empty) => glib::ControlFlow::Continue,
                 Err(std::sync::mpsc::TryRecvError::Disconnected) => {
                     widgets.status_label.set_text(
-                        "UVC recovery ended unexpectedly before the relay answered.",
+                        "Recover UVC failed: relay stopped responding before completion.",
                     );
                     glib::ControlFlow::Break
                 }
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui_components.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui_components.rs
index 4b5cb90..18ea02d 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui_components.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui_components.rs
@@ -72,6 +72,7 @@ pub fn build_launcher_view(
         camera_preview_stack,
         camera_preview_frame,
         camera_preview,
+        webcam_transport_combo,
         camera_mirror_button,
         camera_mirror_revealer,
         camera_status,
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/assemble_view.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/assemble_view.rs
index 2b950c8..c1b900c 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/assemble_view.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/assemble_view.rs
@@ -149,6 +149,7 @@
         swap_key_button: swap_key_button.clone(),
         camera_test_button: camera_test_button.clone(),
         camera_preview_stack: camera_preview_stack.clone(),
+        webcam_transport_combo: webcam_transport_combo.clone(),
         camera_mirror_button: camera_mirror_button.clone(),
         camera_mirror_revealer: camera_mirror_revealer.clone(),
         microphone_test_button: microphone_test_button.clone(),
@@ -184,6 +185,7 @@
             camera_preview_stack,
             camera_preview_frame,
             camera_preview,
+            webcam_transport_combo,
             camera_mirror_button,
             camera_status,
         },
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/build_contexts.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/build_contexts.rs
index 993cdda..63fd9f8 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/build_contexts.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/build_contexts.rs
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ struct DeviceControlsContext {
     camera_preview_stack: gtk::Stack,
     camera_preview_frame: gtk::AspectFrame,
     camera_preview: gtk::Picture,
+    webcam_transport_combo: gtk::ComboBoxText,
     camera_mirror_button: gtk::ToggleButton,
     camera_mirror_revealer: gtk::Revealer,
     camera_status: gtk::Label,
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/build_device_controls.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/build_device_controls.rs
index c564be3..03c9a05 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/build_device_controls.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/build_device_controls.rs
@@ -328,7 +328,19 @@
     camera_preview_stack.add_named(&camera_preview_overlay, Some("live"));
     camera_preview_stack.set_visible_child_name("idle");
     camera_preview_shell.append(&camera_preview_stack);
-    let webcam_group = build_subgroup("Webcam Preview");
+    let webcam_transport_combo = gtk::ComboBoxText::new();
+    webcam_transport_combo.add_css_class("compact-combo");
+    webcam_transport_combo.append(Some("mjpeg"), "MJPEG");
+    webcam_transport_combo.append(Some("yuy2"), "YUY2");
+    webcam_transport_combo.append(Some("h264"), "H.264");
+    webcam_transport_combo.set_active_id(Some("mjpeg"));
+    webcam_transport_combo.set_sensitive(false);
+    webcam_transport_combo.set_size_request(112, -1);
+    webcam_transport_combo.set_tooltip_text(Some(
+        "Upstream transport format. MJPEG is pinned while sync hardening is in progress.",
+    ));
+    let webcam_group =
+        build_subgroup_with_action("Webcam Preview", Some(webcam_transport_combo.upcast_ref()));
     webcam_group.set_hexpand(true);
     webcam_group.set_vexpand(true);
     webcam_group.set_valign(gtk::Align::Fill);
@@ -383,6 +395,7 @@
         camera_preview_stack,
         camera_preview_frame,
         camera_preview,
+        webcam_transport_combo,
         camera_mirror_button,
         camera_mirror_revealer,
         camera_status,
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/build_operations_rail.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/build_operations_rail.rs
index 3864a9b..0a0e9dd 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/build_operations_rail.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/build_operations_rail.rs
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 
     connection_body.append(&relay_grid);
 
-    let recovery_heading = gtk::Label::new(Some("Recovery"));
+    let recovery_heading = gtk::Label::new(Some("Recover"));
     recovery_heading.add_css_class("subgroup-title");
     recovery_heading.set_halign(gtk::Align::Start);
     let recovery_row = gtk::Box::new(gtk::Orientation::Horizontal, 8);
@@ -29,14 +29,15 @@
     let recovery_buttons = gtk::Box::new(gtk::Orientation::Horizontal, 8);
     recovery_buttons.set_hexpand(true);
     recovery_buttons.set_homogeneous(true);
-    let usb_recover_button = rail_button("Recover USB", "Re-enumerate remote USB gadget.");
-    let uac_recover_button = rail_button("Recover UAC", "Rebuild remote USB audio function.");
-    let uvc_recover_button = rail_button("Recover UVC", "Rebuild remote USB webcam function.");
+    let usb_recover_button = rail_button("USB", "Re-enumerate remote USB gadget.");
+    let uac_recover_button = rail_button("UAC", "Rebuild remote USB audio function.");
+    let uvc_recover_button = rail_button("UVC", "Rebuild remote USB webcam function.");
     recovery_buttons.append(&usb_recover_button);
     recovery_buttons.append(&uac_recover_button);
     recovery_buttons.append(&uvc_recover_button);
     recovery_row.append(&recovery_buttons);
     connection_body.append(&recovery_row);
+    connection_body.append(&gtk::Separator::new(gtk::Orientation::Horizontal));
 
     let tools_heading = gtk::Label::new(Some("Tools"));
     tools_heading.add_css_class("subgroup-title");
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/display_pane.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/display_pane.rs
index 8213a8d..c844e95 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/display_pane.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/display_pane.rs
@@ -17,21 +17,25 @@ fn build_display_pane(title: &str, capture_path: &str) -> DisplayPaneWidgets {
     stream_status.set_max_width_chars(18);
     stream_status.set_tooltip_text(Some("Eye stream status."));
 
-    let header = gtk::Box::new(gtk::Orientation::Horizontal, 8);
-    header.set_hexpand(true);
+    let header_row = gtk::Box::new(gtk::Orientation::Horizontal, 8);
+    header_row.set_hexpand(true);
     let title_label = gtk::Label::new(Some(title));
     title_label.add_css_class("title-4");
     title_label.set_halign(gtk::Align::Start);
-    title_label.set_hexpand(false);
+    title_label.set_hexpand(true);
     let capture_label = gtk::Label::new(Some(capture_path));
     capture_label.add_css_class("dim-label");
     capture_label.set_halign(gtk::Align::End);
     capture_label.set_hexpand(false);
     capture_label.set_ellipsize(pango::EllipsizeMode::Start);
-    header.append(&title_label);
-    header.append(&stream_status);
-    header.append(&capture_label);
-    root.append(&header);
+    header_row.append(&title_label);
+    header_row.append(&capture_label);
+    let header_overlay = gtk::Overlay::new();
+    header_overlay.set_hexpand(true);
+    header_overlay.set_child(Some(&header_row));
+    header_overlay.add_overlay(&stream_status);
+    header_overlay.set_clip_overlay(&stream_status, true);
+    root.append(&header_overlay);
 
     let picture = gtk::Picture::new();
     picture.add_css_class("eye-preview-surface");
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/panel_chips.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/panel_chips.rs
index 4110037..ca95015 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/panel_chips.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/panel_chips.rs
@@ -25,12 +25,23 @@ fn build_panel_with_action(title: &str, action: Option<&gtk::Widget>) -> (gtk::B
 }
 
 fn build_subgroup(title: &str) -> gtk::Box {
+    build_subgroup_with_action(title, None)
+}
+
+fn build_subgroup_with_action(title: &str, action: Option<&gtk::Widget>) -> gtk::Box {
     let group = gtk::Box::new(gtk::Orientation::Vertical, 8);
     group.add_css_class("subgroup");
+    let heading_row = gtk::Box::new(gtk::Orientation::Horizontal, 8);
+    heading_row.set_hexpand(true);
     let heading = gtk::Label::new(Some(title));
     heading.add_css_class("subgroup-title");
     heading.set_halign(gtk::Align::Start);
-    group.append(&heading);
+    heading.set_hexpand(true);
+    heading_row.append(&heading);
+    if let Some(action) = action {
+        heading_row.append(action);
+    }
+    group.append(&heading_row);
     group
 }
 
@@ -38,6 +49,7 @@ fn build_status_chip(label: &str, value: &str) -> (gtk::Box, gtk::Label) {
     let chip = gtk::Box::new(gtk::Orientation::Vertical, 4);
     chip.add_css_class("status-chip");
     chip.set_hexpand(false);
+    chip.set_size_request(96, -1);
 
     let label_widget = gtk::Label::new(Some(label));
     label_widget.add_css_class("status-chip-label");
@@ -47,6 +59,9 @@ fn build_status_chip(label: &str, value: &str) -> (gtk::Box, gtk::Label) {
     value_widget.add_css_class("status-chip-value");
     value_widget.set_halign(gtk::Align::Center);
     value_widget.set_xalign(0.5);
+    value_widget.set_ellipsize(pango::EllipsizeMode::End);
+    value_widget.set_single_line_mode(true);
+    value_widget.set_width_chars(9);
     chip.append(&label_widget);
     chip.append(&value_widget);
     (chip, value_widget)
@@ -56,6 +71,7 @@ fn build_status_chip_with_light(label: &str, value: &str) -> (gtk::Box, gtk::Box
     let chip = gtk::Box::new(gtk::Orientation::Vertical, 4);
     chip.add_css_class("status-chip");
     chip.set_hexpand(false);
+    chip.set_size_request(96, -1);
 
     let meta = gtk::Box::new(gtk::Orientation::Horizontal, 6);
     meta.add_css_class("status-chip-meta");
@@ -73,6 +89,9 @@ fn build_status_chip_with_light(label: &str, value: &str) -> (gtk::Box, gtk::Box
     value_widget.add_css_class("status-chip-value");
     value_widget.set_halign(gtk::Align::Center);
     value_widget.set_xalign(0.5);
+    value_widget.set_ellipsize(pango::EllipsizeMode::End);
+    value_widget.set_single_line_mode(true);
+    value_widget.set_width_chars(9);
     chip.append(&meta);
     chip.append(&value_widget);
     (chip, light, value_widget)
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/types.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/types.rs
index aa23c1d..d5806fe 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui_components/types.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui_components/types.rs
@@ -156,6 +156,7 @@ pub struct LauncherWidgets {
     pub swap_key_button: gtk::Button,
     pub camera_test_button: gtk::Button,
     pub camera_preview_stack: gtk::Stack,
+    pub webcam_transport_combo: gtk::ComboBoxText,
     pub camera_mirror_button: gtk::ToggleButton,
     pub camera_mirror_revealer: gtk::Revealer,
     pub microphone_test_button: gtk::Button,
@@ -178,6 +179,7 @@ pub struct DeviceStageWidgets {
     pub camera_preview_stack: gtk::Stack,
     pub camera_preview_frame: gtk::AspectFrame,
     pub camera_preview: gtk::Picture,
+    pub webcam_transport_combo: gtk::ComboBoxText,
     pub camera_mirror_button: gtk::ToggleButton,
     pub camera_status: gtk::Label,
 }
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui_runtime/status_details.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui_runtime/status_details.rs
index 0e3eb09..024c1b0 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui_runtime/status_details.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui_runtime/status_details.rs
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ fn normalize_version(version: &str) -> &str {
 
 fn server_version_label(state: &LauncherState) -> String {
     if !state.server_available {
-        return "-".to_string();
+        return "???".to_string();
     }
     let version = state
         .server_version
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ fn server_version_label(state: &LauncherState) -> String {
     match version {
         Some(version) if version.starts_with('v') => version.to_string(),
         Some(version) => format!("v{version}"),
-        None => "-".to_string(),
+        None => "???".to_string(),
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/client/src/launcher/ui_runtime/status_refresh.rs b/client/src/launcher/ui_runtime/status_refresh.rs
index 6247670..76beb06 100644
--- a/client/src/launcher/ui_runtime/status_refresh.rs
+++ b/client/src/launcher/ui_runtime/status_refresh.rs
@@ -44,14 +44,16 @@ pub type RelayChild = Child;
 
 pub fn refresh_launcher_ui(widgets: &LauncherWidgets, state: &LauncherState, child_running: bool) {
     let relay_live = child_running || state.remote_active;
+    let server_label = server_version_label(state);
     set_status_light(
         &widgets.summary.relay_light,
         server_light_state(state, relay_live),
     );
+    widgets.summary.relay_value.set_text(&server_label);
     widgets
         .summary
         .relay_value
-        .set_text(&server_version_label(state));
+        .set_tooltip_text(Some(&server_label));
     set_status_light(
         &widgets.summary.routing_light,
         StatusLightState::from_active(matches!(state.routing, InputRouting::Remote)),
@@ -60,14 +62,21 @@ pub fn refresh_launcher_ui(widgets: &LauncherWidgets, state: &LauncherState, chi
         .summary
         .routing_value
         .set_text(&capitalize(routing_name(state.routing)));
+    let gpio_label = if state.server_available {
+        gpio_power_label(&state.capture_power)
+    } else {
+        "Offline".to_string()
+    };
     set_status_light(
         &widgets.summary.gpio_light,
-        gpio_light_state(&state.capture_power),
+        if state.server_available {
+            gpio_light_state(&state.capture_power)
+        } else {
+            StatusLightState::Idle
+        },
     );
-    widgets
-        .summary
-        .gpio_value
-        .set_text(&gpio_power_label(&state.capture_power));
+    widgets.summary.gpio_value.set_text(&gpio_label);
+    widgets.summary.gpio_value.set_tooltip_text(Some(&gpio_label));
     widgets
         .summary
         .shortcut_value
@@ -76,16 +85,22 @@ pub fn refresh_launcher_ui(widgets: &LauncherWidgets, state: &LauncherState, chi
     let (usb_state, usb_value) = recovery_usb_health(state);
     set_status_light(&widgets.summary.usb_light, usb_state);
     widgets.summary.usb_value.set_text(&usb_value);
+    widgets.summary.usb_value.set_tooltip_text(Some(&usb_value));
     let (uac_state, uac_value) = recovery_uac_health(state);
     set_status_light(&widgets.summary.uac_light, uac_state);
     widgets.summary.uac_value.set_text(&uac_value);
+    widgets.summary.uac_value.set_tooltip_text(Some(&uac_value));
     let (uvc_state, uvc_value) = recovery_uvc_health(state);
     set_status_light(&widgets.summary.uvc_light, uvc_state);
     widgets.summary.uvc_value.set_text(&uvc_value);
+    widgets.summary.uvc_value.set_tooltip_text(Some(&uvc_value));
 
-    widgets
-        .power_detail
-        .set_text(&capture_power_detail(&state.capture_power));
+    let power_detail = if state.server_available {
+        capture_power_detail(&state.capture_power)
+    } else {
+        "relay host is offline; GPIO power state is unavailable".to_string()
+    };
+    widgets.power_detail.set_text(&power_detail);
     if (widgets.audio_gain_scale.value() - state.audio_gain_percent as f64).abs() > f64::EPSILON {
         widgets
             .audio_gain_scale
@@ -177,6 +192,7 @@ pub fn refresh_launcher_ui(widgets: &LauncherWidgets, state: &LauncherState, chi
     widgets
         .speaker_test_button
         .set_sensitive(!relay_live && state.channels.audio);
+    widgets.webcam_transport_combo.set_sensitive(false);
     widgets.input_toggle_button.set_label(match state.routing {
         InputRouting::Remote => "Route Local",
         InputRouting::Local => "Route Remote",
diff --git a/common/Cargo.toml b/common/Cargo.toml
index 54eda69..36c5bc6 100644
--- a/common/Cargo.toml
+++ b/common/Cargo.toml
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [package]
 name                    = "lesavka_common"
-version                 = "0.15.2"
+version                 = "0.15.3"
 edition                 = "2024"
 build                   = "build.rs"
 
diff --git a/server/Cargo.toml b/server/Cargo.toml
index dc30ae2..afec6b9 100644
--- a/server/Cargo.toml
+++ b/server/Cargo.toml
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ bench                   = false
 
 [package]
 name                    = "lesavka_server"
-version                 = "0.15.2"
+version                 = "0.15.3"
 edition                 = "2024"
 autobins                = false
 
diff --git a/testing/tests/client_launcher_layout_contract.rs b/testing/tests/client_launcher_layout_contract.rs
index 0a1f140..8085202 100644
--- a/testing/tests/client_launcher_layout_contract.rs
+++ b/testing/tests/client_launcher_layout_contract.rs
@@ -88,13 +88,13 @@ fn eye_panes_keep_the_docked_preview_footprint_without_forcing_maximized_width()
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("capture_label.set_ellipsize(pango::EllipsizeMode::Start);"));
     assert!(!UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("root.append(&stream_status);"));
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("stream_status.add_css_class(\"eye-inline-status\");"));
+    assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let header_overlay = gtk::Overlay::new();"));
+    assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("header_row.append(&title_label);"));
+    assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("header_row.append(&capture_label);"));
+    assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("header_overlay.add_overlay(&stream_status);"));
     assert!(
-        source_index("header.append(&title_label);")
-            < source_index("header.append(&stream_status);")
-    );
-    assert!(
-        source_index("header.append(&stream_status);")
-            < source_index("header.append(&capture_label);")
+        source_index("header_row.append(&title_label);")
+            < source_index("header_row.append(&capture_label);")
     );
     assert!(
         source_index("controls_grid.attach(&breakout_row, 0, 1, 1, 1);")
@@ -281,7 +281,7 @@ fn relay_controls_keep_connect_inline_with_server_entry() {
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let start_button = rail_button(\"Connect\""));
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("pub(crate) fn set_rail_button_label("));
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("relay_grid.attach(&start_button, 2, 0, 1, 1);"));
-    assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let recovery_heading = gtk::Label::new(Some(\"Recovery\"));"));
+    assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let recovery_heading = gtk::Label::new(Some(\"Recover\"));"));
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let recovery_row = gtk::Box::new(gtk::Orientation::Horizontal, 8);"));
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let recovery_buttons = gtk::Box::new(gtk::Orientation::Horizontal, 8);"));
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("recovery_buttons.set_homogeneous(true);"));
@@ -292,9 +292,9 @@ fn relay_controls_keep_connect_inline_with_server_entry() {
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("tools_buttons.set_homogeneous(true);"));
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("tools_heading.set_width_chars(10);"));
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let clipboard_button = rail_button(\"Clipboard\""));
-    assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let usb_recover_button = rail_button(\"Recover USB\""));
-    assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let uac_recover_button = rail_button(\"Recover UAC\""));
-    assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let uvc_recover_button = rail_button(\"Recover UVC\""));
+    assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let usb_recover_button = rail_button(\"USB\""));
+    assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let uac_recover_button = rail_button(\"UAC\""));
+    assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("let uvc_recover_button = rail_button(\"UVC\""));
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("recovery_buttons.append(&usb_recover_button);"));
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("recovery_buttons.append(&uac_recover_button);"));
     assert!(UI_LAYOUT_SRC.contains("recovery_buttons.append(&uvc_recover_button);"));
@@ -373,8 +373,8 @@ fn media_controls_own_stream_toggles_and_inline_gain_controls() {
         UI_LAYOUT_SRC
             .matches("connection_body.append(&gtk::Separator::new(gtk::Orientation::Horizontal));")
             .count(),
-        2,
-        "the operations rail should not gain extra vertical sections that stretch the lower layout"
+        3,
+        "recover/tools/gpio/inputs sections should remain visually separated"
     );
     assert!(
         source_index("let power_heading = gtk::Label::new(Some(\"GPIO Power\"));")
diff --git a/testing/tests/client_launcher_runtime_contract.rs b/testing/tests/client_launcher_runtime_contract.rs
index 12f1b57..637813f 100644
--- a/testing/tests/client_launcher_runtime_contract.rs
+++ b/testing/tests/client_launcher_runtime_contract.rs
@@ -174,10 +174,10 @@ fn launcher_utility_buttons_still_bind_to_live_actions() {
     assert!(UI_SRC.contains("clip saved to"));
     assert!(UI_SRC.contains("record_button.connect_clicked"));
     assert!(UI_SRC.contains("recording saved to"));
-    assert!(UI_SRC.contains("Recording {}... press Stop to finish."));
+    assert!(UI_SRC.contains("press Stop to finish."));
     assert!(UI_SRC.contains("widgets.usb_recover_button.connect_clicked"));
     assert!(UI_SRC.contains("reset_usb_gadget(&server_addr)"));
-    assert!(UI_SRC.contains("USB gadget recovery requested."));
+    assert!(UI_SRC.contains("Recover USB 2/3: relay acknowledged reset."));
 }
 
 #[test]
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ fn server_chip_distinguishes_reachable_from_connected() {
     assert!(UI_RUNTIME_SRC.contains("} else if relay_live {"));
     assert!(UI_RUNTIME_SRC.contains("StatusLightState::Caution"));
     assert!(UI_RUNTIME_SRC.contains("fn server_version_label("));
-    assert!(UI_RUNTIME_SRC.contains("return \"-\".to_string();"));
+    assert!(UI_RUNTIME_SRC.contains("return \"???\".to_string();"));
 }
 
 #[test]