diff --git a/.pre-commit-config.yaml b/.pre-commit-config.yaml
index 3c198d362..73e772609 100644
--- a/.pre-commit-config.yaml
+++ b/.pre-commit-config.yaml
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 repos:
   - repo: https://github.com/astral-sh/ruff-pre-commit
-    rev: v0.9.7
+    rev: v0.12.1
     hooks:
       - id: ruff
         language_version: python3
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index e3ad46575..ee43fad6c 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -7,10 +7,70 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 
 ## [Unreleased]
 
+### Added
+
+- The development runner how handles custom `body` data for `DailyTransport`.
+  The `body` data is passed to the Pipecat client. You can POST to the `/start`
+  endpoint with a request body of:
+
+  ```
+  {
+      "createDailyRoom": true,
+      "dailyRoomProperties": { "start_video_off": true },
+      "body": { "custom_data": "value" }
+  }
+  ```
+
+  The `body` information is parsed and used in the application. The
+  `dailyRoomProperties` are currently not handled.
+
+- Added detailed latency logging to `UserBotLatencyLogObserver`, capturing
+  average response time between user stop and bot start, as well as minimum and
+  maximum response latency.
+
+### Changed
+
+- The development runners `/connect` and `/start` endpoint now both return
+  `dailyRoom` and `dailyToken` in place of the previous `room_url` and `token`.
+
+- Updated the `pipecat.runner.daily` utility to only a take `DAILY_API_URL` and
+  `DAILY_SAMPLE_ROOM_URL` environment variables instead of argparsing `-u` and
+  `-k`, respectively.
+
+- Updated `daily-python` to 0.19.6.
+
+- Changed `TavusVideoService` to send audio or video frames only after the
+  transport is ready, preventing warning messages at startup.
+
+- The development runner now strips any provided protocol (e.g. https://) from
+  the proxy address and issues a warning. It also strips trailing `/`.
+
 ### Fixed
 
 - Fixed an issue in `LiveKitTransport` where empty `AudioRawFrame`s were pushed
   down the pipeline. This resulted in warnings by the STT processor.
+- Fixed `PiperTTSService` to send text as a JSON object in the request body,
+  resolving compatibility with Piper's HTTP API.
+
+- Fixed an issue with the `TavusVideoService` where an error was thrown due to
+  missing transcription callbacks.
+
+- Fixed an issue in `SpeechmaticsSTTService` where the `user_id` was set to
+  `None` when diarization is not enabled.
+
+### Performance
+
+- Fixed an issue in `TaskObserver` (a proxy to all observers) that was degrading
+  global performance.
+
+### Deprecated
+
+- In the `pipecat.runner.daily`, the `configure_with_args()` function is
+  deprecated. Use the `configure()` function instead.
+
+- The development runner's `/connect` endpoint is deprecated and will be
+  removed in a future version. Use the `/start` endpoint in its place. In the
+  meantime, both endpoints work and deliver equivalent functionality.
 
 - Added `source` field to `ErrorFrame` to indicate `FrameProcessor` that generated the error.
 
@@ -209,6 +269,10 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
   pushed by the `BaseInputTransport` at Start and any time a
   `VADParamsUpdateFrame` is received.
 
+- Added support for Simli Trinity Avatars. A new `is_trinity_avatar` parameter
+  has been introduced to specify whether the provided `faceId` corresponds to a
+  Trinity avatar, which is required for optimal Trinity avatar performance.
+
 ### Changed
 
 - Two package dependencies have been updated:
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 6eca5af47..cf1263817 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -69,80 +69,80 @@ You can connect to Pipecat from any platform using our official SDKs:
 
 ## ⚡ Getting started
 
-You can get started with Pipecat running on your local machine, then move your agent processes to the cloud when you’re ready.
+You can get started with Pipecat running on your local machine, then move your agent processes to the cloud when you're ready.
 
-```shell
-# Install the module
-pip install pipecat-ai
+1. Install uv
 
-# Set up your environment
-cp dot-env.template .env
-```
+   ```bash
+   curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh
+   ```
 
-To keep things lightweight, only the core framework is included by default. If you need support for third-party AI services, you can add the necessary dependencies with:
+   > **Need help?** Refer to the [uv install documentation](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/getting-started/installation/).
 
-```shell
-pip install "pipecat-ai[option,...]"
-```
+2. Install the module
+
+   ```bash
+   # For new projects
+   uv init my-pipecat-app
+   cd my-pipecat-app
+   uv add pipecat-ai
+
+   # Or for existing projects
+   uv add pipecat-ai
+   ```
+
+3. Set up your environment
+
+   ```bash
+   cp env.example .env
+   ```
+
+4. To keep things lightweight, only the core framework is included by default. If you need support for third-party AI services, you can add the necessary dependencies with:
+
+   ```bash
+   uv add "pipecat-ai[option,...]"
+   ```
+
+> **Using pip?** You can still use `pip install pipecat-ai` and `pip install "pipecat-ai[option,...]"` to get set up.
 
 ## 🧪 Code examples
 
 - [Foundational](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/tree/main/examples/foundational) — small snippets that build on each other, introducing one or two concepts at a time
 - [Example apps](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat-examples) — complete applications that you can use as starting points for development
 
-## 🛠️ Hacking on the framework itself
+## 🛠️ Contributing to the framework
 
-1. Set up a virtual environment before following these instructions. From the root of the repo:
+1. Clone the repository and navigate to it:
 
-   ```shell
-   python3 -m venv venv
-   source venv/bin/activate
+   ```bash
+   git clone https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat.git
+   cd pipecat
    ```
 
-2. Install the development dependencies:
+2. Install development and testing dependencies:
 
-   ```shell
-   pip install -r dev-requirements.txt
+   ```bash
+   uv sync --group dev --all-extras --no-extra krisp
    ```
 
-3. Install the git pre-commit hooks (these help ensure your code follows project rules):
+3. Install the git pre-commit hooks:
 
-   ```shell
-   pre-commit install
-   ```
-
-4. Install the `pipecat-ai` package locally in editable mode:
-
-   ```shell
-   pip install -e .
-   ```
-
-   > The `-e` or `--editable` option allows you to modify the code without reinstalling.
-
-5. Include optional dependencies as needed. For example:
-
-   ```shell
-   pip install -e ".[daily,deepgram,cartesia,openai,silero]"
-   ```
-
-6. (Optional) If you want to use this package from another directory:
-
-   ```shell
-   pip install "path_to_this_repo[option,...]"
+   ```bash
+   uv run pre-commit install
    ```
 
 ### Running tests
 
-Install the test dependencies:
+To run all tests, from the root directory:
 
-```shell
-pip install -r test-requirements.txt
+```bash
+uv run pytest
 ```
 
-From the root directory, run:
+Run a specific test suite:
 
-```shell
-pytest
+```bash
+uv run pytest tests/test_name.py
 ```
 
 ### Setting up your editor
diff --git a/dot-env.template b/env.example
similarity index 99%
rename from dot-env.template
rename to env.example
index 696c2ca0a..0aed0eb83 100644
--- a/dot-env.template
+++ b/env.example
@@ -122,7 +122,6 @@ SONIOX_API_KEY=
 # Speechmatics
 SPEECHMATICS_API_KEY=...
 
-
 # SambaNova
 SAMBANOVA_API_KEY=...
 
diff --git a/examples/foundational/04b-transports-livekit.py b/examples/foundational/04b-transports-livekit.py
index 6594021de..cddb68b90 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/04b-transports-livekit.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/04b-transports-livekit.py
@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ import json
 import os
 import sys
 
-from deepgram import LiveOptions
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
 from loguru import logger
 
@@ -51,12 +50,7 @@ async def main():
         ),
     )
 
-    stt = DeepgramSTTService(
-        api_key=os.getenv("DEEPGRAM_API_KEY"),
-        live_options=LiveOptions(
-            vad_events=True,
-        ),
-    )
+    stt = DeepgramSTTService(api_key=os.getenv("DEEPGRAM_API_KEY"))
 
     llm = OpenAILLMService(api_key=os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY"))
 
@@ -78,20 +72,20 @@ async def main():
     context = OpenAILLMContext(messages)
     context_aggregator = llm.create_context_aggregator(context)
 
-    runner = PipelineRunner()
+    pipeline = Pipeline(
+        [
+            transport.input(),  # Transport user input
+            stt,
+            context_aggregator.user(),  # User responses
+            llm,  # LLM
+            tts,  # TTS
+            transport.output(),  # Transport bot output
+            context_aggregator.assistant(),  # Assistant spoken responses
+        ]
+    )
 
     task = PipelineTask(
-        Pipeline(
-            [
-                transport.input(),
-                stt,
-                context_aggregator.user(),
-                llm,
-                tts,
-                transport.output(),
-                context_aggregator.assistant(),
-            ],
-        ),
+        pipeline,
         params=PipelineParams(
             enable_metrics=True,
             enable_usage_metrics=True,
@@ -132,6 +126,8 @@ async def main():
             ],
         )
 
+    runner = PipelineRunner()
+
     await runner.run(task)
 
 
diff --git a/examples/foundational/07b-interruptible-langchain.py b/examples/foundational/07b-interruptible-langchain.py
index c6833888c..aaca623dd 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/07b-interruptible-langchain.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/07b-interruptible-langchain.py
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ from pipecat.processors.aggregators.llm_response import (
     LLMUserResponseAggregator,
 )
 from pipecat.processors.frameworks.langchain import LangchainProcessor
+from pipecat.runner.types import RunnerArguments
+from pipecat.runner.utils import create_transport
 from pipecat.services.cartesia.tts import CartesiaTTSService
 from pipecat.services.deepgram.stt import DeepgramSTTService
 from pipecat.transports.base_transport import BaseTransport, TransportParams
diff --git a/examples/foundational/13b-deepgram-transcription.py b/examples/foundational/13b-deepgram-transcription.py
index 7eba63b29..cde1e3629 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/13b-deepgram-transcription.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/13b-deepgram-transcription.py
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
 #
 
-import argparse
 import os
 
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
@@ -15,6 +14,8 @@ from pipecat.pipeline.pipeline import Pipeline
 from pipecat.pipeline.runner import PipelineRunner
 from pipecat.pipeline.task import PipelineTask
 from pipecat.processors.frame_processor import FrameDirection, FrameProcessor
+from pipecat.runner.types import RunnerArguments
+from pipecat.runner.utils import create_transport
 from pipecat.services.deepgram.stt import DeepgramSTTService, Language, LiveOptions
 from pipecat.transports.base_transport import BaseTransport, TransportParams
 from pipecat.transports.network.fastapi_websocket import FastAPIWebsocketParams
diff --git a/examples/foundational/13c-gladia-translation.py b/examples/foundational/13c-gladia-translation.py
index 9b7f8ab6f..81a524158 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/13c-gladia-translation.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/13c-gladia-translation.py
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
 #
 
-import argparse
 import os
 
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
@@ -15,6 +14,8 @@ from pipecat.pipeline.pipeline import Pipeline
 from pipecat.pipeline.runner import PipelineRunner
 from pipecat.pipeline.task import PipelineTask
 from pipecat.processors.frame_processor import FrameDirection, FrameProcessor
+from pipecat.runner.types import RunnerArguments
+from pipecat.runner.utils import create_transport
 from pipecat.services.gladia.config import (
     GladiaInputParams,
     LanguageConfig,
diff --git a/examples/foundational/13d-assemblyai-transcription.py b/examples/foundational/13d-assemblyai-transcription.py
index 8ada794cb..a00e21f5e 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/13d-assemblyai-transcription.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/13d-assemblyai-transcription.py
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
 #
 
-import argparse
 import os
 
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
@@ -15,6 +14,8 @@ from pipecat.pipeline.pipeline import Pipeline
 from pipecat.pipeline.runner import PipelineRunner
 from pipecat.pipeline.task import PipelineTask
 from pipecat.processors.frame_processor import FrameDirection, FrameProcessor
+from pipecat.runner.types import RunnerArguments
+from pipecat.runner.utils import create_transport
 from pipecat.services.assemblyai.stt import AssemblyAISTTService
 from pipecat.transports.base_transport import BaseTransport, TransportParams
 from pipecat.transports.network.fastapi_websocket import FastAPIWebsocketParams
diff --git a/examples/foundational/13h-speechmatics-transcription.py b/examples/foundational/13h-speechmatics-transcription.py
index 173d0641c..92c8d4f91 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/13h-speechmatics-transcription.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/13h-speechmatics-transcription.py
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ async def run_bot(transport: BaseTransport):
     This example will use diarization within our STT service and output the words spoken by
     each individual speaker and wrap them with XML tags.
 
-    If you do not wish to use diarization, then set the `enable_speaker_diarization` parameter
+    If you do not wish to use diarization, then set the `enable_diarization` parameter
     to `False` or omit it altogether. The `text_format` will only be used if diarization is enabled.
 
     By default, this example will use our ENHANCED operating point, which is optimized for
diff --git a/examples/foundational/22d-natural-conversation-gemini-audio.py b/examples/foundational/22d-natural-conversation-gemini-audio.py
index ef57a27c9..d600c1dcd 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/22d-natural-conversation-gemini-audio.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/22d-natural-conversation-gemini-audio.py
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
 #
 
-import argparse
 import asyncio
 import os
 import time
@@ -44,6 +43,8 @@ from pipecat.processors.aggregators.openai_llm_context import (
 )
 from pipecat.processors.filters.function_filter import FunctionFilter
 from pipecat.processors.frame_processor import FrameDirection, FrameProcessor
+from pipecat.runner.types import RunnerArguments
+from pipecat.runner.utils import create_transport
 from pipecat.services.cartesia.tts import CartesiaTTSService
 from pipecat.services.google.llm import GoogleLLMContext, GoogleLLMService
 from pipecat.sync.base_notifier import BaseNotifier
diff --git a/examples/foundational/27-simli-layer.py b/examples/foundational/27-simli-layer.py
index 97eba7bba..dbf6dc3ea 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/27-simli-layer.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/27-simli-layer.py
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ async def run_bot(transport: BaseTransport):
     )
 
     simli_ai = SimliVideoService(
-        SimliConfig(os.getenv("SIMLI_API_KEY"), os.getenv("SIMLI_FACE_ID"))
+        SimliConfig(os.getenv("SIMLI_API_KEY"), os.getenv("SIMLI_FACE_ID")),
     )
 
     llm = OpenAILLMService(api_key=os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY"), model="gpt-4o-mini")
diff --git a/examples/foundational/43a-heygen-video-service.py b/examples/foundational/43a-heygen-video-service.py
index 619d6ab09..3e67b8672 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/43a-heygen-video-service.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/43a-heygen-video-service.py
@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
 #
 
-
 import os
 
 import aiohttp
diff --git a/examples/foundational/README.md b/examples/foundational/README.md
index 16e3ce42f..91631017b 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/README.md
+++ b/examples/foundational/README.md
@@ -2,70 +2,71 @@
 
 This directory contains examples showing how to build voice and multimodal agents with Pipecat. Each example demonstrates specific features, progressing from basic to advanced concepts.
 
-## Learning Paths
+## Setup
 
-Depending on what you're trying to build, these learning paths will guide you through relevant examples:
-
-- **New to Pipecat**: Start with examples [01](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/01-say-one-thing.py), [02](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/02-llm-say-one-thing.py), [07](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/07-interruptible.py)
-- **Building conversational bots**: [07](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/07-interruptible.py), [10](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/10-wake-phrase.py), [38](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/38-smart-turn-fal.py)
-- **Common add-on capabilities**: [17](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/17-detect-user-idle.py), [24](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/24-stt-mute-filter.py), [28](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/28-transcription-processor.py), [34](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/34-audio-recording.py)
-- **Adding visual capabilities**: [03](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/03-still-frame.py), [12](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/12a-describe-video-gemini-flash.py), [26](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/26c-gemini-multimodal-live-video.py)
-- **Advanced agent capabilities**: [14](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/14-function-calling.py), [20](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/20a-persistent-context-openai.py), [37](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/blob/main/examples/foundational/37-mem0.py)
-
-## Quick Start
-
-1. Set up a virtual environment:
+1. Make sure you have uv installed:
 
    ```bash
-   python -m venv venv
-   source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate
+   curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh
    ```
 
-2. Install dependencies:
+   > **Need help?** Refer to the [uv install documentation](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/getting-started/installation/).
+
+2. Create a venv and install example dependencies:
 
    ```bash
-   pip install -r requirements.txt
+   uv sync --all-extras --no-extra krisp
    ```
 
-3. Create a `.env` file with your API keys.
-
-4. Run any example:
+3. Create a `.env` file with your API keys:
 
    ```bash
-   python 01-say-one-thing.py
+   cp env.example .env
+   # Edit .env with your API keys
    ```
 
-5. Open the web interface at http://localhost:7860 and click "Connect"
+4. Navigate to the examples directory:
+
+   ```bash
+   cd examples/foundational
+   ```
+
+5. Run any example:
+
+   ```bash
+   uv run python 01-say-one-thing.py
+   ```
+
+6. Open the web interface at http://localhost:7860/client/ and click "Connect"
 
 ## Running examples with other transports
 
-It is possible to run most of the examples with other transports such as Twilio or Daily.
+Most examples support running with other transports, like Twilio or Daily.
 
 ### Daily
 
 You need to create a Daily account at https://dashboard.daily.co/u/signup. Once signed up, you can create your own room from the dashboard and set the environment variables `DAILY_SAMPLE_ROOM_URL` and `DAILY_API_KEY`. Alternatively, you can let the example create a room for you (still needs `DAILY_API_KEY` environment variable). Then, start any example with `-t daily`:
 
 ```bash
-python 07-interruptible.py -t daily
+uv run 07-interruptible.py -t daily
 ```
 
 ### Twilio
 
-It is also possible to run the example through a Twilio phone number. You will
-need to setup a few things:
+It is also possible to run the example through a Twilio phone number. You will need to setup a few things:
 
 1. Install and run [ngrok](https://ngrok.com/download).
 
-  ```bash
-  ngrok http 7860
-  ```
+```bash
+ngrok http 7860
+```
 
 2. Configure your Twilio phone number. One way is to setup a TwiML app and set the request URL to the ngrok URL from step (1). Then, set your phone number to use the new TwiML app.
 
 Then, run the example with:
 
 ```bash
-python 07-interruptible.py -t twilio -x NGROK_HOST_NAME (no protocol)
+uv run 07-interruptible.py -t twilio -x NGROK_HOST_NAME
 ```
 
 ## Examples by Feature
@@ -133,21 +134,18 @@ python 07-interruptible.py -t twilio -x NGROK_HOST_NAME (no protocol)
 
 - **[16-gpu-container-local-bot.py](./16-gpu-container-local-bot.py)**: GPU-accelerated local bot (Performance measurement)
 
-### Utilities
-
 ## Advanced Usage
 
 ### Customizing Network Settings
 
 ```bash
-python <example-name> --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8080
+uv run python <example-name> --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8080
 ```
 
 ### Troubleshooting
 
 - **No audio/video**: Check browser permissions for microphone and camera
 - **Connection errors**: Verify API keys in `.env` file
-- **Missing dependencies**: Run `pip install -r requirements.txt`
 - **Port conflicts**: Use `--port` to change the port
 
-For more examples, visit our [GitHub repository](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat/tree/main/examples).
+For more examples, visit our the [`pipecat-examples repository](https://github.com/pipecat-ai/pipecat-examples).
diff --git a/examples/foundational/requirements.txt b/examples/foundational/requirements.txt
deleted file mode 100644
index 2f0c97b37..000000000
--- a/examples/foundational/requirements.txt
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-pipecat-ai[webrtc,websocket,daily,deepgram,cartesia,silero,runner]>=0.0.77
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/examples/quickstart/bot.py b/examples/quickstart/bot.py
index 503965e98..11ab59829 100644
--- a/examples/quickstart/bot.py
+++ b/examples/quickstart/bot.py
@@ -26,7 +26,14 @@ import os
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
 from loguru import logger
 
+print("🚀 Starting Pipecat bot...")
+print("⏳ Loading AI models (30-40 seconds first run, <2 seconds after)\n")
+
+logger.info("Loading Silero VAD model...")
 from pipecat.audio.vad.silero import SileroVADAnalyzer
+
+logger.info("✅ Silero VAD model loaded")
+logger.info("Loading pipeline components...")
 from pipecat.pipeline.pipeline import Pipeline
 from pipecat.pipeline.runner import PipelineRunner
 from pipecat.pipeline.task import PipelineParams, PipelineTask
@@ -37,8 +44,14 @@ from pipecat.services.cartesia.tts import CartesiaTTSService
 from pipecat.services.deepgram.stt import DeepgramSTTService
 from pipecat.services.openai.llm import OpenAILLMService
 from pipecat.transports.base_transport import BaseTransport, TransportParams
+
+logger.info("✅ Pipeline components loaded")
+
+logger.info("Loading WebRTC transport...")
 from pipecat.transports.network.small_webrtc import SmallWebRTCTransport
 
+logger.info("✅ All components loaded successfully!")
+
 load_dotenv(override=True)
 
 
diff --git a/pyproject.toml b/pyproject.toml
index 7f9ca0c1f..e7e4eb7c9 100644
--- a/pyproject.toml
+++ b/pyproject.toml
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ azure = [ "azure-cognitiveservices-speech~=1.42.0"]
 cartesia = [ "cartesia~=2.0.3", "websockets>=13.1,<15.0" ]
 cerebras = []
 deepseek = []
-daily = [ "daily-python~=0.19.5" ]
+daily = [ "daily-python~=0.19.6" ]
 deepgram = [ "deepgram-sdk~=4.7.0" ]
 elevenlabs = [ "websockets>=13.1,<15.0" ]
 fal = [ "fal-client~=0.5.9" ]
diff --git a/scripts/evals/README.md b/scripts/evals/README.md
index b67d5d75b..74f1b2e27 100644
--- a/scripts/evals/README.md
+++ b/scripts/evals/README.md
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ also explains why it thinks the answer is valid or invalid.
 To run the release evals:
 
 ```sh
-python run-release-evals.py -a -v
+uv run run-release-evals.py -a -v
 ```
 
 This runs all the evals and stores logs and audio (`-a`) for each test.
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ You can also specify which tests to run. For example, to run all `07` series
 tests:
 
 ```sh
-python run-release-evals.py -p 07 -a -v
+uv run run-release-evals.py -p 07 -a -v
 ```
 
 ## Script Evals
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ python run-release-evals.py -p 07 -a -v
 You can also run evals for a single example (not part of the release set):
 
 ```sh
-python run-eval.py -p "A simple math addition" -a -v YOUR_EXAMPLE_SCRIPT
+uv run run-eval.py -p "A simple math addition" -a -v YOUR_EXAMPLE_SCRIPT
 ```
 
 Your script needs to follow any of the foundation examples pattern.
diff --git a/scripts/evals/eval.py b/scripts/evals/eval.py
index 71d5c9e9e..fba701f9c 100644
--- a/scripts/evals/eval.py
+++ b/scripts/evals/eval.py
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@ async def run_example_pipeline(script_path: Path):
         ),
     )
 
-    await module.run_example(transport, argparse.Namespace(), True)
+    await module.run_bot(transport)
 
 
 async def run_eval_pipeline(
diff --git a/scripts/evals/run-release-evals.py b/scripts/evals/run-release-evals.py
index 3cf844735..6f877c80f 100644
--- a/scripts/evals/run-release-evals.py
+++ b/scripts/evals/run-release-evals.py
@@ -102,6 +102,10 @@ TESTS_19 = [
     ("19a-azure-realtime-beta.py", PROMPT_WEATHER, EVAL_WEATHER),
 ]
 
+TESTS_21 = [
+    ("21a-tavus-video-service.py", PROMPT_SIMPLE_MATH, None),
+]
+
 TESTS_26 = [
     ("26-gemini-multimodal-live.py", PROMPT_SIMPLE_MATH, None),
     ("26a-gemini-multimodal-live-transcription.py", PROMPT_SIMPLE_MATH, None),
@@ -112,16 +116,27 @@ TESTS_26 = [
     # ("26d-gemini-multimodal-live-text.py", PROMPT_SIMPLE_MATH, None),
 ]
 
+TESTS_27 = [
+    ("27-simli-layer.py", PROMPT_SIMPLE_MATH, None),
+]
+
 TESTS_40 = [
     ("40-aws-nova-sonic.py", PROMPT_SIMPLE_MATH, None),
 ]
 
+TESTS_43 = [
+    ("43a-heygen-video-service.py", PROMPT_SIMPLE_MATH, None),
+]
+
 TESTS = [
     *TESTS_07,
     *TESTS_14,
     *TESTS_19,
+    *TESTS_21,
     *TESTS_26,
+    *TESTS_27,
     *TESTS_40,
+    *TESTS_43,
 ]
 
 
diff --git a/src/pipecat/observers/loggers/user_bot_latency_log_observer.py b/src/pipecat/observers/loggers/user_bot_latency_log_observer.py
index eb699f2bb..505a0a807 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/observers/loggers/user_bot_latency_log_observer.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/observers/loggers/user_bot_latency_log_observer.py
@@ -7,11 +7,14 @@
 """Observer for measuring user-to-bot response latency."""
 
 import time
+from statistics import mean
 
 from loguru import logger
 
 from pipecat.frames.frames import (
     BotStartedSpeakingFrame,
+    CancelFrame,
+    EndFrame,
     UserStartedSpeakingFrame,
     UserStoppedSpeakingFrame,
 )
@@ -35,6 +38,7 @@ class UserBotLatencyLogObserver(BaseObserver):
         super().__init__()
         self._processed_frames = set()
         self._user_stopped_time = 0
+        self._latencies = []
 
     async def on_push_frame(self, data: FramePushed):
         """Process frames to track speech timing and calculate latency.
@@ -56,6 +60,18 @@ class UserBotLatencyLogObserver(BaseObserver):
             self._user_stopped_time = 0
         elif isinstance(data.frame, UserStoppedSpeakingFrame):
             self._user_stopped_time = time.time()
+        elif isinstance(data.frame, (EndFrame, CancelFrame)):
+            if self._latencies:
+                avg_latency = mean(self._latencies)
+                min_latency = min(self._latencies)
+                max_latency = max(self._latencies)
+                logger.info(
+                    f"⏱️ LATENCY FROM USER STOPPED SPEAKING TO BOT STARTED SPEAKING - Avg: {avg_latency:.3f}s, Min: {min_latency:.3f}s, Max: {max_latency:.3f}s"
+                )
         elif isinstance(data.frame, BotStartedSpeakingFrame) and self._user_stopped_time:
             latency = time.time() - self._user_stopped_time
-            logger.debug(f"⏱️ LATENCY FROM USER STOPPED SPEAKING TO BOT STARTED SPEAKING: {latency}")
+            self._user_stopped_time = 0
+            self._latencies.append(latency)
+            logger.debug(
+                f"⏱️ LATENCY FROM USER STOPPED SPEAKING TO BOT STARTED SPEAKING: {latency:.3f}s"
+            )
diff --git a/src/pipecat/pipeline/task_observer.py b/src/pipecat/pipeline/task_observer.py
index cd46f85ef..532ef7977 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/pipeline/task_observer.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/pipeline/task_observer.py
@@ -153,22 +153,23 @@ class TaskObserver(BaseObserver):
 
     async def _proxy_task_handler(self, queue: asyncio.Queue, observer: BaseObserver):
         """Handle frame processing for a single observer."""
-        warning_reported = False
+        on_push_frame_deprecated = False
+        signature = inspect.signature(observer.on_push_frame)
+        if len(signature.parameters) > 1:
+            import warnings
+
+            with warnings.catch_warnings():
+                warnings.simplefilter("always")
+                warnings.warn(
+                    "Observer `on_push_frame(source, destination, frame, direction, timestamp)` is deprecated, us `on_push_frame(data: FramePushed)` instead.",
+                    DeprecationWarning,
+                )
+
+            on_push_frame_deprecated = True
+
         while True:
             data = await queue.get()
-
-            signature = inspect.signature(observer.on_push_frame)
-            if len(signature.parameters) > 1:
-                if not warning_reported:
-                    import warnings
-
-                    with warnings.catch_warnings():
-                        warnings.simplefilter("always")
-                        warnings.warn(
-                            "Observer `on_push_frame(source, destination, frame, direction, timestamp)` is deprecated, us `on_push_frame(data: FramePushed)` instead.",
-                            DeprecationWarning,
-                        )
-                    warning_reported = True
+            if on_push_frame_deprecated:
                 await observer.on_push_frame(
                     data.src, data.dst, data.frame, data.direction, data.timestamp
                 )
diff --git a/src/pipecat/runner/daily.py b/src/pipecat/runner/daily.py
index 3fae393fe..33e3d8066 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/runner/daily.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/runner/daily.py
@@ -7,17 +7,14 @@
 """Daily room and token configuration utilities.
 
 This module provides helper functions for creating and configuring Daily rooms
-and authentication tokens. It handles both command-line argument parsing and
-environment variable configuration.
+and authentication tokens. It automatically creates temporary rooms for
+development or uses existing rooms specified via environment variables.
 
-The module supports creating temporary rooms for development or using existing
-rooms specified via arguments or environment variables.
+Environment variables:
 
-Required environment variables:
-
-- DAILY_API_KEY - Daily API key for room/token creation
-- DAILY_SAMPLE_ROOM_URL (optional) - Existing room URL to use
-- DAILY_SAMPLE_ROOM_TOKEN (optional) - Existing token to use
+- DAILY_API_KEY - Daily API key for room/token creation (required)
+- DAILY_SAMPLE_ROOM_URL (optional) - Existing room URL to use. If not provided,
+  a temporary room will be created automatically.
 
 Example::
 
@@ -29,17 +26,26 @@ Example::
         # Use room_url and token with DailyTransport
 """
 
-import argparse
 import os
-from typing import Optional
+import time
+import uuid
+from typing import Tuple
 
 import aiohttp
 
-from pipecat.transports.services.helpers.daily_rest import DailyRESTHelper
+from pipecat.transports.services.helpers.daily_rest import (
+    DailyRESTHelper,
+    DailyRoomParams,
+    DailyRoomProperties,
+)
 
 
-async def configure(aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession):
-    """Configure Daily room URL and token from arguments or environment.
+async def configure(aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession) -> Tuple[str, str]:
+    """Configure Daily room URL and token from environment variables.
+
+    This function will either:
+    1. Use an existing room URL from DAILY_SAMPLE_ROOM_URL environment variable
+    2. Create a new temporary room automatically if no URL is provided
 
     Args:
         aiohttp_session: HTTP session for making API requests.
@@ -48,65 +54,79 @@ async def configure(aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession):
         Tuple containing the room URL and authentication token.
 
     Raises:
-        Exception: If room URL or API key are not provided.
+        Exception: If DAILY_API_KEY is not provided in environment variables.
     """
-    (url, token, _) = await configure_with_args(aiohttp_session)
-    return (url, token)
-
-
-async def configure_with_args(
-    aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession, parser: Optional[argparse.ArgumentParser] = None
-):
-    """Configure Daily room with command-line argument parsing.
-
-    Args:
-        aiohttp_session: HTTP session for making API requests.
-        parser: Optional argument parser. If None, creates a default one.
-
-    Returns:
-        Tuple containing room URL, authentication token, and parsed arguments.
-
-    Raises:
-        Exception: If room URL or API key are not provided via arguments or environment.
-    """
-    if not parser:
-        parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Daily AI SDK Bot Sample")
-    parser.add_argument(
-        "-u", "--url", type=str, required=False, help="URL of the Daily room to join"
-    )
-    parser.add_argument(
-        "-k",
-        "--apikey",
-        type=str,
-        required=False,
-        help="Daily API Key (needed to create an owner token for the room)",
-    )
-
-    args, unknown = parser.parse_known_args()
-
-    url = args.url or os.getenv("DAILY_SAMPLE_ROOM_URL")
-    key = args.apikey or os.getenv("DAILY_API_KEY")
-
-    if not url:
+    # Check for required API key
+    api_key = os.getenv("DAILY_API_KEY")
+    if not api_key:
         raise Exception(
-            "No Daily room specified. use the -u/--url option from the command line, or set DAILY_SAMPLE_ROOM_URL in your environment to specify a Daily room URL."
+            "DAILY_API_KEY environment variable is required. "
+            "Get your API key from https://dashboard.daily.co/developers"
         )
 
-    if not key:
-        raise Exception(
-            "No Daily API key specified. use the -k/--apikey option from the command line, or set DAILY_API_KEY in your environment to specify a Daily API key, available from https://dashboard.daily.co/developers."
-        )
+    # Check for existing room URL
+    existing_room_url = os.getenv("DAILY_SAMPLE_ROOM_URL")
 
     daily_rest_helper = DailyRESTHelper(
-        daily_api_key=key,
+        daily_api_key=api_key,
         daily_api_url=os.getenv("DAILY_API_URL", "https://api.daily.co/v1"),
         aiohttp_session=aiohttp_session,
     )
 
-    # Create a meeting token for the given room with an expiration 2 hours in
-    # the future.
+    if existing_room_url:
+        # Use existing room
+        print(f"Using existing Daily room: {existing_room_url}")
+        room_url = existing_room_url
+    else:
+        # Create a new temporary room
+        room_name = f"pipecat-{uuid.uuid4().hex[:8]}"
+        print(f"Creating new Daily room: {room_name}")
+
+        # Calculate expiration time: current time + 2 hours
+        expiration_time = time.time() + (2 * 60 * 60)  # 2 hours from now
+
+        # Create room properties with absolute timestamp
+        room_properties = DailyRoomProperties(
+            exp=expiration_time,  # Absolute Unix timestamp
+            eject_at_room_exp=True,
+        )
+
+        # Create room parameters
+        room_params = DailyRoomParams(name=room_name, properties=room_properties)
+
+        room_response = await daily_rest_helper.create_room(room_params)
+        room_url = room_response.url
+        print(f"Created Daily room: {room_url}")
+
+    # Create a meeting token for the room with an expiration 2 hours in the future
     expiry_time: float = 2 * 60 * 60
+    token = await daily_rest_helper.get_token(room_url, expiry_time)
 
-    token = await daily_rest_helper.get_token(url, expiry_time)
+    return (room_url, token)
 
-    return (url, token, args)
+
+# Keep this for backwards compatibility, but mark as deprecated
+async def configure_with_args(aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession, parser=None):
+    """Configure Daily room with command-line argument parsing.
+
+    .. deprecated:: 0.0.78
+        This function is deprecated. Use configure() instead which uses
+        environment variables only.
+
+    Args:
+        aiohttp_session: HTTP session for making API requests.
+        parser: Ignored. Kept for backwards compatibility.
+
+    Returns:
+        Tuple containing room URL, authentication token, and None (for args).
+    """
+    import warnings
+
+    warnings.warn(
+        "configure_with_args is deprecated. Use configure() instead.",
+        DeprecationWarning,
+        stacklevel=2,
+    )
+
+    room_url, token = await configure(aiohttp_session)
+    return (room_url, token, None)
diff --git a/src/pipecat/runner/run.py b/src/pipecat/runner/run.py
index 3d75b563e..77902adfd 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/runner/run.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/runner/run.py
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ from pipecat.runner.types import (
 try:
     import uvicorn
     from dotenv import load_dotenv
-    from fastapi import BackgroundTasks, FastAPI, WebSocket
+    from fastapi import BackgroundTasks, FastAPI, Request, WebSocket
     from fastapi.middleware.cors import CORSMiddleware
     from fastapi.responses import HTMLResponse, RedirectResponse
 except ImportError as e:
@@ -261,17 +261,43 @@ def _setup_daily_routes(app: FastAPI):
         async with aiohttp.ClientSession() as session:
             room_url, token = await configure(session)
 
-            # Start the bot in the background
+            # Start the bot in the background with empty body for GET requests
             bot_module = _get_bot_module()
             runner_args = DailyRunnerArguments(room_url=room_url, token=token, body={})
             asyncio.create_task(bot_module.bot(runner_args))
             return RedirectResponse(room_url)
 
-    @app.post("/connect")
-    async def rtvi_connect():
-        """Launch a Daily bot and return connection info for RTVI clients."""
+    async def _handle_rtvi_request(request: Request):
+        """Common handler for both /start and /connect endpoints.
+
+        Expects POST body like::
+
+            {
+                "createDailyRoom": true,
+                "dailyRoomProperties": { "start_video_off": true },
+                "body": { "custom_data": "value" }
+            }
+        """
         print("Starting bot with Daily transport")
 
+        # Parse the request body
+        try:
+            request_data = await request.json()
+            logger.debug(f"Received request: {request_data}")
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Failed to parse request body: {e}")
+            request_data = {}
+
+        # Extract the body data that should be passed to the bot
+        # This mimics Pipecat Cloud's behavior
+        bot_body = request_data.get("body", {})
+
+        # Log the extracted body data for debugging
+        if bot_body:
+            logger.info(f"Extracted body data for bot: {bot_body}")
+        else:
+            logger.debug("No body data provided in request")
+
         import aiohttp
 
         from pipecat.runner.daily import configure
@@ -279,11 +305,30 @@ def _setup_daily_routes(app: FastAPI):
         async with aiohttp.ClientSession() as session:
             room_url, token = await configure(session)
 
-            # Start the bot in the background
+            # Start the bot in the background with extracted body data
             bot_module = _get_bot_module()
-            runner_args = DailyRunnerArguments(room_url=room_url, token=token, body={})
+            runner_args = DailyRunnerArguments(room_url=room_url, token=token, body=bot_body)
             asyncio.create_task(bot_module.bot(runner_args))
-            return {"room_url": room_url, "token": token}
+            # Match PCC /start endpoint response format:
+            return {"dailyRoom": room_url, "dailyToken": token}
+
+    @app.post("/start")
+    async def rtvi_start(request: Request):
+        """Launch a Daily bot and return connection info for RTVI clients."""
+        return await _handle_rtvi_request(request)
+
+    @app.post("/connect")
+    async def rtvi_connect(request: Request):
+        """Launch a Daily bot and return connection info for RTVI clients.
+
+        .. deprecated:: 0.0.78
+            Use /start instead. This endpoint will be removed in a future version.
+        """
+        logger.warning(
+            "DEPRECATED: /connect endpoint is deprecated. Please use /start instead. "
+            "This endpoint will be removed in a future version."
+        )
+        return await _handle_rtvi_request(request)
 
 
 def _setup_telephony_routes(app: FastAPI, transport_type: str, proxy: str):
@@ -345,6 +390,7 @@ async def _run_daily_direct():
     async with aiohttp.ClientSession() as session:
         room_url, token = await configure(session)
 
+        # Direct connections have no request body, so use empty dict
         runner_args = DailyRunnerArguments(room_url=room_url, token=token, body={})
 
         # Get the bot module and run it directly
@@ -357,6 +403,27 @@ async def _run_daily_direct():
         await bot_module.bot(runner_args)
 
 
+def _validate_and_clean_proxy(proxy: str) -> str:
+    """Validate and clean proxy hostname, removing protocol if present."""
+    if not proxy:
+        return proxy
+
+    original_proxy = proxy
+
+    # Strip common protocols
+    if proxy.startswith(("http://", "https://")):
+        proxy = proxy.split("://", 1)[1]
+        logger.warning(
+            f"Removed protocol from proxy URL. Using '{proxy}' instead of '{original_proxy}'. "
+            f"The --proxy argument expects only the hostname (e.g., 'mybot.ngrok.io')."
+        )
+
+    # Remove trailing slashes
+    proxy = proxy.rstrip("/")
+
+    return proxy
+
+
 def main():
     """Start the Pipecat development runner.
 
@@ -408,6 +475,10 @@ def main():
 
     args = parser.parse_args()
 
+    # Validate and clean proxy hostname
+    if args.proxy:
+        args.proxy = _validate_and_clean_proxy(args.proxy)
+
     # Auto-set transport to daily if --direct is used without explicit transport
     if args.direct and args.transport == "webrtc":  # webrtc is the default
         args.transport = "daily"
@@ -438,17 +509,16 @@ def main():
     if args.transport == "webrtc":
         print()
         if args.esp32:
-            print(
-                f"🚀 WebRTC server starting at http://{args.host}:{args.port}/client (ESP32 mode)"
-            )
+            print(f"🚀 Bot ready! (ESP32 mode)")
+            print(f"   → Open http://{args.host}:{args.port}/client in your browser")
         else:
-            print(f"🚀 WebRTC server starting at http://{args.host}:{args.port}/client")
-        print(f"   Open this URL in your browser to connect!")
+            print(f"🚀 Bot ready!")
+            print(f"   → Open http://{args.host}:{args.port}/client in your browser")
         print()
     elif args.transport == "daily":
         print()
-        print(f"🚀 Daily server starting at http://{args.host}:{args.port}")
-        print(f"   Open this URL in your browser to start a session!")
+        print(f"🚀 Bot ready!")
+        print(f"   → Open http://{args.host}:{args.port} in your browser to start a session")
         print()
 
     # Create the app with transport-specific setup
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/cartesia/tts.py b/src/pipecat/services/cartesia/tts.py
index c4ea7c31c..c731a6984 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/cartesia/tts.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/cartesia/tts.py
@@ -34,6 +34,10 @@ from pipecat.utils.text.base_text_aggregator import BaseTextAggregator
 from pipecat.utils.text.skip_tags_aggregator import SkipTagsAggregator
 from pipecat.utils.tracing.service_decorators import traced_tts
 
+# Suppress regex warnings from pydub (used by cartesia)
+warnings.filterwarnings("ignore", message="invalid escape sequence", category=SyntaxWarning)
+
+
 # See .env.example for Cartesia configuration needed
 try:
     from cartesia import AsyncCartesia
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/gemini_multimodal_live/gemini.py b/src/pipecat/services/gemini_multimodal_live/gemini.py
index 238fdd5db..04e6853eb 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/gemini_multimodal_live/gemini.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/gemini_multimodal_live/gemini.py
@@ -983,17 +983,14 @@ class GeminiMultimodalLiveLLMService(LLMService):
         with audio and video inputs, preventing temporal misalignment that can occur
         when different modalities are processed through separate API pathways.
 
-        After sending the text, we signal turn completion to trigger a model response
-        for text-only interactions.
+        For realtimeInput, turn completion is automatically inferred by the API based
+        on user activity, so no explicit turnComplete signal is needed.
 
         Args:
             text: The text to send as user input.
         """
         evt = events.TextInputMessage.from_text(text)
         await self.send_client_event(evt)
-        # After sending text, we need to signal that the turn is complete.
-        evt = events.ClientContentMessage.model_validate({"clientContent": {"turnComplete": True}})
-        await self.send_client_event(evt)
 
     async def _send_user_video(self, frame):
         """Send user video frame to Gemini Live API."""
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/llm_service.py b/src/pipecat/services/llm_service.py
index f3e2b843a..c3ad69e0e 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/llm_service.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/llm_service.py
@@ -25,7 +25,6 @@ from loguru import logger
 
 from pipecat.adapters.base_llm_adapter import BaseLLMAdapter
 from pipecat.adapters.schemas.direct_function import DirectFunction, DirectFunctionWrapper
-from pipecat.adapters.schemas.function_schema import FunctionSchema
 from pipecat.adapters.services.open_ai_adapter import OpenAILLMAdapter
 from pipecat.frames.frames import (
     CancelFrame,
@@ -108,6 +107,7 @@ class FunctionCallRegistryItem:
     function_name: Optional[str]
     handler: FunctionCallHandler | "DirectFunctionWrapper"
     cancel_on_interruption: bool
+    handler_deprecated: bool
 
 
 @dataclass
@@ -282,12 +282,25 @@ class LLMService(AIService):
             cancel_on_interruption: Whether to cancel this function call when an
                 interruption occurs. Defaults to True.
         """
+        signature = inspect.signature(handler)
+        handler_deprecated = len(signature.parameters) > 1
+        if handler_deprecated:
+            import warnings
+
+            with warnings.catch_warnings():
+                warnings.simplefilter("always")
+                warnings.warn(
+                    "Function calls with parameters `(function_name, tool_call_id, arguments, llm, context, result_callback)` are deprecated, use a single `FunctionCallParams` parameter instead.",
+                    DeprecationWarning,
+                )
+
         # Registering a function with the function_name set to None will run
         # that handler for all functions
         self._functions[function_name] = FunctionCallRegistryItem(
             function_name=function_name,
             handler=handler,
             cancel_on_interruption=cancel_on_interruption,
+            handler_deprecated=handler_deprecated,
         )
 
         # Start callbacks are now deprecated.
@@ -325,6 +338,7 @@ class LLMService(AIService):
             function_name=wrapper.name,
             handler=wrapper,
             cancel_on_interruption=cancel_on_interruption,
+            handler_deprecated=False,
         )
 
     def unregister_function(self, function_name: Optional[str]):
@@ -552,17 +566,7 @@ class LLMService(AIService):
             )
         else:
             # Handler is a FunctionCallHandler
-            signature = inspect.signature(item.handler)
-            if len(signature.parameters) > 1:
-                import warnings
-
-                with warnings.catch_warnings():
-                    warnings.simplefilter("always")
-                    warnings.warn(
-                        "Function calls with parameters `(function_name, tool_call_id, arguments, llm, context, result_callback)` are deprecated, use a single `FunctionCallParams` parameter instead.",
-                        DeprecationWarning,
-                    )
-
+            if item.handler_deprecated:
                 await item.handler(
                     runner_item.function_name,
                     runner_item.tool_call_id,
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/piper/tts.py b/src/pipecat/services/piper/tts.py
index 7892e15fa..d5b663c77 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/piper/tts.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/piper/tts.py
@@ -84,7 +84,9 @@ class PiperTTSService(TTSService):
         try:
             await self.start_ttfb_metrics()
 
-            async with self._session.post(self._base_url, json=text, headers=headers) as response:
+            async with self._session.post(
+                self._base_url, json={"text": text}, headers=headers
+            ) as response:
                 if response.status != 200:
                     error = await response.text()
                     logger.error(
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/simli/video.py b/src/pipecat/services/simli/video.py
index 6ba7da4b8..d398a87f3 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/simli/video.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/simli/video.py
@@ -18,6 +18,8 @@ from pipecat.frames.frames import (
     OutputImageRawFrame,
     StartInterruptionFrame,
     TTSAudioRawFrame,
+    TTSStoppedFrame,
+    UserStartedSpeakingFrame,
 )
 from pipecat.processors.frame_processor import FrameDirection, FrameProcessor, StartFrame
 from pipecat.utils.asyncio.watchdog_async_iterator import WatchdogAsyncIterator
@@ -45,24 +47,39 @@ class SimliVideoService(FrameProcessor):
         simli_config: SimliConfig,
         use_turn_server: bool = False,
         latency_interval: int = 0,
+        simli_url: str = "https://api.simli.ai",
+        is_trinity_avatar: bool = False,
     ):
         """Initialize the Simli video service.
 
         Args:
             simli_config: Configuration object for Simli client settings.
             use_turn_server: Whether to use TURN server for connection. Defaults to False.
-            latency_interval: Latency interval setting for video processing. Defaults to 0.
+            latency_interval: Latency interval setting for sending health checks to check the latency to Simli Servers. Defaults to 0.
+            simli_url: URL of the simli servers. Can be changed for custom deployments of enterprise users.
+            is_trinity_avatar: boolean to tell simli client that this is a Trinity avatar which reduces latency when using Trinity.
+
         """
         super().__init__()
-        self._simli_client = SimliClient(simli_config, use_turn_server, latency_interval)
+        self._initialized = False
+        simli_config.maxIdleTime += 5
+        simli_config.maxSessionLength += 5
+        self._simli_client = SimliClient(
+            simli_config,
+            use_turn_server,
+            latency_interval,
+            simliURL=simli_url,
+        )
 
-        self._pipecat_resampler_event = asyncio.Event()
         self._pipecat_resampler: AudioResampler = None
+        self._pipecat_resampler_event = asyncio.Event()
         self._simli_resampler = AudioResampler("s16", "mono", 16000)
 
-        self._initialized = False
         self._audio_task: asyncio.Task = None
         self._video_task: asyncio.Task = None
+        self._is_trinity_avatar = is_trinity_avatar
+        self._previously_interrupted = is_trinity_avatar
+        self._audio_buffer = bytearray()
 
     async def _start_connection(self):
         """Start the connection to Simli service and begin processing tasks."""
@@ -71,11 +88,9 @@ class SimliVideoService(FrameProcessor):
             self._initialized = True
 
         # Create task to consume and process audio and video
-        if not self._audio_task:
-            self._audio_task = self.create_task(self._consume_and_process_audio())
-
-        if not self._video_task:
-            self._video_task = self.create_task(self._consume_and_process_video())
+        await self._simli_client.sendSilence()
+        self._audio_task = self.create_task(self._consume_and_process_audio())
+        self._video_task = self.create_task(self._consume_and_process_video())
 
     async def _consume_and_process_audio(self):
         """Consume audio frames from Simli and push them downstream."""
@@ -118,7 +133,6 @@ class SimliVideoService(FrameProcessor):
         """
         await super().process_frame(frame, direction)
         if isinstance(frame, StartFrame):
-            await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
             await self._start_connection()
         elif isinstance(frame, TTSAudioRawFrame):
             # Send audio frame to Simli
@@ -137,19 +151,41 @@ class SimliVideoService(FrameProcessor):
 
                 resampled_frames = self._simli_resampler.resample(old_frame)
                 for resampled_frame in resampled_frames:
-                    await self._simli_client.send(
-                        resampled_frame.to_ndarray().astype(np.int16).tobytes()
-                    )
+                    audioBytes = resampled_frame.to_ndarray().astype(np.int16).tobytes()
+                    if self._previously_interrupted:
+                        self._audio_buffer.extend(audioBytes)
+                        if len(self._audio_buffer) >= 128000:
+                            try:
+                                for flushFrame in self._simli_resampler.resample(None):
+                                    self._audio_buffer.extend(
+                                        flushFrame.to_ndarray().astype(np.int16).tobytes()
+                                    )
+                            finally:
+                                await self._simli_client.playImmediate(self._audio_buffer)
+                                self._previously_interrupted = False
+                                self._audio_buffer = bytearray()
+                    else:
+                        await self._simli_client.send(audioBytes)
+                return
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.exception(f"{self} exception: {e}")
+        elif isinstance(frame, TTSStoppedFrame):
+            try:
+                if self._previously_interrupted and len(self._audio_buffer) > 0:
+                    await self._simli_client.playImmediate(self._audio_buffer)
+                    self._previously_interrupted = False
+                    self._audio_buffer = bytearray()
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.exception(f"{self} exception: {e}")
+            return
         elif isinstance(frame, (EndFrame, CancelFrame)):
             await self._stop()
-            await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
-        elif isinstance(frame, StartInterruptionFrame):
-            await self._simli_client.clearBuffer()
-            await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
-        else:
-            await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
+        elif isinstance(frame, (StartInterruptionFrame, UserStartedSpeakingFrame)):
+            if not self._previously_interrupted:
+                await self._simli_client.clearBuffer()
+            self._previously_interrupted = self._is_trinity_avatar
+
+        await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
 
     async def _stop(self):
         """Stop the Simli client and cancel processing tasks."""
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/speechmatics/stt.py b/src/pipecat/services/speechmatics/stt.py
index d6c947d38..6859306d3 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/speechmatics/stt.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/speechmatics/stt.py
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ class SpeakerFragments:
             passive_format = active_format
         return {
             "text": self._format_text(active_format if self.is_active else passive_format),
-            "user_id": self.speaker_id,
+            "user_id": self.speaker_id or "",
             "timestamp": self.timestamp,
             "language": self.language,
             "result": [frag.result for frag in self.fragments],
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/tavus/video.py b/src/pipecat/services/tavus/video.py
index f9ba2833b..37b21257f 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/tavus/video.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/tavus/video.py
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ from pipecat.frames.frames import (
     Frame,
     OutputAudioRawFrame,
     OutputImageRawFrame,
+    OutputTransportReadyFrame,
     StartFrame,
     StartInterruptionFrame,
     TTSAudioRawFrame,
@@ -81,6 +82,7 @@ class TavusVideoService(AIService):
         self._send_task: Optional[asyncio.Task] = None
         # This is the custom track destination expected by Tavus
         self._transport_destination: Optional[str] = "stream"
+        self._transport_ready = False
 
     async def setup(self, setup: FrameProcessorSetup):
         """Set up the Tavus video service.
@@ -145,7 +147,8 @@ class TavusVideoService(AIService):
             format=video_frame.color_format,
         )
         frame.transport_source = video_source
-        await self.push_frame(frame)
+        if self._transport_ready:
+            await self.push_frame(frame)
 
     async def _on_participant_audio_data(
         self, participant_id: str, audio: AudioData, audio_source: str
@@ -157,7 +160,8 @@ class TavusVideoService(AIService):
             num_channels=audio.num_channels,
         )
         frame.transport_source = audio_source
-        await self.push_frame(frame)
+        if self._transport_ready:
+            await self.push_frame(frame)
 
     def can_generate_metrics(self) -> bool:
         """Check if this service can generate processing metrics.
@@ -221,6 +225,9 @@ class TavusVideoService(AIService):
             await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
         elif isinstance(frame, TTSAudioRawFrame):
             await self._handle_audio_frame(frame)
+        elif isinstance(frame, OutputTransportReadyFrame):
+            self._transport_ready = True
+            await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
         else:
             await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
 
diff --git a/src/pipecat/transports/services/tavus.py b/src/pipecat/transports/services/tavus.py
index 10ae001e0..e4e57717a 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/transports/services/tavus.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/transports/services/tavus.py
@@ -245,6 +245,10 @@ class TavusTransportClient:
                 on_recording_started=partial(self._on_handle_callback, "on_recording_started"),
                 on_recording_stopped=partial(self._on_handle_callback, "on_recording_stopped"),
                 on_recording_error=partial(self._on_handle_callback, "on_recording_error"),
+                on_transcription_stopped=partial(
+                    self._on_handle_callback, "on_transcription_stopped"
+                ),
+                on_transcription_error=partial(self._on_handle_callback, "on_transcription_error"),
             )
             self._client = DailyTransportClient(
                 room_url, None, "Pipecat", self._params, daily_callbacks, self._bot_name
diff --git a/uv.lock b/uv.lock
index 21fa76755..8a6eb2f82 100644
--- a/uv.lock
+++ b/uv.lock
@@ -1185,13 +1185,13 @@ wheels = [
 
 [[package]]
 name = "daily-python"
-version = "0.19.5"
+version = "0.19.6"
 source = { registry = "https://pypi.org/simple" }
 wheels = [
-    { url = "https://files.pythonhosted.org/packages/2a/ca/683c8a729b43a6e0ac4296973908be1c9cb0956bca69ecd6e5e4c4d56015/daily_python-0.19.5-cp37-abi3-macosx_10_15_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:a1c3e70a4dd87d0a829ebbb657c87cd20737246ffe1bc8351010cef8cdb34a52", size = 13686352, upload-time = "2025-07-30T20:19:03.658Z" },
-    { url = "https://files.pythonhosted.org/packages/90/6e/a0e735021a27e81d2f3d26a2664886e06608cda50bd71ddd3d111be39c72/daily_python-0.19.5-cp37-abi3-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:98faf21a04bd29086245319e3a4df0ba164f0d0224fc4f8278365e70d927ed45", size = 12018783, upload-time = "2025-07-30T20:19:05.921Z" },
-    { url = "https://files.pythonhosted.org/packages/8c/60/454e0f7efe7086411bf8a679caf866f036d6b51a68154f5d1cdd22933bfd/daily_python-0.19.5-cp37-abi3-manylinux_2_28_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:9021e012ec3a39faea1afd4af2c1744e2c67e3a5d397358529b375a7c917f756", size = 14055444, upload-time = "2025-07-30T20:19:08.043Z" },
-    { url = "https://files.pythonhosted.org/packages/49/1e/cc4e3d04aef2a84a48ff9c0a8c5e58d0fd617b3ebf0cd9c8f0ab73cd6346/daily_python-0.19.5-cp37-abi3-manylinux_2_28_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:b64d67f513097004d96796562a46020ff982c7633985be124faf59a4157344b0", size = 14568186, upload-time = "2025-07-30T20:19:10.196Z" },
+    { url = "https://files.pythonhosted.org/packages/4a/73/74a313e6557a6f4da153b38f3feb5b9e4012268322976c79495ce2f228ec/daily_python-0.19.6-cp37-abi3-macosx_10_15_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d35d181f9ba824b62ca531449b237dc9aa771e69c00205a6efa359c371208ee6", size = 13687145, upload-time = "2025-08-02T01:56:51.197Z" },
+    { url = "https://files.pythonhosted.org/packages/bb/ad/fe2f81fc516851200ffec75f8ce44f631b85c9bc5bbdf9f6637f0823e99a/daily_python-0.19.6-cp37-abi3-macosx_11_0_arm64.whl", hash = "sha256:826342ee863086bb7192230615e26920700706ea79824f7028305f084e18d2e9", size = 12045258, upload-time = "2025-08-02T01:56:53.38Z" },
+    { url = "https://files.pythonhosted.org/packages/22/0e/52aa355208d015134c88055ed53eed83452204590ac20ee2dcd1d6b4fa95/daily_python-0.19.6-cp37-abi3-manylinux_2_28_aarch64.whl", hash = "sha256:6ff87c59e677c04c33e46963517e566a77fba425e9d52048418db4e037c6a1d6", size = 14066192, upload-time = "2025-08-02T01:56:55.669Z" },
+    { url = "https://files.pythonhosted.org/packages/32/a0/cab8d478c5ae576bc607431a4d8d9e5a0aae831c096cf833ba2aa1535501/daily_python-0.19.6-cp37-abi3-manylinux_2_28_x86_64.whl", hash = "sha256:d15bf8657105a92ddbc88da4dd5bded88075cdf2bc33552406b93f586fdaeced", size = 14575791, upload-time = "2025-08-02T01:56:57.983Z" },
 ]
 
 [[package]]
@@ -4200,7 +4200,7 @@ requires-dist = [
     { name = "azure-cognitiveservices-speech", marker = "extra == 'azure'", specifier = "~=1.42.0" },
     { name = "cartesia", marker = "extra == 'cartesia'", specifier = "~=2.0.3" },
     { name = "coremltools", marker = "extra == 'local-smart-turn'", specifier = ">=8.0" },
-    { name = "daily-python", marker = "extra == 'daily'", specifier = "~=0.19.5" },
+    { name = "daily-python", marker = "extra == 'daily'", specifier = "~=0.19.6" },
     { name = "deepgram-sdk", marker = "extra == 'deepgram'", specifier = "~=4.7.0" },
     { name = "docstring-parser", specifier = "~=0.16" },
     { name = "einops", marker = "extra == 'moondream'", specifier = "~=0.8.0" },