[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "difference%20between%20windows%20app%20fastsm%20and%20fastsmr"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a breakdown of *FastSM* vs *FastSMRW* (which you may have meant by \u201cfastsmr\u201d), both being part of the same project ecosystem.\n\n---\n\n## What These Are\n\n- **FastSM** is the original client: a social media app for Mastodon and Bluesky, designed for blind and low-vision users. It supports keyboard control, screen readers, and is built with accessibility in mind. ([github.com](https://github.com/masonasons/FastSMRW?utm_source=openai))\n\n- **FastSMRW** is a newer, rewritten version: \u201cFastSMRW\u201d stands for *FastSM ReWrite*. It keeps the same functionality but improves the internals. The core logic (timelines, networking, filtering, settings, sound, etc.) has been refactored into a portable C++ core. Front\u2010ends for each platform (Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, macOS) are thin, doing UI only. ([github.com](https://github.com/masonasons/FastSMRW?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Key Differences\n\nHere are the main differences between FastSM (original) vs FastSMRW (rewrite):\n\n| Feature | FastSM (Original) | FastSMRW (Rewrite) |\n|---|---|---|\n| **Architecture** | Monolithic; UI and logic more tightly coupled | Modular with portable core + platform-native front\u2010ends ([github.com](https://github.com/masonasons/FastSMRW?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Platform UIs** | Likely less uniform; original Windows front-end only | Native front-ends across Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android with parity of features ([github.com](https://github.com/masonasons/FastSMRW?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Startup & Performance** | Fast on startup but less optimized core (older codebase) | Faster, more efficient: shows cached posts immediately and refreshes quietly in background ([github.com](https://github.com/masonasons/FastSMRW/blob/main/README-Windows.md?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Keyboard & Accessibility** | Keyboard support, screen reader-friendly | Same or better; focus on being keyboard-only on Windows, clean screen reader interaction, optional sound cues (earcons) ([github.com](https://github.com/masonasons/FastSMRW/blob/main/README-Windows.md?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Invisible Interface & Hotkeys** | FastSM had an \"invisible interface\" feature (global hotkeys etc.) ([blindaccessjournal.com](https://blindaccessjournal.com/author/admin/?utm_source=openai)) | FastSMRW continues and improves that: allows global hotkeys, low-level key hooks, and a \u201clayer\u201d mode so you don\u2019t need the app window focused. ([github.com](https://github.com/masonasons/FastSMRW/blob/main/README-Windows.md?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Extensibility / Maintainability** | Older code, maybe harder to maintain or update across platforms | Rewritten for portability: easier to maintain and release consistent features across all platforms. ([github.com](https://github.com/masonasons/FastSMRW?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## Which One You Might Be Using / Wanting\n\n- If you\u2019re using **FastSM**, you\u2019re using the older version of the app.\n- If you see \u201cFastSMRW\u201d in the app name, \u201cFastSM ReWritten,\u201d or mention of \u201cportable core,\u201d then you\u2019re using the newer version. Some feature names in the guides (like \u201cinvisible interface,\u201d \u201csoundpacks,\u201d etc.) match RW version docs. ([github.com](https://github.com/masonasons/FastSMRW/blob/main/README-Windows.md?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which one you have installed (FastSM or FastSMRW), I can also walk you through the differences *you\u2019ll see* in the app UI or behavior."
    }
]