Update README.md removing Faster-Whisper references

[Coldaine]

Update README.md removing Faster-Whisper references

Overview

Update the project README.md to reflect the migration from the Python-based faster-whisper implementation to the new Rust-based Candle Whisper implementation. This ensures documentation consistency after the STT backend migration.

Background

The migration plan indicates the transition from faster-whisper-rs (Python/PyO3 based) to Candle (pure Rust). The current README contains numerous references to faster-whisper that need to be updated to reflect the new architecture.

Requirements

1. Replace Faster-Whisper References

Update all mentions of faster-whisper in README.md to reference the new Candle Whisper implementation:

• Replace "faster-whisper" with "Candle Whisper" where appropriate
• Update plugin descriptions to reflect pure Rust implementation
• Remove Python-specific installation instructions
• Update model setup documentation

2. Update Technology Stack Description

Modify the overview section to reflect the new architecture:

• Update "Faster-Whisper STT" references to "Candle Whisper STT"
• Remove Python dependency mentions
• Update the "How It Works" section to reflect pure Rust pipeline
• Maintain accuracy about local transcription capabilities

3. Model Configuration Updates

Update the "Whisper Model Setup" section:

• Remove references to Python package installation
• Update model identifier documentation to reflect Candle compatibility
• Ensure model path configuration remains accurate
• Update default model recommendations if needed

4. Documentation Consistency

Ensure the README aligns with:

• Current plugin status and capabilities
• Actual build and runtime requirements
• True feature set after migration
• Accurate troubleshooting information

Specific Changes Required

Remove/Replace These References:

• "Python Package: Install the faster-whisper Python package via pip"
• "Faster-Whisper STT is the default feature"
• Any PyO3 or Python 3.13 compatibility warnings related to faster-whisper
• References to the old Python-based implementation

Update Technology Descriptions:

• Main overview paragraph about STT backend
• Quick start examples that mention faster-whisper
• Plugin configuration descriptions
• Feature capability descriptions

Maintain These Elements:

• All configuration file paths and formats
• Model identifier names (tiny.en, base.en, etc.)
• General ColdVox functionality descriptions
• Build and installation instructions
• Troubleshooting for non-STT related issues

Integration Notes

This update should be coordinated with the actual Candle implementation completion to ensure:

• Documentation matches implemented features
• Plugin availability status is accurate
• Configuration options are correctly described
• Performance characteristics are honestly represented

Acceptance Criteria

• All faster-whisper references removed or updated to Candle Whisper
• Python dependency mentions removed from STT context
• Model setup section updated for pure Rust implementation
• Quick start examples updated to reflect new backend
• Technology stack description accurate for new architecture
• Configuration documentation remains accurate and helpful
• No broken links or references to deprecated features
• Documentation style and tone consistent with project standards

References

• Current README: README.md
• Migration Plan: docs/plans/stt-candle-whisper-migration.md
• Whisper Plugin: crates/coldvox-stt/src/plugins/whisper_plugin.rs
• Model Configuration: docs/whisper-model-configuration.md

Labels

documentation, cleanup, stt, p3

Complexity

Small - Primarily documentation updates with minimal technical complexity, but requires careful attention to maintain accuracy and consistency.

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Part of the stt-candle-whisper-migration initiative

[google-labs-jules]

Jules is on it. When finished, you will see another comment and be able to review a PR.

[google-labs-jules]

Ready for a review! A PR has been created.