diff --git a/package-lock.json b/package-lock.json
index 380887c..1cb7e3a 100644
--- a/package-lock.json
+++ b/package-lock.json
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 {
   "name": "skate-spots",
-  "version": "1.7.68",
+  "version": "1.7.69",
   "lockfileVersion": 3,
   "requires": true,
   "packages": {
     "": {
       "name": "skate-spots",
-      "version": "1.7.68",
+      "version": "1.7.69",
       "license": "AGPL-3.0-only",
       "dependencies": {
         "@bitcoinerlab/secp256k1": "^1.2.0",
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 2335280..6394900 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "name": "skate-spots",
   "private": true,
-  "version": "1.7.68",
+  "version": "1.7.69",
   "license": "AGPL-3.0-only",
   "type": "module",
   "homepage": "https://skate-spots.org",
diff --git a/release-notes.txt b/release-notes.txt
index e002701..7f4617b 100644
--- a/release-notes.txt
+++ b/release-notes.txt
@@ -1,3 +1,12 @@
+🎯 Quiet status control
+- The desktop header no longer shows a large green outlined “Status” pill with a
+  permanent ping. It now shows a compact chip with your current status emoji and
+  label, or a neutral “Status” affordance when none is set.
+- The control stays a single tap to open the status dialog; the existing avatar
+  status dot and mobile status flow are unchanged.
+
+---
+
 🧭 Coordinator setup that actually verifies itself
 - Settings → Coordinator now runs a real ContextVM RPC probe, not just a
   heartbeat presence check. It shows RPC latency when reachable and clearly