diff --git a/examples/counter.clj b/examples/counter.clj
index ce3a99d..c63920d 100644
--- a/examples/counter.clj
+++ b/examples/counter.clj
@@ -1,36 +1,37 @@
 (ns examples.counter
   "Simple counter example - demonstrates basic Elm architecture.
    Mirrors bubbletea's simple example."
-  (:require [tui.core :as tui]))
+  (:require [tui.core :as tui]
+            [tui.events :as ev]))
 
 ;; === Model ===
 (def initial-model
   {:count 0})
 
 ;; === Update ===
-(defn update-model [model msg]
+(defn update-fn [{:keys [model event]}]
   (cond
     ;; Quit on q or ctrl+c
-    (or (tui/key= msg "q")
-        (tui/key= msg [:ctrl \c]))
-    [model tui/quit]
+    (or (ev/key= event \q)
+        (ev/key= event \c #{:ctrl}))
+    {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
 
     ;; Increment on up/k
-    (or (tui/key= msg :up)
-        (tui/key= msg "k"))
-    [(update model :count inc) nil]
+    (or (ev/key= event :up)
+        (ev/key= event \k))
+    {:model (update model :count inc)}
 
     ;; Decrement on down/j
-    (or (tui/key= msg :down)
-        (tui/key= msg "j"))
-    [(update model :count dec) nil]
+    (or (ev/key= event :down)
+        (ev/key= event \j))
+    {:model (update model :count dec)}
 
     ;; Reset on r
-    (tui/key= msg "r")
-    [(assoc model :count 0) nil]
+    (ev/key= event \r)
+    {:model (assoc model :count 0)}
 
     :else
-    [model nil]))
+    {:model model}))
 
 ;; === View ===
 (defn view [{:keys [count]} _size]
@@ -51,6 +52,6 @@
 (defn -main [& _args]
   (println "Starting counter...")
   (let [final-model (tui/run {:init initial-model
-                              :update update-model
+                              :update update-fn
                               :view view})]
     (println "Final count:" (:count final-model))))
diff --git a/examples/http.clj b/examples/http.clj
index 2103144..f292958 100644
--- a/examples/http.clj
+++ b/examples/http.clj
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
   "HTTP request example - demonstrates async commands.
    Mirrors bubbletea's http example."
   (:require [tui.core :as tui]
+            [tui.events :as ev]
             [clojure.java.io :as io])
   (:import [java.net URL HttpURLConnection]))
 
@@ -29,41 +30,35 @@
    :error nil
    :url "https://httpstat.us/200"})
 
-;; === Commands ===
-(defn fetch-url [url]
-  (fn []
-    (let [result (http-get url)]
-      (if (:error result)
-        [:http-error (:error result)]
-        [:http-success (:status result)]))))
-
 ;; === Update ===
-(defn update-model [{:keys [url] :as model} msg]
-  (cond
-    ;; Quit
-    (or (tui/key= msg "q")
-        (tui/key= msg [:ctrl \c]))
-    [model tui/quit]
+(defn update-fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+  (let [{:keys [url]} model]
+    (cond
+      ;; Quit
+      (or (ev/key= event \q)
+          (ev/key= event \c #{:ctrl}))
+      {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
 
-    ;; Enter - start request
-    (and (= (:state model) :idle)
-         (tui/key= msg :enter))
-    [(assoc model :state :loading) (fetch-url url)]
+      ;; Enter - start request
+      (and (= (:state model) :idle)
+           (ev/key= event :enter))
+      {:model (assoc model :state :loading)
+       :events [(ev/shell ["curl" "-s" "-o" "/dev/null" "-w" "%{http_code}" url]
+                          {:type :http-result})]}
 
-    ;; r - retry/reset
-    (tui/key= msg "r")
-    [(assoc model :state :idle :status nil :error nil) nil]
+      ;; r - retry/reset
+      (ev/key= event \r)
+      {:model (assoc model :state :idle :status nil :error nil)}
 
-    ;; HTTP success
-    (= (first msg) :http-success)
-    [(assoc model :state :success :status (second msg)) nil]
+      ;; HTTP result
+      (= (:type event) :http-result)
+      (let [{:keys [success out err]} (:result event)]
+        (if success
+          {:model (assoc model :state :success :status (parse-long out))}
+          {:model (assoc model :state :error :error err)}))
 
-    ;; HTTP error
-    (= (first msg) :http-error)
-    [(assoc model :state :error :error (second msg)) nil]
-
-    :else
-    [model nil]))
+      :else
+      {:model model})))
 
 ;; === View ===
 (defn view [{:keys [state status error url]} _size]
@@ -105,7 +100,7 @@
 (defn -main [& _args]
   (println "Starting HTTP demo...")
   (let [final (tui/run {:init initial-model
-                        :update update-model
+                        :update update-fn
                         :view view})]
     (when (= (:state final) :success)
       (println "Request completed with status:" (:status final)))))
diff --git a/examples/list_selection.clj b/examples/list_selection.clj
index 5f237e3..84b262f 100644
--- a/examples/list_selection.clj
+++ b/examples/list_selection.clj
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
   "List selection example - demonstrates cursor navigation and multi-select.
    Mirrors bubbletea's list examples."
   (:require [tui.core :as tui]
+            [tui.events :as ev]
             [clojure.string :as str]))
 
 ;; === Model ===
@@ -12,37 +13,38 @@
    :submitted false})
 
 ;; === Update ===
-(defn update-model [{:keys [cursor items] :as model} msg]
-  (cond
-    ;; Quit
-    (or (tui/key= msg "q")
-        (tui/key= msg [:ctrl \c]))
-    [model tui/quit]
+(defn update-fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+  (let [{:keys [cursor items]} model]
+    (cond
+      ;; Quit
+      (or (ev/key= event \q)
+          (ev/key= event \c #{:ctrl}))
+      {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
 
-    ;; Move up
-    (or (tui/key= msg :up)
-        (tui/key= msg "k"))
-    [(update model :cursor #(max 0 (dec %))) nil]
+      ;; Move up
+      (or (ev/key= event :up)
+          (ev/key= event \k))
+      {:model (update model :cursor #(max 0 (dec %)))}
 
-    ;; Move down
-    (or (tui/key= msg :down)
-        (tui/key= msg "j"))
-    [(update model :cursor #(min (dec (count items)) (inc %))) nil]
+      ;; Move down
+      (or (ev/key= event :down)
+          (ev/key= event \j))
+      {:model (update model :cursor #(min (dec (count items)) (inc %)))}
 
-    ;; Toggle selection
-    (tui/key= msg " ")
-    [(update model :selected
-             #(if (contains? % cursor)
-                (disj % cursor)
-                (conj % cursor)))
-     nil]
+      ;; Toggle selection
+      (ev/key= event \space)
+      {:model (update model :selected
+                      #(if (contains? % cursor)
+                         (disj % cursor)
+                         (conj % cursor)))}
 
-    ;; Submit
-    (tui/key= msg :enter)
-    [(assoc model :submitted true) tui/quit]
+      ;; Submit
+      (ev/key= event :enter)
+      {:model (assoc model :submitted true)
+       :events [(ev/quit)]}
 
-    :else
-    [model nil]))
+      :else
+      {:model model})))
 
 ;; === View ===
 (defn view [{:keys [cursor items selected submitted]} _size]
@@ -83,7 +85,7 @@
 (defn -main [& _args]
   (println "Starting list selection...")
   (let [{:keys [items selected submitted]} (tui/run {:init initial-model
-                                                     :update update-model
+                                                     :update update-fn
                                                      :view view})]
     (when submitted
       (println)
diff --git a/examples/spinner.clj b/examples/spinner.clj
index f8ba590..3aab2ec 100644
--- a/examples/spinner.clj
+++ b/examples/spinner.clj
@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 (ns examples.spinner
   "Spinner example - demonstrates animated loading states.
    Mirrors bubbletea's spinner example."
-  (:require [tui.core :as tui]))
+  (:require [tui.core :as tui]
+            [tui.events :as ev]))
 
 ;; === Spinner Frames ===
 (def spinner-styles
@@ -21,42 +22,43 @@
    :style :dots
    :loading true
    :message "Loading..."
-   :styles (keys spinner-styles)
+   :styles (vec (keys spinner-styles))
    :style-idx 0})
 
 ;; === Update ===
-(defn update-model [{:keys [styles style-idx] :as model} msg]
-  (cond
-    ;; Quit
-    (or (tui/key= msg "q")
-        (tui/key= msg [:ctrl \c]))
-    [model tui/quit]
+(defn update-fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+  (let [{:keys [styles style-idx]} model]
+    (cond
+      ;; Quit
+      (or (ev/key= event \q)
+          (ev/key= event \c #{:ctrl}))
+      {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
 
-    ;; Spinner frame - advance animation
-    (= msg :spinner-frame)
-    (if (:loading model)
-      [(update model :frame inc) (tui/after 80 :spinner-frame)]
-      [model nil])
+      ;; Spinner frame - advance animation
+      (= (:type event) :spinner-frame)
+      (if (:loading model)
+        {:model (update model :frame inc)
+         :events [(ev/delayed-event 80 {:type :spinner-frame})]}
+        {:model model})
 
-    ;; Space - simulate completion
-    (tui/key= msg " ")
-    [(assoc model :loading false :message "Done!") nil]
+      ;; Space - simulate completion
+      (ev/key= event \space)
+      {:model (assoc model :loading false :message "Done!")}
 
-    ;; Tab - change spinner style
-    (tui/key= msg :tab)
-    (let [new-idx (mod (inc style-idx) (count styles))]
-      [(assoc model
-              :style-idx new-idx
-              :style (nth styles new-idx))
-       nil])
+      ;; Tab - change spinner style
+      (ev/key= event :tab)
+      (let [new-idx (mod (inc style-idx) (count styles))]
+        {:model (assoc model
+                       :style-idx new-idx
+                       :style (nth styles new-idx))})
 
-    ;; r - restart
-    (tui/key= msg "r")
-    [(assoc model :loading true :frame 0 :message "Loading...")
-     (tui/after 80 :spinner-frame)]
+      ;; r - restart
+      (ev/key= event \r)
+      {:model (assoc model :loading true :frame 0 :message "Loading...")
+       :events [(ev/delayed-event 80 {:type :spinner-frame})]}
 
-    :else
-    [model nil]))
+      :else
+      {:model model})))
 
 ;; === View ===
 (defn spinner-view [{:keys [frame style]}]
@@ -84,7 +86,7 @@
 (defn -main [& _args]
   (println "Starting spinner...")
   (tui/run {:init initial-model
-            :update update-model
+            :update update-fn
             :view view
-            :init-cmd (tui/after 80 :spinner-frame)})
+            :init-events [(ev/delayed-event 80 {:type :spinner-frame})]})
   (println "Spinner demo finished."))
diff --git a/examples/timer.clj b/examples/timer.clj
index 58164e9..ea142f3 100644
--- a/examples/timer.clj
+++ b/examples/timer.clj
@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 (ns examples.timer
   "Countdown timer example - demonstrates async commands.
    Mirrors bubbletea's stopwatch/timer examples."
-  (:require [tui.core :as tui]))
+  (:require [tui.core :as tui]
+            [tui.events :as ev]))
 
 ;; === Model ===
 (def initial-model
@@ -10,37 +11,38 @@
    :done false})
 
 ;; === Update ===
-(defn update-model [model msg]
+(defn update-fn [{:keys [model event]}]
   (cond
     ;; Quit
-    (or (tui/key= msg "q")
-        (tui/key= msg [:ctrl \c]))
-    [model tui/quit]
+    (or (ev/key= event \q)
+        (ev/key= event \c #{:ctrl}))
+    {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
 
     ;; Timer tick - decrement timer
-    (= msg :timer-tick)
+    (= (:type event) :timer-tick)
     (if (:running model)
       (let [new-seconds (dec (:seconds model))]
         (if (<= new-seconds 0)
           ;; Timer done
-          [(assoc model :seconds 0 :done true :running false) nil]
+          {:model (assoc model :seconds 0 :done true :running false)}
           ;; Continue countdown
-          [(assoc model :seconds new-seconds) (tui/after 1000 :timer-tick)]))
-      [model nil])
+          {:model (assoc model :seconds new-seconds)
+           :events [(ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :timer-tick})]}))
+      {:model model})
 
     ;; Space - pause/resume
-    (tui/key= msg " ")
+    (ev/key= event \space)
     (let [new-running (not (:running model))]
-      [(assoc model :running new-running)
-       (when new-running (tui/after 1000 :timer-tick))])
+      {:model (assoc model :running new-running)
+       :events (when new-running [(ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :timer-tick})])})
 
     ;; r - reset
-    (tui/key= msg "r")
-    [(assoc model :seconds 10 :done false :running true)
-     (tui/after 1000 :timer-tick)]
+    (ev/key= event \r)
+    {:model (assoc model :seconds 10 :done false :running true)
+     :events [(ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :timer-tick})]}
 
     :else
-    [model nil]))
+    {:model model}))
 
 ;; === View ===
 (defn format-time [seconds]
@@ -74,8 +76,8 @@
 (defn -main [& _args]
   (println "Starting timer...")
   (let [final-model (tui/run {:init initial-model
-                              :update update-model
+                              :update update-fn
                               :view view
-                              :init-cmd (tui/after 1000 :timer-tick)})]
+                              :init-events [(ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :timer-tick})]})]
     (when (:done final-model)
       (println "Timer completed!"))))
diff --git a/examples/views.clj b/examples/views.clj
index c8265bc..c88ab99 100644
--- a/examples/views.clj
+++ b/examples/views.clj
@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 (ns examples.views
   "Multiple views example - demonstrates state machine pattern.
    Mirrors bubbletea's views example."
-  (:require [tui.core :as tui]))
+  (:require [tui.core :as tui]
+            [tui.events :as ev]))
 
 ;; === Model ===
 (def initial-model
@@ -14,58 +15,58 @@
    :selected nil})
 
 ;; === Update ===
-(defn update-model [{:keys [view cursor items] :as model} msg]
-  (case view
-    ;; Menu view
-    :menu
-    (cond
-      (or (tui/key= msg "q")
-          (tui/key= msg [:ctrl \c]))
-      [model tui/quit]
+(defn update-fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+  (let [{:keys [view cursor items]} model]
+    (case view
+      ;; Menu view
+      :menu
+      (cond
+        (or (ev/key= event \q)
+            (ev/key= event \c #{:ctrl}))
+        {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
 
-      (or (tui/key= msg :up)
-          (tui/key= msg "k"))
-      [(update model :cursor #(max 0 (dec %))) nil]
+        (or (ev/key= event :up)
+            (ev/key= event \k))
+        {:model (update model :cursor #(max 0 (dec %)))}
 
-      (or (tui/key= msg :down)
-          (tui/key= msg "j"))
-      [(update model :cursor #(min (dec (count items)) (inc %))) nil]
+        (or (ev/key= event :down)
+            (ev/key= event \j))
+        {:model (update model :cursor #(min (dec (count items)) (inc %)))}
 
-      (tui/key= msg :enter)
-      [(assoc model
-              :view :detail
-              :selected (nth items cursor))
-       nil]
+        (ev/key= event :enter)
+        {:model (assoc model
+                       :view :detail
+                       :selected (nth items cursor))}
 
-      :else
-      [model nil])
+        :else
+        {:model model})
 
-    ;; Detail view
-    :detail
-    (cond
-      (or (tui/key= msg "q")
-          (tui/key= msg [:ctrl \c]))
-      [(assoc model :view :confirm) nil]
+      ;; Detail view
+      :detail
+      (cond
+        (or (ev/key= event \q)
+            (ev/key= event \c #{:ctrl}))
+        {:model (assoc model :view :confirm)}
 
-      (or (tui/key= msg :escape)
-          (tui/key= msg "b"))
-      [(assoc model :view :menu :selected nil) nil]
+        (or (ev/key= event :escape)
+            (ev/key= event \b))
+        {:model (assoc model :view :menu :selected nil)}
 
-      :else
-      [model nil])
+        :else
+        {:model model})
 
-    ;; Confirm quit dialog
-    :confirm
-    (cond
-      (tui/key= msg "y")
-      [model tui/quit]
+      ;; Confirm quit dialog
+      :confirm
+      (cond
+        (ev/key= event \y)
+        {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
 
-      (or (tui/key= msg "n")
-          (tui/key= msg :escape))
-      [(assoc model :view :detail) nil]
+        (or (ev/key= event \n)
+            (ev/key= event :escape))
+        {:model (assoc model :view :detail)}
 
-      :else
-      [model nil])))
+        :else
+        {:model model}))))
 
 ;; === Views ===
 (defn menu-view [{:keys [cursor items]}]
@@ -112,6 +113,6 @@
 (defn -main [& _args]
   (println "Starting views demo...")
   (tui/run {:init initial-model
-            :update update-model
+            :update update-fn
             :view view})
   (println "Views demo finished."))
diff --git a/src/tui/ansi.clj b/src/tui/ansi.clj
index 7fa02e0..52a0cbe 100644
--- a/src/tui/ansi.clj
+++ b/src/tui/ansi.clj
@@ -236,3 +236,13 @@
                                        true
                                        active-styles))))))))]
        (apply str result)))))
+
+(defn fit-width
+  "Fit string to exactly the given width - truncate if too long, pad if too short.
+   Unlike truncate, this does not add ellipsis - it hard clips the content."
+  [s width]
+  (let [vlen (visible-length s)]
+    (cond
+      (= vlen width) s
+      (> vlen width) (visible-subs s 0 width)
+      :else (str s (apply str (repeat (- width vlen) " "))))))
diff --git a/src/tui/core.clj b/src/tui/core.clj
index 8f6f71b..558b233 100644
--- a/src/tui/core.clj
+++ b/src/tui/core.clj
@@ -1,68 +1,29 @@
 (ns tui.core
   "Core TUI framework - Elm architecture runtime.
 
-  ## New API (Recommended)
-
   Update function signature:
     (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
       {:model new-model
        :events [...]})  ; :events is optional
 
-  Events are maps with :type discriminator. See tui.events namespace.
-
-  ## Legacy API (Deprecated)
-
-  For backward compatibility, the old signature is still supported:
-    (fn [model msg] [new-model cmd])
-
-  The runtime auto-detects which format is being used."
+  Events are maps with :type discriminator. See tui.events namespace."
   (:require [tui.terminal :as term]
             [tui.input :as input]
             [tui.render :as render]
-            [tui.ansi :as ansi]
+            [tui.events :as ev]
             [clojure.core.async :as async :refer [go go-loop chan <! >! >!! <!! put! close! timeout alt! alt!!]]))
 
-;; === Legacy Command Types (Deprecated) ===
-;; nil                     - no-op
-;; [:quit]                 - exit program
-;; [:batch cmd1 cmd2 ...]  - run commands in parallel
-;; [:seq cmd1 cmd2 ...]    - run commands sequentially
-;; (fn [] msg)             - arbitrary async function returning message
+;; Re-export commonly used functions from tui.events for convenience
+(def quit ev/quit)
+(def delayed-event ev/delayed-event)
+(def batch ev/batch)
+(def sequential ev/sequential)
+(def shell ev/shell)
+(def debounce ev/debounce)
+(def key= ev/key=)
 
-;; === Legacy Built-in Commands (Deprecated) ===
-(def quit
-  "DEPRECATED: Use (tui.events/quit) instead."
-  [:quit])
-
-(defn after
-  "DEPRECATED: Use (tui.events/delay ms event) instead.
-
-   Returns a command that sends msg after ms milliseconds."
-  [ms msg]
-  (fn []
-    (Thread/sleep ms)
-    msg))
-
-(defn batch
-  "DEPRECATED: Use (tui.events/batch ...) instead.
-
-   Run multiple commands in parallel."
-  [& cmds]
-  (into [:batch] (remove nil? cmds)))
-
-(defn sequentially
-  "DEPRECATED: Use (tui.events/sequential ...) instead.
-
-   Run multiple commands sequentially."
-  [& cmds]
-  (into [:seq] (remove nil? cmds)))
-
-(defn send-msg
-  "DEPRECATED: Put event directly in :events vector instead.
-
-   Create a command that sends a message."
-  [msg]
-  (fn [] msg))
+;; Re-export render function
+(def render render/render)
 
 ;; === Debounce State ===
 (def ^:private debounce-timers (atom {}))
@@ -70,7 +31,7 @@
 ;; === Event Execution ===
 (defn- execute-event!
   "Execute an event, putting resulting events on the channel.
-   Handles runtime events (:quit, :delay, :shell, :batch, :sequential, :debounce).
+   Handles runtime events (:quit, :delayed-event, :shell, :batch, :sequential, :debounce).
    Unknown event types are dispatched back to the update function."
   [event msg-chan]
   (when event
@@ -80,8 +41,8 @@
         :quit
         (put! msg-chan {:type :quit})
 
-        ;; Delay - wait then dispatch event
-        :delay
+        ;; Delayed event - wait then dispatch event
+        :delayed-event
         (let [{:keys [ms event]} event]
           (go
             (<! (timeout ms))
@@ -148,41 +109,6 @@
         ;; Unknown type - dispatch to update function
         (put! msg-chan event)))))
 
-;; === Legacy Command Execution ===
-(defn- execute-cmd!
-  "Execute a legacy command, putting resulting messages on the channel."
-  [cmd msg-chan]
-  (when cmd
-    (cond
-      ;; Quit command
-      (= cmd [:quit])
-      (put! msg-chan {:type :quit})
-
-      ;; Batch - run all in parallel
-      (and (vector? cmd) (= (first cmd) :batch))
-      (doseq [c (rest cmd)]
-        (execute-cmd! c msg-chan))
-
-      ;; Sequence - run one after another
-      (and (vector? cmd) (= (first cmd) :seq))
-      (go-loop [[c & rest-cmds] (rest cmd)]
-        (when c
-          (let [result-chan (chan 1)]
-            (execute-cmd! c result-chan)
-            (when-let [msg (<! result-chan)]
-              (>! msg-chan msg)
-              (recur rest-cmds)))))
-
-      ;; Function - execute and send result
-      (fn? cmd)
-      (go
-        (let [msg (cmd)]
-          (when msg
-            (>! msg-chan msg))))
-
-      :else
-      nil)))
-
 ;; === Input Loop ===
 (defn- start-input-loop!
   "Start thread that reads input and puts events on channel.
@@ -198,61 +124,24 @@
           (Thread/sleep 10))
         (recur)))))
 
-;; === Update Function Detection ===
-(defn- detect-update-format
-  "Detect if update function uses new or legacy format by examining its signature.
-   Returns :new or :legacy."
-  [update-fn]
-  ;; We can't easily detect at compile time, so we'll detect at runtime
-  ;; by checking the result format
-  :unknown)
-
-(defn- call-update
-  "Call update function, handling both new and legacy formats.
-   Returns {:model m :events [...]} in new format."
-  [update-fn model event legacy-mode?]
-  (if legacy-mode?
-    ;; Legacy: (fn [model msg] [new-model cmd])
-    (let [[new-model cmd] (update-fn model event)]
-      {:model new-model
-       :legacy-cmd cmd})
-    ;; New: (fn [{:keys [model event]}] {:model m :events [...]})
-    (let [result (update-fn {:model model :event event})]
-      (if (vector? result)
-        ;; Got legacy format back, switch to legacy mode
-        {:model (first result)
-         :legacy-cmd (second result)
-         :switch-to-legacy true}
-        ;; New format
-        result))))
-
 ;; === Main Run Loop ===
 (defn run
   "Run a TUI application.
 
-   ## New API (Recommended)
-
    Options:
-   - :init   - Initial model (required)
-   - :update - (fn [{:keys [model event]}] {:model m :events [...]}) (required)
-   - :view   - (fn [model size] hiccup) where size is {:width w :height h} (required)
-   - :fps    - Target frames per second (default 60)
-   - :alt-screen - Use alternate screen buffer (default true)
-
-   ## Legacy API (Deprecated)
-
-   Also accepts:
-   - :update  - (fn [model msg] [new-model cmd])
-   - :init-cmd - Initial command to run
+   - :init        - Initial model (required)
+   - :update      - (fn [{:keys [model event]}] {:model m :events [...]}) (required)
+   - :view        - (fn [model size] hiccup) where size is {:width w :height h} (required)
+   - :init-events - Vector of events to dispatch at startup
+   - :fps         - Target frames per second (default 60)
+   - :alt-screen  - Use alternate screen buffer (default true)
 
    Returns the final model."
-  [{:keys [init update view init-cmd init-events fps alt-screen]
+  [{:keys [init update view init-events fps alt-screen]
     :or {fps 60 alt-screen true}}]
   (let [msg-chan (chan 256)
         running? (atom true)
-        frame-time (/ 1000 fps)
-        ;; Start in auto-detect mode, will switch to legacy if needed
-        legacy-mode? (atom false)]
+        frame-time (/ 1000 fps)]
 
     ;; Setup terminal
     (term/raw-mode!)
@@ -264,12 +153,10 @@
       ;; Start input loop
       (start-input-loop! msg-chan running?)
 
-      ;; Execute initial events/command
+      ;; Execute initial events
       (when init-events
         (doseq [event init-events]
           (execute-event! event msg-chan)))
-      (when init-cmd
-        (execute-cmd! init-cmd msg-chan))
 
       ;; Initial render
       (let [size (term/get-terminal-size)
@@ -291,27 +178,22 @@
             (recur model (System/currentTimeMillis))
 
             ;; Check for quit
-            (if (or (= event {:type :quit})
-                    (= event [:quit]))  ; legacy
+            (if (= (:type event) :quit)
               ;; Quit - return final model
               model
 
               ;; Update model
-              (let [result (call-update update model event @legacy-mode?)
-                    _ (when (:switch-to-legacy result)
-                        (reset! legacy-mode? true))
+              (let [result (update {:model model :event event})
                     new-model (:model result)
                     size (term/get-terminal-size)
                     ctx {:available-height (:height size)
                          :available-width (:width size)}
                     now (System/currentTimeMillis)]
 
-                ;; Execute events (new API) or command (legacy)
-                (if-let [events (:events result)]
+                ;; Execute events
+                (when-let [events (:events result)]
                   (doseq [e events]
-                    (execute-event! e msg-chan))
-                  (when-let [cmd (:legacy-cmd result)]
-                    (execute-cmd! cmd msg-chan)))
+                    (execute-event! e msg-chan)))
 
                 ;; Render with context for flex layouts
                 (term/render! (render/render (view new-model size) ctx))
@@ -335,30 +217,11 @@
 
    (defapp my-app
      :init {:count 0}
-     :update (fn [ctx] ...)
+     :update (fn [{:keys [model event]}] ...)
      :view (fn [model size] ...))"
-  [name & {:keys [init update view init-cmd init-events]}]
+  [name & {:keys [init update view init-events]}]
   `(def ~name
      {:init ~init
       :update ~update
       :view ~view
-      :init-cmd ~init-cmd
       :init-events ~init-events}))
-
-;; === Legacy Key Matching Helpers (Deprecated) ===
-(defn key=
-  "DEPRECATED: Use tui.events/key= instead.
-
-   Check if message is a specific key."
-  [msg key-pattern]
-  (input/key-match? msg key-pattern))
-
-(defn key-str
-  "DEPRECATED: Use tui.input/key->str instead.
-
-   Get string representation of key."
-  [msg]
-  (input/key->str msg))
-
-;; Re-export render function
-(def render render/render)
diff --git a/src/tui/events.clj b/src/tui/events.clj
index 7d9d4ae..9400a45 100644
--- a/src/tui/events.clj
+++ b/src/tui/events.clj
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
     {:type :key, :key :enter}                      ; special key
     {:type :key, :key \\c, :modifiers #{:ctrl}}    ; with modifiers
     {:type :quit}                                  ; quit app
-    {:type :delay, :ms 2000, :event {...}}         ; delayed event
+    {:type :delayed-event, :ms 2000, :event {...}}  ; delayed event
 
   ## Update Function Contract
 
@@ -126,18 +126,21 @@
   []
   {:type :quit})
 
-(defn delay
+(defn delayed-event
   "Create an event that dispatches another event after a delay.
 
-  The nested event is dispatched after the specified milliseconds elapse.
-  Useful for transient messages, animations, debouncing, or timeouts.
+  Like JavaScript's setTimeout - schedules an event to be dispatched
+  after the specified milliseconds elapse. Useful for transient messages,
+  animations, debouncing, or timeouts.
+
+  Note: Named delayed-event to avoid conflict with clojure.core/delay.
 
   Arguments:
     ms    - Delay in milliseconds before dispatching
     event - Event map to dispatch after the delay
 
   Returns:
-    {:type :delay, :ms <ms>, :event <event>}
+    {:type :delayed-event, :ms <ms>, :event <event>}
 
   Examples:
     ;; Show a message that auto-clears after 3 seconds
@@ -145,7 +148,7 @@
       (case (:type event)
         :show-message
         {:model (assoc model :message (:text event))
-         :events [(delay 3000 {:type :clear-message})]}
+         :events [(delayed-event 3000 {:type :clear-message})]}
 
         :clear-message
         {:model (dissoc model :message)}
@@ -158,13 +161,13 @@
         {:model (-> model
                     (update :buffer conj event)
                     (assoc :dirty true))
-         :events [(delay 5000 {:type :auto-save})]}
+         :events [(delayed-event 5000 {:type :auto-save})]}
         {:model model}))
 
     ;; Simple animation frame
-    {:events [(delay 16 {:type :animation-tick})]}"
+    {:events [(delayed-event 16 {:type :animation-tick})]}"
   [ms event]
-  {:type :delay, :ms ms, :event event})
+  {:type :delayed-event, :ms ms, :event event})
 
 (defn shell
   "Create an event that runs a shell command asynchronously.
@@ -274,7 +277,7 @@
     ;; Show message, wait, then clear
     (sequential
       {:type :show-message, :text \"Saved!\"}
-      (delay 2000 {:type :clear-message}))
+      (delayed-event 2000 {:type :clear-message}))
 
   Note:
     For complex workflows, consider handling each step explicitly
diff --git a/src/tui/render.clj b/src/tui/render.clj
index 53d6cf2..3de784b 100644
--- a/src/tui/render.clj
+++ b/src/tui/render.clj
@@ -286,10 +286,10 @@
         box-width (or target-width (+ (max inner-width title-width) 2))
         content-width (- box-width 2)
 
-        ;; Pad lines
+        ;; Pad lines (and truncate if too long)
         padded-lines (for [line lines]
                        (str (apply str (repeat pad-left " "))
-                            (ansi/pad-right line (- content-width pad-left pad-right))
+                            (ansi/fit-width line (- content-width pad-left pad-right))
                             (apply str (repeat pad-right " "))))
 
         ;; Add vertical padding
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@
                          (:br chars))
         body-lines (for [line all-lines]
                      (str (:v chars)
-                          (ansi/pad-right line content-width)
+                          (ansi/fit-width line content-width)
                           (:v chars)))]
     (str/join "\n" (concat [top-line] body-lines [bottom-line]))))
 
diff --git a/test/tui/api_test.clj b/test/tui/api_test.clj
index c8b6780..831c7f4 100644
--- a/test/tui/api_test.clj
+++ b/test/tui/api_test.clj
@@ -4,237 +4,221 @@
   (:require [clojure.test :refer [deftest testing is are]]
             [clojure.string :as str]
             [tui.core :as tui]
+            [tui.events :as ev]
             [tui.render :as render]
             [tui.input :as input]))
 
 ;; =============================================================================
-;; KEY MATCHING TESTS (tui/key=)
+;; KEY MATCHING TESTS (ev/key=)
 ;; Patterns from: counter, timer, list-selection, spinner, views, http
 ;; =============================================================================
 
 (deftest key=-character-keys-test
   (testing "from counter: matching q for quit"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:char \q}] "q"))
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:key {:char \a}] "q"))))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \q} \q))
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :key :key \a} \q))))
 
   (testing "from counter: matching k/j for navigation"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:char \k}] "k"))
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:char \j}] "j")))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \k} \k))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \j} \j)))
 
   (testing "from counter: matching r for reset"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:char \r}] "r")))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \r} \r)))
 
   (testing "from timer: matching space for pause/resume"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:char \space}] " "))
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:char \space}] " ")))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \space} \space)))
 
   (testing "from views: matching b for back, y/n for confirm"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:char \b}] "b"))
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:char \y}] "y"))
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:char \n}] "n"))))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \b} \b))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \y} \y))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \n} \n))))
 
 (deftest key=-arrow-keys-test
   (testing "from counter/list-selection: up/down arrows"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key :up] :up))
-    (is (tui/key= [:key :down] :down))
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:key :up] :down)))
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:key :left] :up))))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key :up} :up))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key :down} :down))
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :key :key :up} :down)))
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :key :key :left} :up))))
 
   (testing "left/right arrows"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key :left] :left))
-    (is (tui/key= [:key :right] :right))))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key :left} :left))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key :right} :right))))
 
 (deftest key=-special-keys-test
   (testing "from list-selection/http: enter key"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key :enter] :enter)))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key :enter} :enter)))
 
   (testing "from views: escape key"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key :escape] :escape)))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key :escape} :escape)))
 
   (testing "from spinner: tab key"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key :tab] :tab)))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key :tab} :tab)))
 
   (testing "backspace key"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key :backspace] :backspace))))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key :backspace} :backspace))))
 
 (deftest key=-ctrl-combos-test
   (testing "from all examples: ctrl+c for quit"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:ctrl true :char \c}] [:ctrl \c])))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \c :modifiers #{:ctrl}} \c #{:ctrl})))
 
   (testing "other ctrl combinations"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:ctrl true :char \x}] [:ctrl \x]))
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:ctrl true :char \z}] [:ctrl \z]))
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:ctrl true :char \a}] [:ctrl \a])))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \x :modifiers #{:ctrl}} \x #{:ctrl}))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \z :modifiers #{:ctrl}} \z #{:ctrl}))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \a :modifiers #{:ctrl}} \a #{:ctrl})))
 
   (testing "ctrl combo does not match plain char"
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:key {:ctrl true :char \c}] "c")))
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:key {:char \c}] [:ctrl \c])))))
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :key :key \c :modifiers #{:ctrl}} \c)))
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :key :key \c} \c #{:ctrl})))))
 
 (deftest key=-alt-combos-test
   (testing "alt+char combinations"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:alt true :char \x}] [:alt \x]))
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:alt true :char \a}] [:alt \a])))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \x :modifiers #{:alt}} \x #{:alt}))
+    (is (ev/key= {:type :key :key \a :modifiers #{:alt}} \a #{:alt})))
 
   (testing "alt combo does not match plain char"
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:key {:alt true :char \x}] "x")))
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:key {:char \x}] [:alt \x])))))
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :key :key \x :modifiers #{:alt}} \x)))
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :key :key \x} \x #{:alt})))))
 
-(deftest key=-non-key-messages-test
-  (testing "from timer/spinner: tick messages are not keys"
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:tick 123456789] "q")))
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:tick 123456789] :enter))))
+(deftest key=-non-key-events-test
+  (testing "from timer/spinner: custom events are not keys"
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :timer-tick} \q)))
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :timer-tick} :enter))))
 
-  (testing "from http: custom messages are not keys"
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:http-success 200] "q")))
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:http-error "timeout"] :enter))))
+  (testing "from http: custom events are not keys"
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :http-result :status 200} \q)))
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :http-error :error "timeout"} :enter))))
 
-  (testing "quit command is not a key"
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:quit] "q")))))
+  (testing "quit event is not a key"
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :quit} \q)))))
 
 ;; =============================================================================
-;; COMMAND TESTS
+;; EVENT CONSTRUCTOR TESTS
 ;; Patterns from: timer, spinner, http
 ;; =============================================================================
 
-(deftest quit-command-test
-  (testing "from all examples: tui/quit is [:quit]"
-    (is (= [:quit] tui/quit))
-    (is (vector? tui/quit))
-    (is (= :quit (first tui/quit)))))
+(deftest quit-event-test
+  (testing "from all examples: ev/quit creates quit event"
+    (is (= {:type :quit} (ev/quit)))
+    (is (map? (ev/quit)))
+    (is (= :quit (:type (ev/quit))))))
 
-(deftest after-command-test
-  (testing "from timer: after creates function"
-    (let [cmd (tui/after 1000 :timer-tick)]
-      (is (fn? cmd))))
+(deftest delayed-event-test
+  (testing "from timer: delayed-event creates delayed-event event"
+    (let [event (ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :timer-tick})]
+      (is (= :delayed-event (:type event)))
+      (is (= 1000 (:ms event)))
+      (is (= {:type :timer-tick} (:event event)))))
 
-  (testing "from spinner: after creates function"
-    (let [cmd (tui/after 80 :spinner-frame)]
-      (is (fn? cmd))))
+  (testing "from spinner: delayed-event with short interval"
+    (let [event (ev/delayed-event 80 {:type :spinner-frame})]
+      (is (= :delayed-event (:type event)))
+      (is (= 80 (:ms event))))))
 
-  (testing "after with zero delay returns message immediately"
-    (is (= :timer-tick ((tui/after 0 :timer-tick))))
-    (is (= [:my-tick {:id 1}] ((tui/after 0 [:my-tick {:id 1}]))))))
-
-(deftest batch-command-test
-  (testing "batch two commands"
-    (let [cmd (tui/batch (tui/after 100 :tick1) tui/quit)]
-      (is (= :batch (first cmd)))
-      (is (= 3 (count cmd)))
-      (is (fn? (second cmd)))
-      (is (= [:quit] (last cmd)))))
-
-  (testing "batch three commands"
-    (let [cmd (tui/batch (tui/after 50 :t1) (tui/after 100 :t2) tui/quit)]
-      (is (= :batch (first cmd)))
-      (is (= 4 (count cmd)))))
+(deftest batch-event-test
+  (testing "batch multiple events"
+    (let [event (ev/batch {:type :msg1} {:type :msg2})]
+      (is (= :batch (:type event)))
+      (is (= 2 (count (:events event))))
+      (is (= [{:type :msg1} {:type :msg2}] (:events event)))))
 
   (testing "batch filters nil"
-    (let [cmd (tui/batch nil (tui/send-msg :msg1) nil)]
-      (is (= :batch (first cmd)))
-      (is (= 2 (count cmd))))
-    (is (= [:batch] (tui/batch nil nil nil))))
+    (let [event (ev/batch nil {:type :msg1} nil)]
+      (is (= :batch (:type event)))
+      (is (= 1 (count (:events event)))))
+    (is (nil? (ev/batch nil nil nil))))
 
-  (testing "batch with single command"
-    (is (= [:batch [:quit]] (tui/batch tui/quit)))))
+  (testing "batch with single event"
+    (let [event (ev/batch {:type :msg1})]
+      (is (= :batch (:type event)))
+      (is (= 1 (count (:events event)))))))
 
-(deftest sequentially-command-test
-  (testing "sequentially two commands"
-    (let [cmd (tui/sequentially (tui/after 100 :tick1) tui/quit)]
-      (is (= :seq (first cmd)))
-      (is (= 3 (count cmd)))
-      (is (fn? (second cmd)))
-      (is (= [:quit] (last cmd)))))
+(deftest sequential-event-test
+  (testing "sequential multiple events"
+    (let [event (ev/sequential {:type :msg1} {:type :msg2})]
+      (is (= :sequential (:type event)))
+      (is (= 2 (count (:events event))))))
 
-  (testing "sequentially filters nil"
-    (let [cmd (tui/sequentially nil (tui/send-msg :msg1) nil)]
-      (is (= :seq (first cmd)))
-      (is (= 2 (count cmd)))))
+  (testing "sequential filters nil"
+    (let [event (ev/sequential nil {:type :msg1} nil)]
+      (is (= :sequential (:type event)))
+      (is (= 1 (count (:events event))))))
 
-  (testing "sequentially with functions"
-    (let [f (fn [] :msg)
-          cmd (tui/sequentially f tui/quit)]
-      (is (= 3 (count cmd)))
-      (is (= :seq (first cmd)))
-      (is (fn? (second cmd))))))
+  (testing "sequential with delay and quit"
+    (let [event (ev/sequential
+                 (ev/delayed-event 100 {:type :tick})
+                 (ev/quit))]
+      (is (= :sequential (:type event)))
+      (is (= 2 (count (:events event)))))))
 
-(deftest send-msg-command-test
-  (testing "from http pattern: send-msg creates function"
-    (let [cmd (tui/send-msg [:http-success 200])]
-      (is (fn? cmd))
-      (is (= [:http-success 200] (cmd)))))
+(deftest shell-event-test
+  (testing "shell creates shell event"
+    (let [event (ev/shell ["git" "status"] {:type :git-result})]
+      (is (= :shell (:type event)))
+      (is (= ["git" "status"] (:cmd event)))
+      (is (= {:type :git-result} (:event event))))))
 
-  (testing "send-msg with map"
-    (let [cmd (tui/send-msg {:type :custom :data 42})]
-      (is (= {:type :custom :data 42} (cmd)))))
-
-  (testing "send-msg with keyword"
-    (let [cmd (tui/send-msg :done)]
-      (is (= :done (cmd))))))
-
-(deftest custom-command-function-test
-  (testing "from http: custom async command pattern"
-    (let [fetch-result (atom nil)
-          cmd (fn []
-                (reset! fetch-result :fetched)
-                [:http-success 200])]
-      ;; Execute command
-      (is (= [:http-success 200] (cmd)))
-      (is (= :fetched @fetch-result)))))
+(deftest debounce-event-test
+  (testing "debounce creates debounce event"
+    (let [event (ev/debounce :search 300 {:type :do-search :query "test"})]
+      (is (= :debounce (:type event)))
+      (is (= :search (:id event)))
+      (is (= 300 (:ms event)))
+      (is (= {:type :do-search :query "test"} (:event event))))))
 
 ;; =============================================================================
 ;; UPDATE FUNCTION PATTERNS
-;; Testing the [model cmd] return contract
+;; Testing the {:model m :events [...]} return contract
 ;; =============================================================================
 
-(deftest update-returns-tuple-test
-  (testing "update always returns [model cmd] tuple"
+(deftest update-returns-map-test
+  (testing "update always returns {:model m :events [...]}"
     (let [model {:count 0}
           ;; Counter-style update
-          update-fn (fn [m msg]
+          update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
                       (cond
-                        (tui/key= msg "q") [m tui/quit]
-                        (tui/key= msg :up) [(update m :count inc) nil]
-                        :else [m nil]))]
+                        (ev/key= event \q) {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
+                        (ev/key= event :up) {:model (update model :count inc)}
+                        :else {:model model}))]
 
-      ;; Quit returns original model + quit command
-      (let [[new-model cmd] (update-fn model [:key {:char \q}])]
-        (is (= model new-model))
-        (is (= tui/quit cmd)))
+      ;; Quit returns original model + quit event
+      (let [{:keys [model events]} (update-fn {:model model :event {:type :key :key \q}})]
+        (is (= {:count 0} model))
+        (is (= [{:type :quit}] events)))
 
-      ;; Up returns modified model + nil command
-      (let [[new-model cmd] (update-fn model [:key :up])]
-        (is (= {:count 1} new-model))
-        (is (nil? cmd)))
+      ;; Up returns modified model, no events
+      (let [{:keys [model events]} (update-fn {:model model :event {:type :key :key :up}})]
+        (is (= {:count 1} model))
+        (is (nil? events)))
 
-      ;; Unknown key returns unchanged model + nil command
-      (let [[new-model cmd] (update-fn model [:key {:char \x}])]
-        (is (= model new-model))
-        (is (nil? cmd))))))
+      ;; Unknown key returns unchanged model, no events
+      (let [{:keys [model events]} (update-fn {:model model :event {:type :key :key \x}})]
+        (is (= {:count 0} model))
+        (is (nil? events))))))
 
 (deftest counter-update-pattern-test
   (testing "counter increment/decrement pattern"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [count] :as model} msg]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
                       (cond
-                        (or (tui/key= msg :up)
-                            (tui/key= msg "k"))
-                        [(update model :count inc) nil]
+                        (or (ev/key= event :up)
+                            (ev/key= event \k))
+                        {:model (update model :count inc)}
 
-                        (or (tui/key= msg :down)
-                            (tui/key= msg "j"))
-                        [(update model :count dec) nil]
+                        (or (ev/key= event :down)
+                            (ev/key= event \j))
+                        {:model (update model :count dec)}
 
-                        (tui/key= msg "r")
-                        [(assoc model :count 0) nil]
+                        (ev/key= event \r)
+                        {:model (assoc model :count 0)}
 
                         :else
-                        [model nil]))]
+                        {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Test sequence: up, up, down, reset
       (let [m0 {:count 0}
-            [m1 _] (update-fn m0 [:key :up])
-            [m2 _] (update-fn m1 [:key {:char \k}])
-            [m3 _] (update-fn m2 [:key :down])
-            [m4 _] (update-fn m3 [:key {:char \r}])]
+            m1 (:model (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :key :key :up}}))
+            m2 (:model (update-fn {:model m1 :event {:type :key :key \k}}))
+            m3 (:model (update-fn {:model m2 :event {:type :key :key :down}}))
+            m4 (:model (update-fn {:model m3 :event {:type :key :key \r}}))]
         (is (= 1 (:count m1)))
         (is (= 2 (:count m2)))
         (is (= 1 (:count m3)))
@@ -242,68 +226,69 @@
 
 (deftest timer-update-pattern-test
   (testing "timer tick handling pattern"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [seconds running] :as model} msg]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
                       (cond
-                        (= msg :timer-tick)
-                        (if running
-                          (let [new-seconds (dec seconds)]
+                        (= (:type event) :timer-tick)
+                        (if (:running model)
+                          (let [new-seconds (dec (:seconds model))]
                             (if (<= new-seconds 0)
-                              [(assoc model :seconds 0 :done true :running false) nil]
-                              [(assoc model :seconds new-seconds) (tui/after 1000 :timer-tick)]))
-                          [model nil])
+                              {:model (assoc model :seconds 0 :done true :running false)}
+                              {:model (assoc model :seconds new-seconds)
+                               :events [(ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :timer-tick})]}))
+                          {:model model})
 
-                        (tui/key= msg " ")
-                        (let [new-running (not running)]
-                          [(assoc model :running new-running)
-                           (when new-running (tui/after 1000 :timer-tick))])
+                        (ev/key= event \space)
+                        (let [new-running (not (:running model))]
+                          {:model (assoc model :running new-running)
+                           :events (when new-running [(ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :timer-tick})])})
 
                         :else
-                        [model nil]))]
+                        {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Test tick countdown
       (let [m0 {:seconds 3 :running true :done false}
-            [m1 c1] (update-fn m0 :timer-tick)
-            [m2 c2] (update-fn m1 :timer-tick)
-            [m3 c3] (update-fn m2 :timer-tick)]
-        (is (= 2 (:seconds m1)))
-        (is (fn? c1))
-        (is (= 1 (:seconds m2)))
-        (is (fn? c2))
-        (is (= 0 (:seconds m3)))
-        (is (:done m3))
-        (is (not (:running m3)))
-        (is (nil? c3)))
+            r1 (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :timer-tick}})
+            r2 (update-fn {:model (:model r1) :event {:type :timer-tick}})
+            r3 (update-fn {:model (:model r2) :event {:type :timer-tick}})]
+        (is (= 2 (:seconds (:model r1))))
+        (is (= 1 (count (:events r1))))
+        (is (= 1 (:seconds (:model r2))))
+        (is (= 1 (count (:events r2))))
+        (is (= 0 (:seconds (:model r3))))
+        (is (:done (:model r3)))
+        (is (not (:running (:model r3))))
+        (is (nil? (:events r3))))
 
       ;; Test pause/resume
       (let [m0 {:seconds 5 :running true :done false}
-            [m1 c1] (update-fn m0 [:key {:char \space}])
-            [m2 c2] (update-fn m1 [:key {:char \space}])]
-        (is (not (:running m1)))
-        (is (nil? c1))
-        (is (:running m2))
-        (is (fn? c2))))))
+            r1 (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :key :key \space}})
+            r2 (update-fn {:model (:model r1) :event {:type :key :key \space}})]
+        (is (not (:running (:model r1))))
+        (is (nil? (:events r1)))
+        (is (:running (:model r2)))
+        (is (= 1 (count (:events r2))))))))
 
 (deftest list-selection-update-pattern-test
   (testing "cursor navigation with bounds"
     (let [items ["a" "b" "c" "d"]
-          update-fn (fn [{:keys [cursor] :as model} msg]
+          update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
                       (cond
-                        (or (tui/key= msg :up) (tui/key= msg "k"))
-                        [(update model :cursor #(max 0 (dec %))) nil]
+                        (or (ev/key= event :up) (ev/key= event \k))
+                        {:model (update model :cursor #(max 0 (dec %)))}
 
-                        (or (tui/key= msg :down) (tui/key= msg "j"))
-                        [(update model :cursor #(min (dec (count items)) (inc %))) nil]
+                        (or (ev/key= event :down) (ev/key= event \j))
+                        {:model (update model :cursor #(min (dec (count items)) (inc %)))}
 
                         :else
-                        [model nil]))]
+                        {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Test bounds
       (let [m0 {:cursor 0}
-            [m1 _] (update-fn m0 [:key :up])      ; Can't go below 0
-            [m2 _] (update-fn m1 [:key :down])
-            [m3 _] (update-fn m2 [:key :down])
-            [m4 _] (update-fn m3 [:key :down])
-            [m5 _] (update-fn m4 [:key :down])]   ; Can't go above 3
+            m1 (:model (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :key :key :up}}))
+            m2 (:model (update-fn {:model m1 :event {:type :key :key :down}}))
+            m3 (:model (update-fn {:model m2 :event {:type :key :key :down}}))
+            m4 (:model (update-fn {:model m3 :event {:type :key :key :down}}))
+            m5 (:model (update-fn {:model m4 :event {:type :key :key :down}}))]
         (is (= 0 (:cursor m1)))
         (is (= 1 (:cursor m2)))
         (is (= 2 (:cursor m3)))
@@ -311,108 +296,109 @@
         (is (= 3 (:cursor m5))))))
 
   (testing "toggle selection pattern"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [cursor] :as model} msg]
-                      (if (tui/key= msg " ")
-                        [(update model :selected
-                                 #(if (contains? % cursor)
-                                    (disj % cursor)
-                                    (conj % cursor)))
-                         nil]
-                        [model nil]))]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (if (ev/key= event \space)
+                        {:model (update model :selected
+                                        #(let [cursor (:cursor model)]
+                                           (if (contains? % cursor)
+                                             (disj % cursor)
+                                             (conj % cursor))))}
+                        {:model model}))]
 
       (let [m0 {:cursor 0 :selected #{}}
-            [m1 _] (update-fn m0 [:key {:char \space}])
-            [m2 _] (update-fn (assoc m1 :cursor 2) [:key {:char \space}])
-            [m3 _] (update-fn (assoc m2 :cursor 0) [:key {:char \space}])]
+            m1 (:model (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :key :key \space}}))
+            m2 (:model (update-fn {:model (assoc m1 :cursor 2) :event {:type :key :key \space}}))
+            m3 (:model (update-fn {:model (assoc m2 :cursor 0) :event {:type :key :key \space}}))]
         (is (= #{0} (:selected m1)))
         (is (= #{0 2} (:selected m2)))
         (is (= #{2} (:selected m3)))))))
 
 (deftest views-state-machine-pattern-test
   (testing "view state transitions"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [view] :as model} msg]
-                      (case view
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (case (:view model)
                         :menu
                         (cond
-                          (tui/key= msg :enter)
-                          [(assoc model :view :detail) nil]
-                          (tui/key= msg "q")
-                          [(assoc model :view :confirm) nil]
-                          :else [model nil])
+                          (ev/key= event :enter)
+                          {:model (assoc model :view :detail)}
+                          (ev/key= event \q)
+                          {:model (assoc model :view :confirm)}
+                          :else {:model model})
 
                         :detail
                         (cond
-                          (or (tui/key= msg :escape) (tui/key= msg "b"))
-                          [(assoc model :view :menu) nil]
-                          (tui/key= msg "q")
-                          [(assoc model :view :confirm) nil]
-                          :else [model nil])
+                          (or (ev/key= event :escape) (ev/key= event \b))
+                          {:model (assoc model :view :menu)}
+                          (ev/key= event \q)
+                          {:model (assoc model :view :confirm)}
+                          :else {:model model})
 
                         :confirm
                         (cond
-                          (tui/key= msg "y")
-                          [model tui/quit]
-                          (tui/key= msg "n")
-                          [(assoc model :view :detail) nil]
-                          :else [model nil])))]
+                          (ev/key= event \y)
+                          {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
+                          (ev/key= event \n)
+                          {:model (assoc model :view :detail)}
+                          :else {:model model})))]
 
       ;; Menu -> Detail -> Confirm -> Quit
       (let [m0 {:view :menu}
-            [m1 _] (update-fn m0 [:key :enter])
-            [m2 _] (update-fn m1 [:key {:char \q}])
-            [m3 c3] (update-fn m2 [:key {:char \y}])]
-        (is (= :detail (:view m1)))
-        (is (= :confirm (:view m2)))
-        (is (= tui/quit c3)))
+            r1 (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :key :key :enter}})
+            r2 (update-fn {:model (:model r1) :event {:type :key :key \q}})
+            r3 (update-fn {:model (:model r2) :event {:type :key :key \y}})]
+        (is (= :detail (:view (:model r1))))
+        (is (= :confirm (:view (:model r2))))
+        (is (= [{:type :quit}] (:events r3))))
 
       ;; Detail -> Menu (back)
       (let [m0 {:view :detail}
-            [m1 _] (update-fn m0 [:key :escape])]
-        (is (= :menu (:view m1)))))))
+            r1 (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :key :key :escape}})]
+        (is (= :menu (:view (:model r1))))))))
 
 (deftest http-async-pattern-test
   (testing "HTTP state machine pattern"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [state url] :as model} msg]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
                       (cond
-                        (and (= state :idle) (tui/key= msg :enter))
-                        [(assoc model :state :loading)
-                         (fn [] [:http-success 200])]
+                        (and (= (:state model) :idle) (ev/key= event :enter))
+                        {:model (assoc model :state :loading)
+                         :events [(ev/shell ["curl" "-s" (:url model)]
+                                            {:type :http-result})]}
 
-                        (= (first msg) :http-success)
-                        [(assoc model :state :success :status (second msg)) nil]
+                        (= (:type event) :http-result)
+                        (let [{:keys [success out err]} (:result event)]
+                          (if success
+                            {:model (assoc model :state :success :status 200)}
+                            {:model (assoc model :state :error :error err)}))
 
-                        (= (first msg) :http-error)
-                        [(assoc model :state :error :error (second msg)) nil]
-
-                        (tui/key= msg "r")
-                        [(assoc model :state :idle :status nil :error nil) nil]
+                        (ev/key= event \r)
+                        {:model (assoc model :state :idle :status nil :error nil)}
 
                         :else
-                        [model nil]))]
+                        {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Idle -> Loading
       (let [m0 {:state :idle :url "http://test.com"}
-            [m1 c1] (update-fn m0 [:key :enter])]
-        (is (= :loading (:state m1)))
-        (is (fn? c1)))
+            r1 (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :key :key :enter}})]
+        (is (= :loading (:state (:model r1))))
+        (is (= 1 (count (:events r1)))))
 
       ;; Loading -> Success
       (let [m0 {:state :loading}
-            [m1 _] (update-fn m0 [:http-success 200])]
-        (is (= :success (:state m1)))
-        (is (= 200 (:status m1))))
+            r1 (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :http-result :result {:success true :out "OK"}}})]
+        (is (= :success (:state (:model r1))))
+        (is (= 200 (:status (:model r1)))))
 
       ;; Loading -> Error
       (let [m0 {:state :loading}
-            [m1 _] (update-fn m0 [:http-error "Connection refused"])]
-        (is (= :error (:state m1)))
-        (is (= "Connection refused" (:error m1))))
+            r1 (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :http-result :result {:success false :err "Connection refused"}}})]
+        (is (= :error (:state (:model r1))))
+        (is (= "Connection refused" (:error (:model r1)))))
 
       ;; Reset
       (let [m0 {:state :error :error "timeout"}
-            [m1 _] (update-fn m0 [:key {:char \r}])]
-        (is (= :idle (:state m1)))
-        (is (nil? (:error m1)))))))
+            r1 (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :key :key \r}})]
+        (is (= :idle (:state (:model r1))))
+        (is (nil? (:error (:model r1))))))))
 
 ;; =============================================================================
 ;; RENDER TESTS
@@ -565,26 +551,3 @@
       (is (str/includes? result "Pizza"))
       (is (str/includes? result "[ ] Sushi"))
       (is (str/includes? result "[ ] Tacos")))))
-
-;; =============================================================================
-;; KEY-STR TESTS
-;; =============================================================================
-
-(deftest key-str-comprehensive-test
-  (testing "character keys"
-    (is (= "q" (tui/key-str [:key {:char \q}])))
-    (is (= " " (tui/key-str [:key {:char \space}]))))
-
-  (testing "special keys"
-    (is (= "enter" (tui/key-str [:key :enter])))
-    (is (= "escape" (tui/key-str [:key :escape])))
-    (is (= "tab" (tui/key-str [:key :tab])))
-    (is (= "backspace" (tui/key-str [:key :backspace])))
-    (is (= "up" (tui/key-str [:key :up])))
-    (is (= "down" (tui/key-str [:key :down])))
-    (is (= "left" (tui/key-str [:key :left])))
-    (is (= "right" (tui/key-str [:key :right]))))
-
-  (testing "modifier keys"
-    (is (= "ctrl+c" (tui/key-str [:key {:ctrl true :char \c}])))
-    (is (= "alt+x" (tui/key-str [:key {:alt true :char \x}])))))
diff --git a/test/tui/core_test.clj b/test/tui/core_test.clj
index cde3988..13a326a 100644
--- a/test/tui/core_test.clj
+++ b/test/tui/core_test.clj
@@ -1,90 +1,88 @@
 (ns tui.core-test
   "Integration tests for the TUI engine.
-   Tests the update loop, command handling, and full render pipeline."
+   Tests the update loop, event handling, and full render pipeline."
   (:require [clojure.test :refer [deftest testing is]]
             [clojure.core.async :as async :refer [chan >!! <!! timeout alt!! close!]]
             [tui.core :as tui]
             [tui.events :as ev]
             [tui.render :as render]))
 
-;; === Legacy Command Tests (Backward Compatibility) ===
+;; =============================================================================
+;; EVENT CONSTRUCTOR TESTS
+;; =============================================================================
 
-(deftest quit-command-test
-  (testing "quit command is correct vector (legacy)"
-    (is (= [:quit] tui/quit))))
+(deftest quit-event-test
+  (testing "tui/quit creates quit event"
+    (is (= {:type :quit} (tui/quit)))))
 
-(deftest after-command-test
-  (testing "after creates a function command (legacy)"
-    (let [cmd (tui/after 0 :my-tick)]
-      (is (fn? cmd))
-      (is (= :my-tick (cmd)))))
+(deftest delayed-event-test
+  (testing "tui/delayed-event creates delayed-event event"
+    (let [event (tui/delayed-event 1000 {:type :timer-tick})]
+      (is (= :delayed-event (:type event)))
+      (is (= 1000 (:ms event)))
+      (is (= {:type :timer-tick} (:event event))))))
 
-  (testing "after can send any message type"
-    (is (= [:timer-tick {:id 1}] ((tui/after 0 [:timer-tick {:id 1}]))))
-    (is (= :simple-msg ((tui/after 0 :simple-msg)))))
+(deftest batch-event-test
+  (testing "tui/batch creates batch event"
+    (let [event (tui/batch {:type :msg1} {:type :msg2})]
+      (is (= :batch (:type event)))
+      (is (= 2 (count (:events event))))))
 
-  (testing "after with non-zero delay creates function"
-    (is (fn? (tui/after 100 :tick)))
-    (is (fn? (tui/after 1000 :tick)))))
+  (testing "batch filters nil"
+    (let [event (tui/batch nil {:type :msg1} nil)]
+      (is (= 1 (count (:events event)))))
+    (is (nil? (tui/batch nil nil nil)))))
 
-(deftest batch-command-test
-  (testing "batch combines commands (legacy)"
-    (let [cmd (tui/batch (tui/send-msg :msg1) tui/quit)]
-      (is (vector? cmd))
-      (is (= :batch (first cmd)))
-      (is (= 3 (count cmd)))
-      (is (= [:quit] (last cmd)))))
+(deftest sequential-event-test
+  (testing "tui/sequential creates sequential event"
+    (let [event (tui/sequential {:type :msg1} {:type :msg2})]
+      (is (= :sequential (:type event)))
+      (is (= 2 (count (:events event))))))
 
-  (testing "batch filters nil commands"
-    (let [cmd (tui/batch nil (tui/send-msg :msg1) nil)]
-      (is (= :batch (first cmd)))
-      (is (= 2 (count cmd))))))
+  (testing "sequential filters nil"
+    (let [event (tui/sequential nil {:type :msg1} nil)]
+      (is (= 1 (count (:events event)))))))
 
-(deftest sequentially-command-test
-  (testing "sequentially creates seq command (legacy)"
-    (let [cmd (tui/sequentially (tui/send-msg :msg1) tui/quit)]
-      (is (vector? cmd))
-      (is (= :seq (first cmd)))
-      (is (= 3 (count cmd)))
-      (is (= [:quit] (last cmd)))))
+(deftest shell-event-test
+  (testing "tui/shell creates shell event"
+    (let [event (tui/shell ["git" "status"] {:type :git-result})]
+      (is (= :shell (:type event)))
+      (is (= ["git" "status"] (:cmd event)))
+      (is (= {:type :git-result} (:event event))))))
 
-  (testing "sequentially filters nil commands"
-    (let [cmd (tui/sequentially nil (tui/send-msg :msg1) nil)]
-      (is (= :seq (first cmd)))
-      (is (= 2 (count cmd))))))
+(deftest debounce-event-test
+  (testing "tui/debounce creates debounce event"
+    (let [event (tui/debounce :search 300 {:type :do-search})]
+      (is (= :debounce (:type event)))
+      (is (= :search (:id event)))
+      (is (= 300 (:ms event))))))
 
-(deftest send-msg-command-test
-  (testing "send-msg creates function that returns message (legacy)"
-    (let [cmd (tui/send-msg {:type :custom :data 42})]
-      (is (fn? cmd))
-      (is (= {:type :custom :data 42} (cmd))))))
+;; =============================================================================
+;; KEY MATCHING TESTS
+;; =============================================================================
 
-;; === Legacy Key Matching Tests ===
+(deftest key=-test
+  (testing "key= matches characters"
+    (is (tui/key= {:type :key :key \q} \q))
+    (is (not (tui/key= {:type :key :key \a} \q))))
 
-(deftest key=-legacy-test
-  (testing "key= works with legacy format"
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:char \q}] "q"))
-    (is (tui/key= [:key :enter] :enter))
-    (is (tui/key= [:key {:ctrl true :char \c}] [:ctrl \c]))
-    (is (not (tui/key= [:key {:char \a}] "b")))))
-
-(deftest key=-new-format-test
-  (testing "key= works with new format"
-    (is (tui/key= {:type :key :key \q} "q"))
+  (testing "key= matches special keys"
     (is (tui/key= {:type :key :key :enter} :enter))
-    (is (tui/key= {:type :key :key \c :modifiers #{:ctrl}} [:ctrl \c]))
-    (is (not (tui/key= {:type :key :key \a} "b")))))
+    (is (tui/key= {:type :key :key :up} :up))
+    (is (tui/key= {:type :key :key :escape} :escape)))
 
-(deftest key-str-test
-  (testing "key-str converts key to string (legacy)"
-    (is (= "q" (tui/key-str [:key {:char \q}])))
-    (is (= "enter" (tui/key-str [:key :enter]))))
+  (testing "key= matches modifiers"
+    (is (tui/key= {:type :key :key \c :modifiers #{:ctrl}} \c #{:ctrl}))
+    (is (not (tui/key= {:type :key :key \c :modifiers #{:ctrl}} \c)))
+    (is (not (tui/key= {:type :key :key \c} \c #{:ctrl}))))
 
-  (testing "key-str converts key to string (new format)"
-    (is (= "q" (tui/key-str {:type :key :key \q})))
-    (is (= "enter" (tui/key-str {:type :key :key :enter})))))
+  (testing "key= doesn't match non-key events"
+    (is (not (tui/key= {:type :timer-tick} \q)))
+    (is (not (tui/key= {:type :quit} :enter)))))
 
-;; === Full Pipeline Tests ===
+;; =============================================================================
+;; RENDER PIPELINE TESTS
+;; =============================================================================
 
 (deftest render-pipeline-test
   (testing "model -> view -> render produces valid output"
@@ -98,10 +96,12 @@
       (is (clojure.string/includes? rendered "Counter"))
       (is (clojure.string/includes? rendered "Count: 5")))))
 
-;; === New API Update Function Tests ===
+;; =============================================================================
+;; UPDATE FUNCTION CONTRACT TESTS
+;; =============================================================================
 
-(deftest new-update-function-contract-test
-  (testing "new update function returns {:model ... :events ...}"
+(deftest update-function-contract-test
+  (testing "update function returns {:model ... :events ...}"
     (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
                       (cond
                         (ev/key= event \q) {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
@@ -124,33 +124,9 @@
         (is (= {:n 0} model))
         (is (nil? events))))))
 
-;; === Legacy Update Function Tests ===
-
-(deftest legacy-update-function-contract-test
-  (testing "legacy update function returns [model cmd] tuple"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [model msg]
-                      (cond
-                        (tui/key= msg "q") [model tui/quit]
-                        (tui/key= msg :up) [(update model :n inc) nil]
-                        :else [model nil]))
-          model {:n 0}]
-
-      ;; Test quit returns command
-      (let [[new-model cmd] (update-fn model [:key {:char \q}])]
-        (is (= model new-model))
-        (is (= [:quit] cmd)))
-
-      ;; Test up returns updated model
-      (let [[new-model cmd] (update-fn model [:key :up])]
-        (is (= {:n 1} new-model))
-        (is (nil? cmd)))
-
-      ;; Test unknown key returns model unchanged
-      (let [[new-model cmd] (update-fn model [:key {:char \x}])]
-        (is (= model new-model))
-        (is (nil? cmd))))))
-
-;; === Event Execution Tests ===
+;; =============================================================================
+;; EVENT EXECUTION TESTS
+;; =============================================================================
 
 (deftest execute-quit-event-test
   (testing "quit event puts {:type :quit} on channel"
@@ -162,10 +138,10 @@
         (is (= {:type :quit} result)))
       (close! msg-chan))))
 
-(deftest execute-delay-event-test
-  (testing "delay event sends message after delay"
+(deftest execute-delayed-event-test
+  (testing "delayed-event sends message after delay"
     (let [msg-chan (chan 1)
-          event (ev/delay 50 {:type :delayed-msg})]
+          event (ev/delayed-event 50 {:type :delayed-msg})]
       (#'tui/execute-event! event msg-chan)
       ;; Should not receive immediately
       (let [immediate (alt!!
@@ -218,94 +194,17 @@
         (is (= :timeout result)))
       (close! msg-chan))))
 
-;; === Legacy Command Execution Tests ===
-
-(deftest execute-quit-command-legacy-test
-  (testing "quit command puts {:type :quit} on channel"
-    (let [msg-chan (chan 1)]
-      (#'tui/execute-cmd! [:quit] msg-chan)
-      (let [result (alt!!
-                     msg-chan ([v] v)
-                     (timeout 100) :timeout)]
-        (is (= {:type :quit} result)))
-      (close! msg-chan))))
-
-(deftest execute-after-command-legacy-test
-  (testing "after command sends message after delay"
-    (let [msg-chan (chan 1)
-          cmd (tui/after 50 :delayed-msg)]
-      (#'tui/execute-cmd! cmd msg-chan)
-      ;; Should not receive immediately
-      (let [immediate (alt!!
-                        msg-chan ([v] v)
-                        (timeout 10) :timeout)]
-        (is (= :timeout immediate)))
-      ;; Should receive after delay
-      (let [delayed (alt!!
-                      msg-chan ([v] v)
-                      (timeout 200) :timeout)]
-        (is (= :delayed-msg delayed)))
-      (close! msg-chan))))
-
-(deftest execute-function-command-legacy-test
-  (testing "function command executes and sends result"
-    (let [msg-chan (chan 1)
-          cmd (fn [] {:custom :message})]
-      (#'tui/execute-cmd! cmd msg-chan)
-      (let [result (alt!!
-                     msg-chan ([v] v)
-                     (timeout 100) :timeout)]
-        (is (= {:custom :message} result)))
-      (close! msg-chan))))
-
-(deftest execute-batch-command-legacy-test
-  (testing "batch executes multiple commands"
-    (let [msg-chan (chan 10)]
-      (#'tui/execute-cmd! [:batch
-                           (fn [] :msg1)
-                           (fn [] :msg2)]
-                          msg-chan)
-      ;; Give time for async execution
-      (Thread/sleep 50)
-      (let [results (loop [msgs []]
-                      (let [msg (alt!!
-                                  msg-chan ([v] v)
-                                  (timeout 10) nil)]
-                        (if msg
-                          (recur (conj msgs msg))
-                          msgs)))]
-        (is (= #{:msg1 :msg2} (set results))))
-      (close! msg-chan))))
-
-(deftest execute-nil-command-legacy-test
-  (testing "nil command does nothing"
-    (let [msg-chan (chan 1)]
-      (#'tui/execute-cmd! nil msg-chan)
-      (let [result (alt!!
-                     msg-chan ([v] v)
-                     (timeout 50) :timeout)]
-        (is (= :timeout result)))
-      (close! msg-chan))))
-
-;; === Defapp Macro Tests ===
+;; =============================================================================
+;; DEFAPP MACRO TESTS
+;; =============================================================================
 
 (deftest defapp-macro-test
-  (testing "defapp creates app map (legacy)"
-    (tui/defapp test-app-legacy
-      :init {:count 0}
-      :update (fn [m msg] [m nil])
-      :view (fn [m] [:text "test"]))
-    (is (map? test-app-legacy))
-    (is (= {:count 0} (:init test-app-legacy)))
-    (is (fn? (:update test-app-legacy)))
-    (is (fn? (:view test-app-legacy))))
-
-  (testing "defapp creates app map (new)"
-    (tui/defapp test-app-new
+  (testing "defapp creates app map"
+    (tui/defapp test-app
       :init {:count 0}
       :update (fn [{:keys [model event]}] {:model model})
       :view (fn [m size] [:text "test"]))
-    (is (map? test-app-new))
-    (is (= {:count 0} (:init test-app-new)))
-    (is (fn? (:update test-app-new)))
-    (is (fn? (:view test-app-new)))))
+    (is (map? test-app))
+    (is (= {:count 0} (:init test-app)))
+    (is (fn? (:update test-app)))
+    (is (fn? (:view test-app)))))
diff --git a/test/tui/edge_cases_test.clj b/test/tui/edge_cases_test.clj
index f7e7698..305be7b 100644
--- a/test/tui/edge_cases_test.clj
+++ b/test/tui/edge_cases_test.clj
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
   (:require [clojure.test :refer [deftest testing is are]]
             [clojure.string :as str]
             [tui.core :as tui]
+            [tui.events :as ev]
             [tui.render :as render]
             [tui.input :as input]
             [tui.ansi :as ansi]))
@@ -145,98 +146,65 @@
 ;; =============================================================================
 
 (deftest key-match-edge-cases-test
-  (testing "empty string pattern"
-    (is (not (input/key-match? [:key {:char \a}] ""))))
+  (testing "nil event returns false"
+    (is (not (ev/key= nil \q)))
+    (is (not (ev/key= nil :enter))))
 
-  (testing "multi-char string pattern only matches first char"
-    ;; The current implementation only looks at first char
-    (is (input/key-match? [:key {:char \q}] "quit")))
+  (testing "non-key event returns false"
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :timer-tick} \q)))
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :http-result :status 200} :enter))))
 
-  (testing "nil message returns false"
-    (is (not (input/key-match? nil "q")))
-    (is (not (input/key-match? nil :enter))))
-
-  (testing "non-key message returns false"
-    (is (not (input/key-match? [:tick 123] "q")))
-    (is (not (input/key-match? [:http-success 200] :enter)))
-    (is (not (input/key-match? "not a vector" "q"))))
-
-  (testing "unknown key message structure"
-    (is (not (input/key-match? [:key {:unknown true}] "q")))
-    (is (not (input/key-match? [:key {}] "q")))))
-
-(deftest key-str-edge-cases-test
-  (testing "nil message returns empty string"
-    (is (= "" (input/key->str nil))))
-
-  (testing "non-key message returns string representation"
-    ;; Legacy format returns the second element as string
-    (is (string? (input/key->str [:tick 123])))
-    (is (string? (input/key->str [:custom :message]))))
-
-  (testing "key message with empty map"
-    (is (= "" (input/key->str [:key {}]))))
-
-  (testing "ctrl and alt combined"
-    ;; This is an edge case - both modifiers
-    (is (= "ctrl+alt+x" (input/key->str [:key {:ctrl true :alt true :char \x}])))))
+  (testing "key event with missing key field"
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :key} \q)))
+    (is (not (ev/key= {:type :key :modifiers #{:ctrl}} \c #{:ctrl})))))
 
 ;; =============================================================================
-;; COMMAND EDGE CASES
+;; EVENT EDGE CASES
 ;; =============================================================================
 
 (deftest batch-edge-cases-test
   (testing "batch with all nils"
-    (is (= [:batch] (tui/batch nil nil nil))))
+    (is (nil? (ev/batch nil nil nil))))
 
-  (testing "batch with single command"
-    (is (= [:batch tui/quit] (tui/batch tui/quit))))
+  (testing "batch with single event"
+    (let [event (ev/batch {:type :msg1})]
+      (is (= :batch (:type event)))
+      (is (= 1 (count (:events event))))))
 
   (testing "batch with no arguments"
-    (is (= [:batch] (tui/batch))))
+    (is (nil? (ev/batch))))
 
-  (testing "batch with many commands"
-    (let [cmd (tui/batch (tui/after 1 :t1) (tui/after 2 :t2) (tui/after 3 :t3) (tui/after 4 :t4) (tui/after 5 :t5))]
-      (is (= 6 (count cmd)))  ; :batch + 5 commands
-      (is (= :batch (first cmd))))))
+  (testing "batch with many events"
+    (let [event (ev/batch {:type :t1} {:type :t2} {:type :t3} {:type :t4} {:type :t5})]
+      (is (= 5 (count (:events event))))
+      (is (= :batch (:type event))))))
 
-(deftest sequentially-edge-cases-test
-  (testing "sequentially with all nils"
-    (is (= [:seq] (tui/sequentially nil nil nil))))
+(deftest sequential-edge-cases-test
+  (testing "sequential with all nils"
+    (is (nil? (ev/sequential nil nil nil))))
 
-  (testing "sequentially with single command"
-    (is (= [:seq tui/quit] (tui/sequentially tui/quit))))
+  (testing "sequential with single event"
+    (let [event (ev/sequential {:type :msg1})]
+      (is (= :sequential (:type event)))
+      (is (= 1 (count (:events event))))))
 
-  (testing "sequentially with no arguments"
-    (is (= [:seq] (tui/sequentially)))))
+  (testing "sequential with no arguments"
+    (is (nil? (ev/sequential)))))
 
-(deftest after-edge-cases-test
-  (testing "after with zero delay"
-    (let [cmd (tui/after 0 :immediate)]
-      (is (fn? cmd))
-      ;; Zero delay executes immediately
-      (is (= :immediate (cmd)))))
+(deftest delayed-event-edge-cases-test
+  (testing "delayed-event with zero delay"
+    (let [event (ev/delayed-event 0 {:type :immediate})]
+      (is (= :delayed-event (:type event)))
+      (is (= 0 (:ms event)))))
 
-  (testing "after with various delays creates function"
-    ;; Don't invoke - just verify the function is created correctly
-    (is (fn? (tui/after 1 :t1)))
-    (is (fn? (tui/after 1000 :t2)))
-    (is (fn? (tui/after 999999999 :t3))))
+  (testing "delayed-event with various delays"
+    (is (= 1 (:ms (ev/delayed-event 1 {:type :t1}))))
+    (is (= 1000 (:ms (ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :t2}))))
+    (is (= 999999999 (:ms (ev/delayed-event 999999999 {:type :t3})))))
 
-  (testing "after with complex message"
-    (let [cmd (tui/after 0 [:tick {:id 1 :data [1 2 3]}])]
-      (is (= [:tick {:id 1 :data [1 2 3]}] (cmd))))))
-
-(deftest send-msg-edge-cases-test
-  (testing "send-msg with nil"
-    (let [cmd (tui/send-msg nil)]
-      (is (fn? cmd))
-      (is (nil? (cmd)))))
-
-  (testing "send-msg with complex message"
-    (let [msg {:type :complex :data [1 2 3] :nested {:a :b}}
-          cmd (tui/send-msg msg)]
-      (is (= msg (cmd))))))
+  (testing "delayed-event with complex message"
+    (let [event (ev/delayed-event 0 {:type :tick :id 1 :data [1 2 3]})]
+      (is (= {:type :tick :id 1 :data [1 2 3]} (:event event))))))
 
 ;; =============================================================================
 ;; ANSI EDGE CASES
@@ -319,27 +287,24 @@
 ;; UPDATE FUNCTION EDGE CASES
 ;; =============================================================================
 
-(deftest update-with-unknown-messages-test
-  (testing "update function handles unknown messages gracefully"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [model msg]
+(deftest update-with-unknown-events-test
+  (testing "update function handles unknown events gracefully"
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
                       (cond
-                        (tui/key= msg "q") [model tui/quit]
-                        :else [model nil]))]
+                        (ev/key= event \q) {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
+                        :else {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Unknown key
-      (let [[m cmd] (update-fn {:n 0} [:key {:char \x}])]
-        (is (= {:n 0} m))
-        (is (nil? cmd)))
+      (let [{:keys [model]} (update-fn {:model {:n 0} :event {:type :key :key \x}})]
+        (is (= {:n 0} model)))
 
-      ;; Unknown message type
-      (let [[m cmd] (update-fn {:n 0} [:unknown :message])]
-        (is (= {:n 0} m))
-        (is (nil? cmd)))
+      ;; Unknown event type
+      (let [{:keys [model]} (update-fn {:model {:n 0} :event {:type :unknown :message "test"}})]
+        (is (= {:n 0} model)))
 
-      ;; Empty message
-      (let [[m cmd] (update-fn {:n 0} [])]
-        (is (= {:n 0} m))
-        (is (nil? cmd))))))
+      ;; Event with no type
+      (let [{:keys [model]} (update-fn {:model {:n 0} :event {}})]
+        (is (= {:n 0} model))))))
 
 (deftest model-with-complex-state-test
   (testing "model with nested data structures"
@@ -348,23 +313,22 @@
                          :nested {:deep {:value 42}}
                          :selected #{}
                          :history []}
-          update-fn (fn [model msg]
-                      (if (tui/key= msg :up)
-                        [(-> model
-                             (update :count inc)
-                             (update :history conj (:count model)))
-                         nil]
-                        [model nil]))]
+          update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (if (ev/key= event :up)
+                        {:model (-> model
+                                    (update :count inc)
+                                    (update :history conj (:count model)))}
+                        {:model model}))]
 
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn complex-model [:key :up])
-            [m2 _] (update-fn m1 [:key :up])]
-        (is (= 1 (:count m1)))
-        (is (= [0] (:history m1)))
-        (is (= 2 (:count m2)))
-        (is (= [0 1] (:history m2)))
+      (let [r1 (update-fn {:model complex-model :event {:type :key :key :up}})
+            r2 (update-fn {:model (:model r1) :event {:type :key :key :up}})]
+        (is (= 1 (:count (:model r1))))
+        (is (= [0] (:history (:model r1))))
+        (is (= 2 (:count (:model r2))))
+        (is (= [0 1] (:history (:model r2))))
         ;; Other fields unchanged
-        (is (= ["a" "b" "c"] (:items m2)))
-        (is (= 42 (get-in m2 [:nested :deep :value])))))))
+        (is (= ["a" "b" "c"] (:items (:model r2))))
+        (is (= 42 (get-in (:model r2) [:nested :deep :value])))))))
 
 ;; =============================================================================
 ;; VIEW FUNCTION EDGE CASES
diff --git a/test/tui/events_test.clj b/test/tui/events_test.clj
index 8d6f9fd..f2ca889 100644
--- a/test/tui/events_test.clj
+++ b/test/tui/events_test.clj
@@ -9,14 +9,14 @@
   (testing "quit returns quit event"
     (is (= {:type :quit} (ev/quit)))))
 
-(deftest delay-test
-  (testing "delay creates delay event"
-    (is (= {:type :delay :ms 1000 :event {:type :tick}}
-           (ev/delay 1000 {:type :tick}))))
+(deftest delayed-event-test
+  (testing "delayed-event creates delayed-event event"
+    (is (= {:type :delayed-event :ms 1000 :event {:type :tick}}
+           (ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :tick}))))
 
-  (testing "delay with different ms values"
-    (is (= 0 (:ms (ev/delay 0 {:type :x}))))
-    (is (= 5000 (:ms (ev/delay 5000 {:type :x}))))))
+  (testing "delayed-event with different ms values"
+    (is (= 0 (:ms (ev/delayed-event 0 {:type :x}))))
+    (is (= 5000 (:ms (ev/delayed-event 5000 {:type :x}))))))
 
 (deftest shell-test
   (testing "shell creates shell event with vector cmd"
@@ -124,11 +124,11 @@
   (testing "can compose multiple event constructors"
     (let [result (ev/batch
                    (ev/shell ["git" "status"] {:type :status})
-                   (ev/delay 1000 {:type :refresh}))]
+                   (ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :refresh}))]
       (is (= :batch (:type result)))
       (is (= 2 (count (:events result))))
       (is (= :shell (:type (first (:events result)))))
-      (is (= :delay (:type (second (:events result)))))))
+      (is (= :delayed-event (:type (second (:events result)))))))
 
   (testing "can nest batch in sequential"
     (let [result (ev/sequential
diff --git a/test/tui/examples_test.clj b/test/tui/examples_test.clj
index ce0acc1..bf0b376 100644
--- a/test/tui/examples_test.clj
+++ b/test/tui/examples_test.clj
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
   (:require [clojure.test :refer [deftest testing is are]]
             [clojure.string :as str]
             [tui.core :as tui]
+            [tui.events :as ev]
             [tui.render :as render]))
 
 ;; =============================================================================
@@ -18,43 +19,43 @@
 
 (deftest counter-update-all-keys-test
   (testing "counter responds to all documented keys"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [model msg]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
                       (cond
-                        (or (tui/key= msg "q")
-                            (tui/key= msg [:ctrl \c]))
-                        [model tui/quit]
+                        (or (ev/key= event \q)
+                            (ev/key= event \c #{:ctrl}))
+                        {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
 
-                        (or (tui/key= msg :up)
-                            (tui/key= msg "k"))
-                        [(update model :count inc) nil]
+                        (or (ev/key= event :up)
+                            (ev/key= event \k))
+                        {:model (update model :count inc)}
 
-                        (or (tui/key= msg :down)
-                            (tui/key= msg "j"))
-                        [(update model :count dec) nil]
+                        (or (ev/key= event :down)
+                            (ev/key= event \j))
+                        {:model (update model :count dec)}
 
-                        (tui/key= msg "r")
-                        [(assoc model :count 0) nil]
+                        (ev/key= event \r)
+                        {:model (assoc model :count 0)}
 
                         :else
-                        [model nil]))]
+                        {:model model}))]
 
       ;; All increment keys
-      (are [msg] (= 1 (:count (first (update-fn {:count 0} msg))))
-        [:key :up]
-        [:key {:char \k}])
+      (are [event] (= 1 (:count (:model (update-fn {:model {:count 0} :event event}))))
+        {:type :key :key :up}
+        {:type :key :key \k})
 
       ;; All decrement keys
-      (are [msg] (= -1 (:count (first (update-fn {:count 0} msg))))
-        [:key :down]
-        [:key {:char \j}])
+      (are [event] (= -1 (:count (:model (update-fn {:model {:count 0} :event event}))))
+        {:type :key :key :down}
+        {:type :key :key \j})
 
       ;; All quit keys
-      (are [msg] (= tui/quit (second (update-fn {:count 0} msg)))
-        [:key {:char \q}]
-        [:key {:ctrl true :char \c}])
+      (are [event] (= [(ev/quit)] (:events (update-fn {:model {:count 0} :event event})))
+        {:type :key :key \q}
+        {:type :key :key \c :modifiers #{:ctrl}})
 
       ;; Reset key
-      (is (= 0 (:count (first (update-fn {:count 42} [:key {:char \r}]))))))))
+      (is (= 0 (:count (:model (update-fn {:model {:count 42} :event {:type :key :key \r}}))))))))
 
 (deftest counter-view-color-logic-test
   (testing "counter view shows correct colors based on count"
@@ -125,66 +126,72 @@
 
 (deftest timer-tick-countdown-test
   (testing "timer tick decrements and reaches zero"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [seconds running] :as model} msg]
-                      (cond
-                        (= msg :timer-tick)
-                        (if running
-                          (let [new-seconds (dec seconds)]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (if (= (:type event) :timer-tick)
+                        (if (:running model)
+                          (let [new-seconds (dec (:seconds model))]
                             (if (<= new-seconds 0)
-                              [(assoc model :seconds 0 :done true :running false) nil]
-                              [(assoc model :seconds new-seconds) (tui/after 1000 :timer-tick)]))
-                          [model nil])
-                        :else [model nil]))]
+                              {:model (assoc model :seconds 0 :done true :running false)}
+                              {:model (assoc model :seconds new-seconds)
+                               :events [(ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :timer-tick})]}))
+                          {:model model})
+                        {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Normal tick
-      (let [[m1 c1] (update-fn {:seconds 10 :running true :done false} :timer-tick)]
-        (is (= 9 (:seconds m1)))
-        (is (fn? c1)))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:seconds 10 :running true :done false}
+                               :event {:type :timer-tick}})]
+        (is (= 9 (:seconds (:model result))))
+        (is (= 1 (count (:events result)))))
 
       ;; Tick to zero
-      (let [[m1 c1] (update-fn {:seconds 1 :running true :done false} :timer-tick)]
-        (is (= 0 (:seconds m1)))
-        (is (true? (:done m1)))
-        (is (false? (:running m1)))
-        (is (nil? c1)))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:seconds 1 :running true :done false}
+                               :event {:type :timer-tick}})]
+        (is (= 0 (:seconds (:model result))))
+        (is (true? (:done (:model result))))
+        (is (false? (:running (:model result))))
+        (is (nil? (:events result))))
 
       ;; Tick when paused does nothing
-      (let [[m1 c1] (update-fn {:seconds 5 :running false :done false} :timer-tick)]
-        (is (= 5 (:seconds m1)))
-        (is (nil? c1))))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:seconds 5 :running false :done false}
+                               :event {:type :timer-tick}})]
+        (is (= 5 (:seconds (:model result))))
+        (is (nil? (:events result)))))))
 
 (deftest timer-pause-resume-test
   (testing "timer pause/resume with space key"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [running] :as model} msg]
-                      (if (tui/key= msg " ")
-                        (let [new-running (not running)]
-                          [(assoc model :running new-running)
-                           (when new-running (tui/after 1000 :timer-tick))])
-                        [model nil]))]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (if (ev/key= event \space)
+                        (let [new-running (not (:running model))]
+                          {:model (assoc model :running new-running)
+                           :events (when new-running [(ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :timer-tick})])})
+                        {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Pause (running -> not running)
-      (let [[m1 c1] (update-fn {:seconds 5 :running true} [:key {:char \space}])]
-        (is (false? (:running m1)))
-        (is (nil? c1)))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:seconds 5 :running true}
+                               :event {:type :key :key \space}})]
+        (is (false? (:running (:model result))))
+        (is (nil? (:events result))))
 
       ;; Resume (not running -> running)
-      (let [[m1 c1] (update-fn {:seconds 5 :running false} [:key {:char \space}])]
-        (is (true? (:running m1)))
-        (is (fn? c1))))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:seconds 5 :running false}
+                               :event {:type :key :key \space}})]
+        (is (true? (:running (:model result))))
+        (is (= 1 (count (:events result))))))))
 
 (deftest timer-reset-test
   (testing "timer reset restores initial state"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [model msg]
-                      (if (tui/key= msg "r")
-                        [(assoc model :seconds 10 :done false :running true)
-                         (tui/after 1000 :timer-tick)]
-                        [model nil]))]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (if (ev/key= event \r)
+                        {:model (assoc model :seconds 10 :done false :running true)
+                         :events [(ev/delayed-event 1000 {:type :timer-tick})]}
+                        {:model model}))]
 
-      (let [[m1 c1] (update-fn {:seconds 0 :done true :running false} [:key {:char \r}])]
-        (is (= 10 (:seconds m1)))
-        (is (false? (:done m1)))
-        (is (true? (:running m1)))
-        (is (fn? c1))))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:seconds 0 :done true :running false}
+                               :event {:type :key :key \r}})]
+        (is (= 10 (:seconds (:model result))))
+        (is (false? (:done (:model result))))
+        (is (true? (:running (:model result))))
+        (is (= 1 (count (:events result))))))))
 
 (deftest timer-view-color-logic-test
   (testing "timer view shows correct colors"
@@ -239,68 +246,74 @@
 
 (deftest spinner-tick-advances-frame-test
   (testing "spinner tick advances frame when loading"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [model msg]
-                      (if (= msg :spinner-frame)
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (if (= (:type event) :spinner-frame)
                         (if (:loading model)
-                          [(update model :frame inc) (tui/after 80 :spinner-frame)]
-                          [model nil])
-                        [model nil]))]
+                          {:model (update model :frame inc)
+                           :events [(ev/delayed-event 80 {:type :spinner-frame})]}
+                          {:model model})
+                        {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Tick advances frame when loading
-      (let [[m1 c1] (update-fn {:frame 0 :loading true} :spinner-frame)]
-        (is (= 1 (:frame m1)))
-        (is (fn? c1)))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:frame 0 :loading true}
+                               :event {:type :spinner-frame}})]
+        (is (= 1 (:frame (:model result))))
+        (is (= 1 (count (:events result)))))
 
       ;; Tick does nothing when not loading
-      (let [[m1 c1] (update-fn {:frame 5 :loading false} :spinner-frame)]
-        (is (= 5 (:frame m1)))
-        (is (nil? c1))))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:frame 5 :loading false}
+                               :event {:type :spinner-frame}})]
+        (is (= 5 (:frame (:model result))))
+        (is (nil? (:events result)))))))
 
 (deftest spinner-style-switching-test
   (testing "spinner tab key cycles through styles"
-    (let [styles (keys spinner-styles)
-          update-fn (fn [{:keys [style-idx] :as model} msg]
-                      (if (tui/key= msg :tab)
-                        (let [new-idx (mod (inc style-idx) (count styles))]
-                          [(assoc model
-                                  :style-idx new-idx
-                                  :style (nth styles new-idx))
-                           nil])
-                        [model nil]))]
+    (let [styles (vec (keys spinner-styles))
+          update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (if (ev/key= event :tab)
+                        (let [new-idx (mod (inc (:style-idx model)) (count styles))]
+                          {:model (assoc model
+                                         :style-idx new-idx
+                                         :style (nth styles new-idx))})
+                        {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Tab advances style
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:style-idx 0 :style (first styles)} [:key :tab])]
-        (is (= 1 (:style-idx m1))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:style-idx 0 :style (first styles)}
+                               :event {:type :key :key :tab}})]
+        (is (= 1 (:style-idx (:model result)))))
 
       ;; Tab wraps around
       (let [last-idx (dec (count styles))
-            [m1 _] (update-fn {:style-idx last-idx :style (last styles)} [:key :tab])]
-        (is (= 0 (:style-idx m1)))))))
+            result (update-fn {:model {:style-idx last-idx :style (last styles)}
+                               :event {:type :key :key :tab}})]
+        (is (= 0 (:style-idx (:model result))))))))
 
 (deftest spinner-completion-test
   (testing "spinner space key completes loading"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [model msg]
-                      (if (tui/key= msg " ")
-                        [(assoc model :loading false :message "Done!") nil]
-                        [model nil]))]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (if (ev/key= event \space)
+                        {:model (assoc model :loading false :message "Done!")}
+                        {:model model}))]
 
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:loading true :message "Loading..."} [:key {:char \space}])]
-        (is (false? (:loading m1)))
-        (is (= "Done!" (:message m1)))))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:loading true :message "Loading..."}
+                               :event {:type :key :key \space}})]
+        (is (false? (:loading (:model result))))
+        (is (= "Done!" (:message (:model result))))))))
 
 (deftest spinner-restart-test
   (testing "spinner r key restarts animation"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [model msg]
-                      (if (tui/key= msg "r")
-                        [(assoc model :loading true :frame 0 :message "Loading...")
-                         (tui/after 80 :spinner-frame)]
-                        [model nil]))]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (if (ev/key= event \r)
+                        {:model (assoc model :loading true :frame 0 :message "Loading...")
+                         :events [(ev/delayed-event 80 {:type :spinner-frame})]}
+                        {:model model}))]
 
-      (let [[m1 c1] (update-fn {:loading false :frame 100 :message "Done!"} [:key {:char \r}])]
-        (is (true? (:loading m1)))
-        (is (= 0 (:frame m1)))
-        (is (= "Loading..." (:message m1)))
-        (is (fn? c1))))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:loading false :frame 100 :message "Done!"}
+                               :event {:type :key :key \r}})]
+        (is (true? (:loading (:model result))))
+        (is (= 0 (:frame (:model result))))
+        (is (= "Loading..." (:message (:model result))))
+        (is (= 1 (count (:events result))))))))
 
 ;; =============================================================================
 ;; LIST SELECTION EXAMPLE TESTS
@@ -320,25 +333,25 @@
 (deftest list-selection-cursor-navigation-test
   (testing "cursor navigation respects bounds"
     (let [items ["A" "B" "C" "D" "E"]
-          update-fn (fn [{:keys [cursor] :as model} msg]
+          update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
                       (cond
-                        (or (tui/key= msg :up)
-                            (tui/key= msg "k"))
-                        [(update model :cursor #(max 0 (dec %))) nil]
+                        (or (ev/key= event :up)
+                            (ev/key= event \k))
+                        {:model (update model :cursor #(max 0 (dec %)))}
 
-                        (or (tui/key= msg :down)
-                            (tui/key= msg "j"))
-                        [(update model :cursor #(min (dec (count items)) (inc %))) nil]
+                        (or (ev/key= event :down)
+                            (ev/key= event \j))
+                        {:model (update model :cursor #(min (dec (count items)) (inc %)))}
 
-                        :else [model nil]))]
+                        :else {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Move down through list
       (let [m0 {:cursor 0}
-            [m1 _] (update-fn m0 [:key :down])
-            [m2 _] (update-fn m1 [:key :down])
-            [m3 _] (update-fn m2 [:key :down])
-            [m4 _] (update-fn m3 [:key :down])
-            [m5 _] (update-fn m4 [:key :down])]  ; Should stop at 4
+            m1 (:model (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :key :key :down}}))
+            m2 (:model (update-fn {:model m1 :event {:type :key :key :down}}))
+            m3 (:model (update-fn {:model m2 :event {:type :key :key :down}}))
+            m4 (:model (update-fn {:model m3 :event {:type :key :key :down}}))
+            m5 (:model (update-fn {:model m4 :event {:type :key :key :down}}))]
         (is (= 1 (:cursor m1)))
         (is (= 2 (:cursor m2)))
         (is (= 3 (:cursor m3)))
@@ -346,47 +359,49 @@
         (is (= 4 (:cursor m5))))  ; Clamped at max
 
       ;; Move up from top
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:cursor 0} [:key :up])]
-        (is (= 0 (:cursor m1)))))))  ; Clamped at 0
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:cursor 0} :event {:type :key :key :up}})]
+        (is (= 0 (:cursor (:model result))))))))  ; Clamped at 0
 
 (deftest list-selection-toggle-test
   (testing "space toggles selection"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [cursor] :as model} msg]
-                      (if (tui/key= msg " ")
-                        [(update model :selected
-                                 #(if (contains? % cursor)
-                                    (disj % cursor)
-                                    (conj % cursor)))
-                         nil]
-                        [model nil]))]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (if (ev/key= event \space)
+                        {:model (update model :selected
+                                        #(let [cursor (:cursor model)]
+                                           (if (contains? % cursor)
+                                             (disj % cursor)
+                                             (conj % cursor))))}
+                        {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Select item
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:cursor 0 :selected #{}} [:key {:char \space}])]
-        (is (= #{0} (:selected m1))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:cursor 0 :selected #{}}
+                               :event {:type :key :key \space}})]
+        (is (= #{0} (:selected (:model result)))))
 
       ;; Select multiple items
       (let [m0 {:cursor 0 :selected #{}}
-            [m1 _] (update-fn m0 [:key {:char \space}])
-            m1' (assoc m1 :cursor 2)
-            [m2 _] (update-fn m1' [:key {:char \space}])
-            m2' (assoc m2 :cursor 4)
-            [m3 _] (update-fn m2' [:key {:char \space}])]
+            m1 (:model (update-fn {:model m0 :event {:type :key :key \space}}))
+            m2 (:model (update-fn {:model (assoc m1 :cursor 2) :event {:type :key :key \space}}))
+            m3 (:model (update-fn {:model (assoc m2 :cursor 4) :event {:type :key :key \space}}))]
         (is (= #{0 2 4} (:selected m3))))
 
       ;; Deselect item
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:cursor 1 :selected #{1 2}} [:key {:char \space}])]
-        (is (= #{2} (:selected m1)))))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:cursor 1 :selected #{1 2}}
+                               :event {:type :key :key \space}})]
+        (is (= #{2} (:selected (:model result))))))))
 
 (deftest list-selection-submit-test
   (testing "enter submits selection"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [model msg]
-                      (if (tui/key= msg :enter)
-                        [(assoc model :submitted true) tui/quit]
-                        [model nil]))]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (if (ev/key= event :enter)
+                        {:model (assoc model :submitted true)
+                         :events [(ev/quit)]}
+                        {:model model}))]
 
-      (let [[m1 c1] (update-fn {:selected #{0 2} :submitted false} [:key :enter])]
-        (is (true? (:submitted m1)))
-        (is (= tui/quit c1))))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:selected #{0 2} :submitted false}
+                               :event {:type :key :key :enter}})]
+        (is (true? (:submitted (:model result))))
+        (is (= [(ev/quit)] (:events result)))))))
 
 (deftest list-selection-view-item-count-test
   (testing "view shows correct item count"
@@ -416,86 +431,93 @@
 (deftest views-menu-navigation-test
   (testing "menu view cursor navigation"
     (let [items [{:name "A"} {:name "B"} {:name "C"} {:name "D"}]
-          update-fn (fn [{:keys [cursor] :as model} msg]
+          update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
                       (cond
-                        (or (tui/key= msg :up)
-                            (tui/key= msg "k"))
-                        [(update model :cursor #(max 0 (dec %))) nil]
+                        (or (ev/key= event :up)
+                            (ev/key= event \k))
+                        {:model (update model :cursor #(max 0 (dec %)))}
 
-                        (or (tui/key= msg :down)
-                            (tui/key= msg "j"))
-                        [(update model :cursor #(min (dec (count items)) (inc %))) nil]
+                        (or (ev/key= event :down)
+                            (ev/key= event \j))
+                        {:model (update model :cursor #(min (dec (count items)) (inc %)))}
 
-                        :else [model nil]))]
+                        :else {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Navigate down
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:cursor 0} [:key {:char \j}])]
-        (is (= 1 (:cursor m1))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:cursor 0} :event {:type :key :key \j}})]
+        (is (= 1 (:cursor (:model result)))))
 
       ;; Navigate up
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:cursor 2} [:key {:char \k}])]
-        (is (= 1 (:cursor m1)))))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:cursor 2} :event {:type :key :key \k}})]
+        (is (= 1 (:cursor (:model result))))))))
 
 (deftest views-state-transitions-test
   (testing "all view state transitions"
     (let [items [{:name "Profile"} {:name "Settings"}]
-          update-fn (fn [{:keys [view cursor] :as model} msg]
-                      (case view
+          update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
+                      (case (:view model)
                         :menu
                         (cond
-                          (tui/key= msg :enter)
-                          [(assoc model :view :detail :selected (nth items cursor)) nil]
-                          (tui/key= msg "q")
-                          [model tui/quit]
-                          :else [model nil])
+                          (ev/key= event :enter)
+                          {:model (assoc model :view :detail :selected (nth items (:cursor model)))}
+                          (ev/key= event \q)
+                          {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
+                          :else {:model model})
 
                         :detail
                         (cond
-                          (or (tui/key= msg :escape)
-                              (tui/key= msg "b"))
-                          [(assoc model :view :menu :selected nil) nil]
-                          (tui/key= msg "q")
-                          [(assoc model :view :confirm) nil]
-                          :else [model nil])
+                          (or (ev/key= event :escape)
+                              (ev/key= event \b))
+                          {:model (assoc model :view :menu :selected nil)}
+                          (ev/key= event \q)
+                          {:model (assoc model :view :confirm)}
+                          :else {:model model})
 
                         :confirm
                         (cond
-                          (tui/key= msg "y")
-                          [model tui/quit]
-                          (or (tui/key= msg "n")
-                              (tui/key= msg :escape))
-                          [(assoc model :view :detail) nil]
-                          :else [model nil])))]
+                          (ev/key= event \y)
+                          {:model model :events [(ev/quit)]}
+                          (or (ev/key= event \n)
+                              (ev/key= event :escape))
+                          {:model (assoc model :view :detail)}
+                          :else {:model model})))]
 
       ;; Menu -> Detail via enter
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:view :menu :cursor 0 :items items} [:key :enter])]
-        (is (= :detail (:view m1)))
-        (is (= "Profile" (:name (:selected m1)))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:view :menu :cursor 0 :items items}
+                               :event {:type :key :key :enter}})]
+        (is (= :detail (:view (:model result))))
+        (is (= "Profile" (:name (:selected (:model result))))))
 
       ;; Detail -> Menu via escape
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:view :detail :selected {:name "X"}} [:key :escape])]
-        (is (= :menu (:view m1)))
-        (is (nil? (:selected m1))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:view :detail :selected {:name "X"}}
+                               :event {:type :key :key :escape}})]
+        (is (= :menu (:view (:model result))))
+        (is (nil? (:selected (:model result)))))
 
       ;; Detail -> Menu via b
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:view :detail :selected {:name "X"}} [:key {:char \b}])]
-        (is (= :menu (:view m1))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:view :detail :selected {:name "X"}}
+                               :event {:type :key :key \b}})]
+        (is (= :menu (:view (:model result)))))
 
       ;; Detail -> Confirm via q
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:view :detail} [:key {:char \q}])]
-        (is (= :confirm (:view m1))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:view :detail}
+                               :event {:type :key :key \q}})]
+        (is (= :confirm (:view (:model result)))))
 
       ;; Confirm -> Quit via y
-      (let [[_ c1] (update-fn {:view :confirm} [:key {:char \y}])]
-        (is (= tui/quit c1)))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:view :confirm}
+                               :event {:type :key :key \y}})]
+        (is (= [(ev/quit)] (:events result))))
 
       ;; Confirm -> Detail via n
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:view :confirm} [:key {:char \n}])]
-        (is (= :detail (:view m1))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:view :confirm}
+                               :event {:type :key :key \n}})]
+        (is (= :detail (:view (:model result)))))
 
       ;; Confirm -> Detail via escape
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:view :confirm} [:key :escape])]
-        (is (= :detail (:view m1)))))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:view :confirm}
+                               :event {:type :key :key :escape}})]
+        (is (= :detail (:view (:model result))))))))
 
 ;; =============================================================================
 ;; HTTP EXAMPLE TESTS
@@ -514,66 +536,58 @@
 
 (deftest http-state-machine-test
   (testing "http state transitions"
-    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [state url] :as model} msg]
+    (let [update-fn (fn [{:keys [model event]}]
                       (cond
                         ;; Start request
-                        (and (= state :idle)
-                             (tui/key= msg :enter))
-                        [(assoc model :state :loading)
-                         (fn [] [:http-success 200])]
+                        (and (= (:state model) :idle)
+                             (ev/key= event :enter))
+                        {:model (assoc model :state :loading)
+                         :events [(ev/shell ["curl" "-s" (:url model)] {:type :http-result})]}
 
                         ;; Reset
-                        (tui/key= msg "r")
-                        [(assoc model :state :idle :status nil :error nil) nil]
+                        (ev/key= event \r)
+                        {:model (assoc model :state :idle :status nil :error nil)}
 
-                        ;; HTTP success
-                        (= (first msg) :http-success)
-                        [(assoc model :state :success :status (second msg)) nil]
-
-                        ;; HTTP error
-                        (= (first msg) :http-error)
-                        [(assoc model :state :error :error (second msg)) nil]
+                        ;; HTTP result
+                        (= (:type event) :http-result)
+                        (if (get-in event [:result :success])
+                          {:model (assoc model :state :success :status 200)}
+                          {:model (assoc model :state :error :error (get-in event [:result :err]))})
 
                         :else
-                        [model nil]))]
+                        {:model model}))]
 
       ;; Idle -> Loading via enter
-      (let [[m1 c1] (update-fn {:state :idle :url "http://test.com"} [:key :enter])]
-        (is (= :loading (:state m1)))
-        (is (fn? c1)))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:state :idle :url "http://test.com"}
+                               :event {:type :key :key :enter}})]
+        (is (= :loading (:state (:model result))))
+        (is (= 1 (count (:events result)))))
 
       ;; Enter ignored when not idle
-      (let [[m1 c1] (update-fn {:state :loading} [:key :enter])]
-        (is (= :loading (:state m1)))
-        (is (nil? c1)))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:state :loading}
+                               :event {:type :key :key :enter}})]
+        (is (= :loading (:state (:model result))))
+        (is (nil? (:events result))))
 
       ;; Loading -> Success
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:state :loading} [:http-success 200])]
-        (is (= :success (:state m1)))
-        (is (= 200 (:status m1))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:state :loading}
+                               :event {:type :http-result :result {:success true :out "200"}}})]
+        (is (= :success (:state (:model result))))
+        (is (= 200 (:status (:model result)))))
 
       ;; Loading -> Error
-      (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:state :loading} [:http-error "Connection refused"])]
-        (is (= :error (:state m1)))
-        (is (= "Connection refused" (:error m1))))
+      (let [result (update-fn {:model {:state :loading}
+                               :event {:type :http-result :result {:success false :err "Connection refused"}}})]
+        (is (= :error (:state (:model result))))
+        (is (= "Connection refused" (:error (:model result)))))
 
       ;; Reset from any state
       (doseq [state [:idle :loading :success :error]]
-        (let [[m1 _] (update-fn {:state state :status 200 :error "err"} [:key {:char \r}])]
-          (is (= :idle (:state m1)))
-          (is (nil? (:status m1)))
-          (is (nil? (:error m1))))))))
-
-(deftest http-fetch-command-test
-  (testing "fetch command creates async function"
-    (let [fetch-url (fn [url]
-                      (fn []
-                        ;; Simulate success
-                        [:http-success 200]))]
-
-      (let [cmd (fetch-url "https://test.com")]
-        (is (fn? cmd))
-        (is (= [:http-success 200] (cmd)))))))
+        (let [result (update-fn {:model {:state state :status 200 :error "err"}
+                                 :event {:type :key :key \r}})]
+          (is (= :idle (:state (:model result))))
+          (is (nil? (:status (:model result))))
+          (is (nil? (:error (:model result)))))))))
 
 (deftest http-view-states-test
   (testing "http view renders different states"