docs: professional README — Feb 2026

README.md

@@ -1,42 +1,45 @@
+<div align="center">
+
 # IX Scout
-*Part of the Inference-X Ecosystem*
 
-[![License: BSL-1.1](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-BSL_1.1-orange.svg)](LICENSE)
+**Real-time global map of every Inference-X node**
 
-**Real-time global map of every Inference-X node.**
+[![Status](https://img.shields.io/badge/Status-Beta-blue.svg)]()
 
-When you run IX Engine with `--scout`, you optionally report anonymous hardware telemetry.
-IX Scout aggregates this data into a live map of the community's collective compute.
+[inference-x.com](https://inference-x.com)
+
+</div>
+
+---
+
+## What is IX Scout?
+
+IX Scout is a live global map showing all publicly registered Inference-X nodes — their location, models, hardware, and availability.
+
+## Features
+
+- **Live map** — geographic view of the IX network
+- **Anonymous by default** — nodes show region, not exact location
+- **Hardware stats** — GPU model, VRAM, performance tier
+- **Model availability** — which models each node serves
+- **Latency** — estimated response time from your location
+
+## Register your node
 
-## Deploy Scout Server
 ```bash
-pip install fastapi uvicorn
-python ix_scout.py
-# → API at http://localhost:7936
+# Add to your inference-x startup
+./inference-x model.gguf --serve 8080 --scout-register
+
+# Or via config
+echo "SCOUT_REGISTER=true" >> ~/.inference-x/config
 ```
 
-## Enable Node Reporting
-```bash
-# Add --scout flag to your IX Engine command
-./inference-x model.gguf --serve 8080 --scout https://scout.inference-x.com
-```
+Registration is opt-in. No tracking, no telemetry.
 
-## API
-```
-POST /report    — IX Engine nodes report telemetry
-GET  /stats     — Aggregated stats (24h window)
-GET  /nodes     — Recent nodes (anonymized)
-GET  /health    — Service status
-```
+## Status
 
-## Privacy
-- All telemetry is anonymous (no IPs stored)
-- Opt-in only via explicit `--scout` flag
-- Only hardware specs reported (backend, RAM, speed, country optional)
-- Data retained for 24 hours then pruned
+Beta — map functional, registration API stable.
 
-Built in Morocco for the world. 🇲🇦
+---
 
-## License
-[Business Source License 1.1](LICENSE)
-**Author:** Salka Elmadani
+*Part of the [Inference-X community](https://git.inference-x.com/inference-x-community)*