Update app.py

app.py

@@ -190,21 +190,23 @@ def reply(message, history):
 
 # -------- UI --------
 
+# Build initial messages:
+# Per Gradio's messages spec, `content` may be a string OR a *file dict* with at least `path`. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
 initial_messages = []
-
-# Use a Gradio component for media so it renders inline (messages content can be components). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
 if os.path.exists(WELCOME_IMAGE_PATH):
     initial_messages.append({
         "role": "assistant",
-        "content": gr.Image(value=WELCOME_IMAGE_PATH)  # inline image, not a file tile
+        "content": {
+            "path": WELCOME_IMAGE_PATH,           # server filepath
+            "mime_type": "image/png"              # helps render inline as an image
+        }
     })
 else:
     print(f"[startup] Welcome image not found at {WELCOME_IMAGE_PATH}; showing text only.")
 
-# Text message can just be a plain string in messages format. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
 initial_messages.append({
     "role": "assistant",
-    "content": WELCOME_TEXT
+    "content": WELCOME_TEXT                      # plain text message
 })
 
 chatbot_component = gr.Chatbot(
@@ -220,12 +222,12 @@ demo = gr.ChatInterface(
     type="messages",
 )
 
-# -------- Launch (SSR off + Spaces-friendly + expose assets) --------
+# -------- Launch (SSR off + Spaces-friendly) --------
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     demo.launch(
         ssr_mode=False,
         server_name="0.0.0.0",
         server_port=int(os.getenv("PORT", "7860")),
         share=False,
-        allowed_paths=["assets"],  # expose local assets for serving, e.g. cat.png
+        allowed_paths=["assets"],  # ensure Space can serve local assets
     )