diff --git a/cmd/commit.go b/cmd/commit.go
index 2fbfb8d..554cec8 100644
--- a/cmd/commit.go
+++ b/cmd/commit.go
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ Subcommands:
   unpublish  Make a commit private`,
 	Args: cobra.NoArgs,
 	RunE: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
-		// Bare `vers commit` with no args → create commit of HEAD
+		// Bare `vers commit` with no args -> create commit of HEAD
 		return commitCreateCmd.RunE(cmd, args)
 	},
 }
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ Use --format json for machine-readable output.`,
 			if res.UsedHEAD {
 				fmt.Printf("Using current HEAD VM: %s\n", res.VmID)
 			}
-			fmt.Printf("✓ Committed VM '%s'\n", res.VmID)
+			fmt.Printf("Committed VM '%s'\n", res.VmID)
 			fmt.Printf("Commit ID: %s\n", res.CommitID)
 		}
 		return nil
@@ -139,13 +139,13 @@ Examples:
 				CommitID: id,
 			})
 			if err != nil {
-				fmt.Fprintf(cmd.ErrOrStderr(), "✗ Failed to delete commit %s: %v\n", id, err)
+				fmt.Fprintf(cmd.ErrOrStderr(), "error: failed to delete commit %s: %v\n", id, err)
 				if firstErr == nil {
 					firstErr = err
 				}
 				continue
 			}
-			fmt.Printf("✓ Commit %s deleted\n", id)
+			fmt.Printf("Commit %s deleted\n", id)
 		}
 		return firstErr
 	},
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ var commitPublishCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Printf("✓ Commit %s is now public\n", info.CommitID)
+		fmt.Printf("Commit %s is now public\n", info.CommitID)
 		return nil
 	},
 }
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ var commitUnpublishCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Printf("✓ Commit %s is now private\n", info.CommitID)
+		fmt.Printf("Commit %s is now private\n", info.CommitID)
 		return nil
 	},
 }
diff --git a/cmd/execute_test.go b/cmd/execute_test.go
index 754d08b..9d863f5 100644
--- a/cmd/execute_test.go
+++ b/cmd/execute_test.go
@@ -10,9 +10,9 @@ import (
 
 // TestExecuteCommandArgumentParsing tests the argument parsing logic for execute.
 // The logic uses LooksLikeVMTarget to decide if the first arg is a VM or a command:
-//   - UUID → treated as VM target
-//   - Known alias → treated as VM target
-//   - Anything else → treated as command, uses HEAD
+//   - UUID -> treated as VM target
+//   - Known alias -> treated as VM target
+//   - Anything else -> treated as command, uses HEAD
 func TestExecuteCommandArgumentParsing(t *testing.T) {
 	tests := []struct {
 		name            string
diff --git a/cmd/login.go b/cmd/login.go
index 3ceba4e..ffdfd78 100644
--- a/cmd/login.go
+++ b/cmd/login.go
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ func loginWithGit() error {
 	fmt.Print("Looking up git email... ")
 	email, err := auth.GetGitEmail()
 	if err != nil {
-		fmt.Println("✗")
+		fmt.Println("failed")
 		return err
 	}
 	fmt.Println(email)
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ func loginWithGit() error {
 	fmt.Print("Looking up SSH public key... ")
 	sshPubKey, _, err := auth.FindSSHPublicKey()
 	if err != nil {
-		fmt.Println("✗")
+		fmt.Println("failed")
 		return err
 	}
 	// Show truncated key for confirmation
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ func loginWithGit() error {
 
 	if initResp.AlreadyVerified {
 		// Key is already verified — skip email, go straight to verify-key for org list
-		fmt.Println("SSH key already verified ✓")
+		fmt.Println("SSH key already verified")
 		verifyResp, err = auth.ShellAuthCheckVerification(email, sshPubKey)
 		if err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("failed to fetch org list: %w", err)
@@ -127,16 +127,16 @@ func loginWithGit() error {
 		}
 
 		// Step 4: Wait for email verification
-		fmt.Printf("\n📧 Verification email sent to %s\n", email)
+		fmt.Printf("\nVerification email sent to %s\n", email)
 		fmt.Println("   Click the link in the email to continue.")
 		fmt.Print("   Waiting for verification...")
 
 		verifyResp, err = auth.ShellAuthPollVerification(email, sshPubKey, 10*time.Minute)
 		if err != nil {
-			fmt.Println(" ✗")
+			fmt.Println(" failed")
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Println(" ✓")
+		fmt.Println(" ok")
 	}
 
 	// Step 5: Select organization
@@ -176,15 +176,15 @@ func loginWithGit() error {
 	fmt.Print("Creating API key... ")
 	keyResp, err := auth.ShellAuthCreateAPIKey(email, sshPubKey, label, orgName)
 	if err != nil {
-		fmt.Println("✗")
+		fmt.Println("failed")
 		return fmt.Errorf("failed to create API key: %w", err)
 	}
-	fmt.Println("✓")
+	fmt.Println("ok")
 
 	// Step 7: Validate and save
 	fmt.Print("Validating API key... ")
 	if err := validateAPIKey(keyResp.APIKey); err != nil {
-		fmt.Println("✗")
+		fmt.Println("failed")
 		return err
 	}
 
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ func loginWithGit() error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("error saving API key: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	fmt.Printf("\n✓ Successfully authenticated with Vers (org: %s)\n", keyResp.OrgName)
+	fmt.Printf("\nSuccessfully authenticated with Vers (org: %s)\n", keyResp.OrgName)
 	return nil
 }
 
diff --git a/cmd/repo.go b/cmd/repo.go
index 3e97591..22057d2 100644
--- a/cmd/repo.go
+++ b/cmd/repo.go
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ var repoCreateCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Printf("✓ Repository '%s' created (%s)\n", resp.Name, resp.RepoID)
+		fmt.Printf("Repository '%s' created (%s)\n", resp.Name, resp.RepoID)
 		return nil
 	},
 }
@@ -138,13 +138,13 @@ Examples:
 				Name: name,
 			})
 			if err != nil {
-				fmt.Fprintf(cmd.ErrOrStderr(), "✗ Failed to delete repository '%s': %v\n", name, err)
+				fmt.Fprintf(cmd.ErrOrStderr(), "error: failed to delete repository '%s': %v\n", name, err)
 				if firstErr == nil {
 					firstErr = err
 				}
 				continue
 			}
-			fmt.Printf("✓ Repository '%s' deleted\n", name)
+			fmt.Printf("Repository '%s' deleted\n", name)
 		}
 		return firstErr
 	},
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ Examples:
 		if repoVisibilityPublic {
 			vis = "public"
 		}
-		fmt.Printf("✓ Repository '%s' is now %s\n", args[0], vis)
+		fmt.Printf("Repository '%s' is now %s\n", args[0], vis)
 		return nil
 	},
 }
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ Examples:
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Printf("✓ Forked → %s\n", resp.Reference)
+		fmt.Printf("Forked -> %s\n", resp.Reference)
 		fmt.Printf("  VM:     %s\n", resp.VmID)
 		fmt.Printf("  Commit: %s\n", resp.CommitID)
 		return nil
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ var repoTagCreateCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Printf("✓ Tag created → %s\n", resp.Reference)
+		fmt.Printf("Tag created -> %s\n", resp.Reference)
 		return nil
 	},
 }
@@ -362,7 +362,7 @@ var repoTagUpdateCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Printf("✓ Tag '%s' in '%s' updated\n", args[1], args[0])
+		fmt.Printf("Tag '%s' in '%s' updated\n", args[1], args[0])
 		return nil
 	},
 }
@@ -390,13 +390,13 @@ Examples:
 				TagName:  name,
 			})
 			if err != nil {
-				fmt.Fprintf(cmd.ErrOrStderr(), "✗ Failed to delete tag '%s': %v\n", name, err)
+				fmt.Fprintf(cmd.ErrOrStderr(), "error: failed to delete tag '%s': %v\n", name, err)
 				if firstErr == nil {
 					firstErr = err
 				}
 				continue
 			}
-			fmt.Printf("✓ Tag '%s' deleted from '%s'\n", name, repoName)
+			fmt.Printf("Tag '%s' deleted from '%s'\n", name, repoName)
 		}
 		return firstErr
 	},
diff --git a/cmd/resize.go b/cmd/resize.go
index 0f6d924..4caa501 100644
--- a/cmd/resize.go
+++ b/cmd/resize.go
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ Use --format json for machine-readable output.`,
 		case pres.FormatJSON:
 			pres.PrintJSON(map[string]interface{}{"vm_id": vmID, "fs_size_mib": resizeDiskSize})
 		default:
-			fmt.Printf("✓ Disk resized to %d MiB for VM %s\n", resizeDiskSize, vmID)
+			fmt.Printf("Disk resized to %d MiB for VM %s\n", resizeDiskSize, vmID)
 		}
 		return nil
 	},
diff --git a/cmd/root.go b/cmd/root.go
index 4dab48e..9ae22a3 100644
--- a/cmd/root.go
+++ b/cmd/root.go
@@ -179,17 +179,17 @@ interaction capabilities, and more.`,
 			cmd.CalledAs() == "help" ||
 			cmd.Name() == "upgrade"
 
-		if !skipUpdateCheck {
-			// Synchronous update check with a tight timeout. Uses a
-			// disk-cached "latest known release" so the nag prints
-			// instantly on subsequent runs without any network I/O,
-			// and only refreshes once per check interval.
-			//
-			// Done synchronously (not in a goroutine) because short
-			// commands like `vers ps` would exit before a detached
-			// goroutine could finish its HTTP call, suppressing the
-			// nag indefinitely.
-			update.MaybeNotifyUpdate(cmd.Context(), Version, Repository, 800*time.Millisecond, verbose)
+		if !skipUpdateCheck && update.ShouldCheckForUpdate() {
+			// Update the check time regardless of result
+			update.UpdateCheckTime()
+			// Check for updates in background
+			go func() {
+				DebugPrint("Checking for updates...\n")
+				hasUpdate, latestVersion, err := update.CheckForUpdates(Version, Repository, verbose)
+				if err == nil && hasUpdate {
+					fmt.Printf("note: update available: %s -> %s (run 'vers upgrade')\n\n", Version, latestVersion)
+				}
+			}()
 		}
 
 		if cmd.Name() == "login" || cmd.Name() == "signup" || cmd.Name() == "help" || cmd.CalledAs() == "help" {
diff --git a/cmd/signup.go b/cmd/signup.go
index 1fd0fd3..9c97847 100644
--- a/cmd/signup.go
+++ b/cmd/signup.go
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ func signupWithGit() error {
 		var err error
 		email, err = auth.GetGitEmail()
 		if err != nil {
-			fmt.Println("✗")
+			fmt.Println("failed")
 			return err
 		}
 		fmt.Println(email)
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ func signupWithGit() error {
 	fmt.Print("Looking up SSH public key... ")
 	sshPubKey, sshKeyPath, err := auth.FindSSHPublicKey()
 	if err != nil {
-		fmt.Println("✗")
+		fmt.Println("failed")
 		return err
 	}
 	// Show truncated key for confirmation
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ func signupWithGit() error {
 
 	if initResp.AlreadyVerified {
 		// Key is already verified — skip email, go straight to verify-key for org list
-		fmt.Println("SSH key already verified ✓")
+		fmt.Println("SSH key already verified")
 		verifyResp, err = auth.ShellAuthCheckVerification(email, sshPubKey)
 		if err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("failed to fetch org list: %w", err)
@@ -72,16 +72,16 @@ func signupWithGit() error {
 		}
 
 		// Step 4: Wait for email verification
-		fmt.Printf("\n📧 Verification email sent to %s\n", email)
+		fmt.Printf("\nVerification email sent to %s\n", email)
 		fmt.Println("   Click the link in the email to continue.")
 		fmt.Print("   Waiting for verification...")
 
 		verifyResp, err = auth.ShellAuthPollVerification(email, sshPubKey, 10*time.Minute)
 		if err != nil {
-			fmt.Println(" ✗")
+			fmt.Println(" failed")
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Println(" ✓")
+		fmt.Println(" ok")
 	}
 
 	// Step 5: Select organization
@@ -127,15 +127,15 @@ func signupWithGit() error {
 	fmt.Print("Creating API key... ")
 	keyResp, err := auth.ShellAuthCreateAPIKey(email, sshPubKey, label, orgName)
 	if err != nil {
-		fmt.Println("✗")
+		fmt.Println("failed")
 		return fmt.Errorf("failed to create API key: %w", err)
 	}
-	fmt.Println("✓")
+	fmt.Println("ok")
 
 	// Step 7: Validate and save
 	fmt.Print("Validating API key... ")
 	if err := validateAPIKey(keyResp.APIKey); err != nil {
-		fmt.Println("✗")
+		fmt.Println("failed")
 		return err
 	}
 
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ func signupWithGit() error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("error saving config: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	fmt.Printf("\n✓ Successfully authenticated with Vers (org: %s)\n", keyResp.OrgName)
+	fmt.Printf("\nSuccessfully authenticated with Vers (org: %s)\n", keyResp.OrgName)
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -181,16 +181,16 @@ If you already have an account, this will log you in.`,
 
 		fmt.Print("Validating API key... ")
 		if err := validateAPIKey(apiKey); err != nil {
-			fmt.Println("✗")
+			fmt.Println("failed")
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Println("✓")
+		fmt.Println("ok")
 
 		if err := auth.SaveAPIKey(apiKey); err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("error saving API key: %w", err)
 		}
 
-		fmt.Println("\n✓ Successfully authenticated with Vers")
+		fmt.Println("\nSuccessfully authenticated with Vers")
 		return nil
 	},
 }
diff --git a/cmd/tag.go b/cmd/tag.go
index b0a4b49..7670512 100644
--- a/cmd/tag.go
+++ b/cmd/tag.go
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ var tagCreateCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Printf("✓ Tag '%s' created → %s\n", resp.TagName, resp.CommitID)
+		fmt.Printf("Tag '%s' created -> %s\n", resp.TagName, resp.CommitID)
 		return nil
 	},
 }
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ var tagUpdateCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Printf("✓ Tag '%s' updated\n", args[0])
+		fmt.Printf("Tag '%s' updated\n", args[0])
 		return nil
 	},
 }
@@ -163,13 +163,13 @@ Examples:
 				TagName: name,
 			})
 			if err != nil {
-				fmt.Fprintf(cmd.ErrOrStderr(), "✗ Failed to delete tag '%s': %v\n", name, err)
+				fmt.Fprintf(cmd.ErrOrStderr(), "error: failed to delete tag '%s': %v\n", name, err)
 				if firstErr == nil {
 					firstErr = err
 				}
 				continue
 			}
-			fmt.Printf("✓ Tag '%s' deleted\n", name)
+			fmt.Printf("Tag '%s' deleted\n", name)
 		}
 		return firstErr
 	},
diff --git a/internal/auth/keys.go b/internal/auth/keys.go
index d0cf7fc..3248ece 100644
--- a/internal/auth/keys.go
+++ b/internal/auth/keys.go
@@ -52,6 +52,6 @@ func GetOrCreateSSHKey(vmID string, client *vers.Client, apiCtx context.Context)
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("failed to save SSH key: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	fmt.Println("✓ SSH key cached")
+	fmt.Println("SSH key cached")
 	return keyPath, nil
 }
diff --git a/internal/handlers/kill.go b/internal/handlers/kill.go
index 4b83c44..a83be97 100644
--- a/internal/handlers/kill.go
+++ b/internal/handlers/kill.go
@@ -43,10 +43,10 @@ func HandleKill(ctx context.Context, a *app.App, r KillReq) error {
 	var allDeleted []string
 
 	for i, target := range targets {
-		// Resolve alias → ID
+		// Resolve alias -> ID
 		vmInfo, err := utils.ResolveVMIdentifier(ctx, a.Client, target)
 		if err != nil {
-			fmt.Fprintf(a.IO.Err, "✗ Failed to resolve '%s': %v\n", target, err)
+			fmt.Fprintf(a.IO.Err, "error: failed to resolve '%s': %v\n", target, err)
 			if firstErr == nil {
 				firstErr = err
 			}
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ func HandleKill(ctx context.Context, a *app.App, r KillReq) error {
 
 		deletedID, err := delsvc.DeleteVM(ctx, a.Client, vmInfo.ID)
 		if err != nil {
-			fmt.Fprintf(a.IO.Err, "✗ Failed to delete '%s': %v\n", vmInfo.DisplayName, err)
+			fmt.Fprintf(a.IO.Err, "error: failed to delete '%s': %v\n", vmInfo.DisplayName, err)
 			if firstErr == nil {
 				firstErr = err
 			}
diff --git a/internal/handlers/upgrade.go b/internal/handlers/upgrade.go
index 3036415..5ff7424 100644
--- a/internal/handlers/upgrade.go
+++ b/internal/handlers/upgrade.go
@@ -105,9 +105,9 @@ func performUpgrade(DebugPrint func(string, ...any), release *update.GitHubRelea
 		if err := verifyChecksum(tempFile, checksumURL); err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("checksum verification failed: %w", err)
 		}
-		fmt.Println("✓ Checksum verification passed")
+		fmt.Println("Checksum verification passed")
 	} else if skipChecksum {
-		fmt.Println("⚠️  Skipping checksum verification (not recommended)")
+		fmt.Println("warning: skipping checksum verification (not recommended)")
 	}
 
 	currentExe, err := os.Executable()
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ func performUpgrade(DebugPrint func(string, ...any), release *update.GitHubRelea
 		return fmt.Errorf("failed to install update: %w", err)
 	}
 	os.Remove(backupPath)
-	fmt.Printf("✓ Successfully upgraded to version %s!\n", release.TagName)
+	fmt.Printf("Successfully upgraded to version %s!\n", release.TagName)
 	fmt.Println("Please restart any running vers processes to use the new version.")
 	return nil
 }
diff --git a/internal/mcp/tools_tunnel.go b/internal/mcp/tools_tunnel.go
index 753bdc9..9dced82 100644
--- a/internal/mcp/tools_tunnel.go
+++ b/internal/mcp/tools_tunnel.go
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ func registerTunnelTool(server *mcp.Server, application *app.App, opts Options)
 		// Store the tunnel so it can be closed later
 		storeTunnel(tunnel)
 
-		summary := fmt.Sprintf("Tunnel open: 127.0.0.1:%d → %s:%d on VM %s (established in %s)",
+		summary := fmt.Sprintf("Tunnel open: 127.0.0.1:%d -> %s:%d on VM %s (established in %s)",
 			tunnel.LocalPort, remoteHost, in.RemotePort, target, duration.Truncate(time.Millisecond))
 		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "[mcp] tool=vers.tunnel ok dur=%s target=%s local=%d remote=%s:%d\n",
 			duration.Truncate(time.Millisecond), target, tunnel.LocalPort, remoteHost, in.RemotePort)
diff --git a/internal/presenters/branch_presenter.go b/internal/presenters/branch_presenter.go
index 81d122d..c7e02b4 100644
--- a/internal/presenters/branch_presenter.go
+++ b/internal/presenters/branch_presenter.go
@@ -28,13 +28,13 @@ func RenderBranch(a *app.App, res BranchView) {
 	fmt.Printf("Creating new VM from: %s\n", progressName)
 
 	if numNew == 1 {
-		fmt.Println("✓ New VM created successfully!")
+		fmt.Println("New VM created successfully!")
 		fmt.Printf("VM ID: %s\n", newIDs[0])
 		if res.NewAlias != "" {
 			fmt.Printf("Alias: %s\n", res.NewAlias)
 		}
 	} else {
-		fmt.Printf("✓ %d new VMs created successfully!\n", numNew)
+		fmt.Printf("%d new VMs created successfully!\n", numNew)
 		for _, id := range newIDs {
 			fmt.Println(id)
 		}
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ func RenderBranch(a *app.App, res BranchView) {
 		if display == "" {
 			display = newIDs[0]
 		}
-		fmt.Printf("✓ HEAD now points to: %s\n", display)
+		fmt.Printf("HEAD now points to: %s\n", display)
 		return
 	}
 
diff --git a/internal/presenters/commits_presenter.go b/internal/presenters/commits_presenter.go
index 96e4fbc..31779a1 100644
--- a/internal/presenters/commits_presenter.go
+++ b/internal/presenters/commits_presenter.go
@@ -43,9 +43,9 @@ func RenderCommitParents(_ *app.App, v CommitParentsView) {
 	}
 
 	for i, p := range v.Parents {
-		prefix := "├─"
+		prefix := "|-"
 		if i == len(v.Parents)-1 {
-			prefix = "└─"
+			prefix = "\\-"
 		}
 		name := p.Name
 		if name == "" {
diff --git a/internal/presenters/deletion_presenter.go b/internal/presenters/deletion_presenter.go
index 9d7da7b..89cb87c 100644
--- a/internal/presenters/deletion_presenter.go
+++ b/internal/presenters/deletion_presenter.go
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ func ProgressCounter(current, total int, action, target string) {
 }
 
 func SuccessMessage(message string) {
-	fmt.Printf("✓ %s\n", message)
+	fmt.Printf("%s\n", message)
 }
 
 func OperationCancelled() { fmt.Println("Operation cancelled") }
@@ -32,9 +32,9 @@ func SectionHeader(title string) {
 
 func PrintDeletionSummary(results SummaryResults) {
 	SectionHeader("Operation Summary")
-	fmt.Printf("✓ Successfully processed: %d %s\n", results.SuccessCount, results.ItemType)
+	fmt.Printf("Successfully processed: %d %s\n", results.SuccessCount, results.ItemType)
 	if results.FailCount > 0 {
-		fmt.Printf("✗ Failed to process: %d %s\n", results.FailCount, results.ItemType)
+		fmt.Printf("error: failed to process: %d %s\n", results.FailCount, results.ItemType)
 		if len(results.Errors) > 0 {
 			fmt.Println()
 			fmt.Println("Error details:")
diff --git a/internal/presenters/pause_presenter.go b/internal/presenters/pause_presenter.go
index f7eb419..27113a8 100644
--- a/internal/presenters/pause_presenter.go
+++ b/internal/presenters/pause_presenter.go
@@ -9,6 +9,6 @@ import (
 type PauseView struct{ VMName, NewState string }
 
 func RenderPause(a *app.App, v PauseView) {
-	fmt.Printf("✓ VM '%s' paused successfully\n", v.VMName)
+	fmt.Printf("VM '%s' paused successfully\n", v.VMName)
 	fmt.Printf("State: %s\n", v.NewState)
 }
diff --git a/internal/presenters/resume_presenter.go b/internal/presenters/resume_presenter.go
index b92694c..3b610cd 100644
--- a/internal/presenters/resume_presenter.go
+++ b/internal/presenters/resume_presenter.go
@@ -9,6 +9,6 @@ import (
 type ResumeView struct{ VMName, NewState string }
 
 func RenderResume(a *app.App, v ResumeView) {
-	fmt.Printf("✓ VM '%s' resumed successfully\n", v.VMName)
+	fmt.Printf("VM '%s' resumed successfully\n", v.VMName)
 	fmt.Printf("State: %s\n", v.NewState)
 }
diff --git a/internal/presenters/tunnel_presenter.go b/internal/presenters/tunnel_presenter.go
index e50c21b..e43e081 100644
--- a/internal/presenters/tunnel_presenter.go
+++ b/internal/presenters/tunnel_presenter.go
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ func RenderTunnel(a *app.App, v TunnelView) {
 	if v.UsedHEAD {
 		fmt.Fprintf(a.IO.Out, "Using current HEAD VM: %s\n", v.HeadID)
 	}
-	fmt.Fprintf(a.IO.Out, "Forwarding 127.0.0.1:%d → %s:%d on VM %s\n",
+	fmt.Fprintf(a.IO.Out, "Forwarding 127.0.0.1:%d -> %s:%d on VM %s\n",
 		v.LocalPort, v.RemoteHost, v.RemotePort, v.VMName)
 	fmt.Fprintln(a.IO.Out, "Press Ctrl-C to stop the tunnel.")
 }
diff --git a/internal/update/update.go b/internal/update/update.go
index 6810b40..df640da 100644
--- a/internal/update/update.go
+++ b/internal/update/update.go
@@ -316,7 +316,7 @@ func MaybeNotifyUpdate(ctx context.Context, current, repository string, timeout
 }
 
 func printUpdateBanner(current, latest string) {
-	fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "💡 vers update available: %s -> %s (run 'vers upgrade')\n\n", current, latest)
+	fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "note: vers update available: %s -> %s (run 'vers upgrade')\n\n", current, latest)
 }
 
 // envFlagSet returns true if the env var is set to a "truthy" value.
diff --git a/internal/update/update_test.go b/internal/update/update_test.go
index 8dfbe7c..dfe98d7 100644
--- a/internal/update/update_test.go
+++ b/internal/update/update_test.go
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ type rewriteTransport struct {
 }
 
 func (rt *rewriteTransport) RoundTrip(r *http.Request) (*http.Response, error) {
-	// Rewrite api.github.com → httptest server
+	// Rewrite api.github.com -> httptest server
 	if strings.Contains(r.URL.Host, "api.github.com") {
 		u := *r.URL
 		// httptest server URL is like http://127.0.0.1:PORT
diff --git a/test/integration_repo_lifecycle_test.go b/test/integration_repo_lifecycle_test.go
index 27f6272..522e171 100644
--- a/test/integration_repo_lifecycle_test.go
+++ b/test/integration_repo_lifecycle_test.go
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ import (
 )
 
 // TestRepoLifecycle exercises the full repo CRUD lifecycle against production:
-// create repo → list → get → create tag → list tags → get tag → update tag → delete tag → delete repo.
+// create repo -> list -> get -> create tag -> list tags -> get tag -> update tag -> delete tag -> delete repo.
 // Everything is cleaned up regardless of test outcome.
 func TestRepoLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
 	testutil.TestEnv(t)
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ func TestRepoLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
 // parseCommitID extracts a commit ID from `vers commit create` output.
 // Expected format:
 //
-//	✓ Committed VM '<vm-id>'
+//	Committed VM '<vm-id>'
 //	Commit ID: <commit-id>
 func parseCommitID(t *testing.T, output string) string {
 	t.Helper()
diff --git a/test/single-action/integration_branch_test.go b/test/single-action/integration_branch_test.go
index 68dd5aa..11c8c35 100644
--- a/test/single-action/integration_branch_test.go
+++ b/test/single-action/integration_branch_test.go
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ func TestBranchBasic(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected 'Creating new VM from' in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ VM branched successfully")
+	t.Log("VM branched successfully")
 	t.Log("TestBranchBasic completed")
 }
 
@@ -85,6 +85,6 @@ func TestBranchFromNonExistent(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Logf("Warning: error message could be more specific. Got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Branch from non-existent VM failed as expected")
+	t.Log("Branch from non-existent VM failed as expected")
 	t.Log("TestBranchFromNonExistent completed")
 }
diff --git a/test/single-action/integration_commits_test.go b/test/single-action/integration_commits_test.go
index 26cff67..e046656 100644
--- a/test/single-action/integration_commits_test.go
+++ b/test/single-action/integration_commits_test.go
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ func TestCommitAndList(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected commit %s in list output, got:\n%s", commitID, out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Commit created and listed successfully")
+	t.Log("Commit created and listed successfully")
 }
 
 // TestCommitHistory tests the commit history (parents) command.
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ func TestCommitHistory(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected 'Commit History' header in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Commit history retrieved successfully")
+	t.Log("Commit history retrieved successfully")
 }
 
 // TestCommitPublishUnpublish tests publishing and unpublishing a commit.
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ func TestCommitPublishUnpublish(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected 'now private' in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Commit publish/unpublish works")
+	t.Log("Commit publish/unpublish works")
 }
 
 // TestCommitDeleteNonExistent tests that deleting a non-existent commit fails gracefully.
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ func TestCommitDeleteNonExistent(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected error deleting non-existent commit, got success:\n%s", out)
 	}
 	t.Logf("Got expected error:\n%s", out)
-	t.Log("✓ Delete non-existent commit failed as expected")
+	t.Log("Delete non-existent commit failed as expected")
 }
 
 // TestCommitListEmpty tests that commit list works even with no commits.
@@ -198,5 +198,5 @@ func TestCommitListEmpty(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected commit-related output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Commit list works")
+	t.Log("Commit list works")
 }
diff --git a/test/single-action/integration_connect_test.go b/test/single-action/integration_connect_test.go
index 44c1f35..8cb1b16 100644
--- a/test/single-action/integration_connect_test.go
+++ b/test/single-action/integration_connect_test.go
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ func TestConnect_SSHOverTLS(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("expected 'root' from whoami command, got: %s", lastLine)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ SSH-over-TLS connection successful")
+	t.Log("SSH-over-TLS connection successful")
 	t.Log("TestConnect_SSHOverTLS completed")
 }
 
@@ -203,6 +203,6 @@ func TestConnect_InvalidVM(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	t.Logf("Got expected error: %v", err)
-	t.Log("✓ Connect correctly fails for non-existent VM")
+	t.Log("Connect correctly fails for non-existent VM")
 	t.Log("TestConnect_InvalidVM completed")
 }
diff --git a/test/single-action/integration_execute_test.go b/test/single-action/integration_execute_test.go
index 519ea05..497dc0e 100644
--- a/test/single-action/integration_execute_test.go
+++ b/test/single-action/integration_execute_test.go
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ func TestExecuteBasic(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected 'hello-from-vers' in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Execute command successful")
+	t.Log("Execute command successful")
 	t.Log("TestExecuteBasic completed")
 }
 
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ func TestExecuteWithFlags(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected directory listing in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Execute with flags successful")
+	t.Log("Execute with flags successful")
 	t.Log("TestExecuteWithFlags completed")
 }
 
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ func TestExecuteQuotedCommand(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected directory listing in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Execute with quoted command successful")
+	t.Log("Execute with quoted command successful")
 	t.Log("TestExecuteQuotedCommand completed")
 }
 
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@ func TestExecuteMultipleArgs(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected 'hello world from vers' in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Execute with multiple args successful")
+	t.Log("Execute with multiple args successful")
 	t.Log("TestExecuteMultipleArgs completed")
 }
 
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@ func TestExecuteInvalidVM(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Logf("Warning: error message could be more specific. Got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Execute correctly fails for non-existent VM")
+	t.Log("Execute correctly fails for non-existent VM")
 	t.Log("TestExecuteInvalidVM completed")
 }
 
@@ -252,7 +252,7 @@ func TestExecuteMissingCommand(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected 'Usage:' in error output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Execute correctly fails with clear error for missing command")
+	t.Log("Execute correctly fails with clear error for missing command")
 	t.Log("TestExecuteMissingCommand completed")
 }
 
@@ -299,6 +299,6 @@ func TestExecuteCommandWithExitCode(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Logf("Warning: error message could mention exit code. Got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Execute properly handles non-zero exit codes")
+	t.Log("Execute properly handles non-zero exit codes")
 	t.Log("TestExecuteCommandWithExitCode completed")
 }
diff --git a/test/single-action/integration_info_test.go b/test/single-action/integration_info_test.go
index d16e88d..cec2217 100644
--- a/test/single-action/integration_info_test.go
+++ b/test/single-action/integration_info_test.go
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ func TestInfoBasic(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected Created field in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ VM info retrieved successfully")
+	t.Log("VM info retrieved successfully")
 }
 
 // TestInfoWithLineage tests that a branched VM shows parent commit info.
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ func TestInfoWithLineage(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Logf("Note: no parent commit shown — may depend on backend behavior")
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ VM info with lineage retrieved")
+	t.Log("VM info with lineage retrieved")
 }
 
 // TestInfoNonExistent tests that info for a non-existent VM fails gracefully.
@@ -123,5 +123,5 @@ func TestInfoNonExistent(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected error for non-existent VM, got success:\n%s", out)
 	}
 	t.Logf("Got expected error:\n%s", out)
-	t.Log("✓ Info for non-existent VM failed as expected")
+	t.Log("Info for non-existent VM failed as expected")
 }
diff --git a/test/single-action/integration_kill_test.go b/test/single-action/integration_kill_test.go
index 1186268..8922734 100644
--- a/test/single-action/integration_kill_test.go
+++ b/test/single-action/integration_kill_test.go
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ func TestKillBasic(t *testing.T) {
 
 	// Note: Current implementation doesn't print a success message on deletion
 	// Success is indicated by exit code 0 (no error) and empty/minimal output
-	t.Log("✓ VM deleted successfully (command returned with no error)")
+	t.Log("VM deleted successfully (command returned with no error)")
 	t.Log("TestKillBasic completed")
 }
 
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ func TestKillNonExistent(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Logf("Warning: error message could be more specific. Got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Non-existent VM deletion failed as expected")
+	t.Log("Non-existent VM deletion failed as expected")
 	t.Log("TestKillNonExistent completed")
 }
 
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ func TestKillWithoutConfirmation(t *testing.T) {
 
 	// Check if it's a timeout or prompt-related error
 	if strings.Contains(err.Error(), "timed out") || strings.Contains(out, "confirm") || strings.Contains(out, "y/n") {
-		t.Logf("✓ Kill command prompted for confirmation or timed out as expected. Error: %v", err)
+		t.Logf("Kill command prompted for confirmation or timed out as expected. Error: %v", err)
 	} else {
 		t.Logf("Kill failed with error (this may be expected in non-interactive mode): %v\nOutput:\n%s", err, out)
 	}
diff --git a/test/single-action/integration_login_test.go b/test/single-action/integration_login_test.go
index 3cdeb16..e28c423 100644
--- a/test/single-action/integration_login_test.go
+++ b/test/single-action/integration_login_test.go
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ func TestLoginWithValidKey(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected file permissions 0600, got %o", perm)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Login with valid key successful")
+	t.Log("Login with valid key successful")
 	t.Log("TestLoginWithValidKey completed")
 }
 
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ func TestLoginWithInvalidKey(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Login correctly rejected invalid key")
+	t.Log("Login correctly rejected invalid key")
 	t.Log("TestLoginWithInvalidKey completed")
 }
 
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ func TestLoginAndUseCommands(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("status command failed with auth error after login. Output:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Commands work with saved API key")
+	t.Log("Commands work with saved API key")
 	t.Log("TestLoginAndUseCommands completed")
 }
 
@@ -224,6 +224,6 @@ func TestLoginOverwritesExistingKey(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("API key doesn't match new key. Expected: %s, Got: %s", apiKey, config.APIKey)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Login correctly overwrites existing key")
+	t.Log("Login correctly overwrites existing key")
 	t.Log("TestLoginOverwritesExistingKey completed")
 }
diff --git a/test/single-action/integration_resize_test.go b/test/single-action/integration_resize_test.go
index 5e8775d..94e7b54 100644
--- a/test/single-action/integration_resize_test.go
+++ b/test/single-action/integration_resize_test.go
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ func TestResizeBasic(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected '20480' in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ VM disk resized successfully")
+	t.Log("VM disk resized successfully")
 }
 
 // TestResizeTooSmall tests that shrinking a disk fails.
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ func TestResizeTooSmall(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected error when shrinking disk, got success:\n%s", out)
 	}
 	t.Logf("Got expected error:\n%s", out)
-	t.Log("✓ Resize to smaller size failed as expected")
+	t.Log("Resize to smaller size failed as expected")
 }
 
 // TestResizeMissingSize tests that --size flag is required.
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ func TestResizeMissingSize(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Logf("Warning: error message could mention --size requirement. Got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Missing --size flag failed as expected")
+	t.Log("Missing --size flag failed as expected")
 }
 
 // TestResizeNonExistent tests that resizing a non-existent VM fails.
@@ -107,5 +107,5 @@ func TestResizeNonExistent(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected error for non-existent VM, got success:\n%s", out)
 	}
 	t.Logf("Got expected error:\n%s", out)
-	t.Log("✓ Resize non-existent VM failed as expected")
+	t.Log("Resize non-existent VM failed as expected")
 }
diff --git a/test/single-action/integration_run_test.go b/test/single-action/integration_run_test.go
index 4faf2ce..1722a44 100644
--- a/test/single-action/integration_run_test.go
+++ b/test/single-action/integration_run_test.go
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ func TestRunBasic(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected 'started successfully' in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ VM created successfully")
+	t.Log("VM created successfully")
 	// SDK alpha.24 fixes:
 	// - NewRoot() now returns VM ID in response
 	// - API now returns proper content-type: application/json headers
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ func TestRunWithCustomSpecs(t *testing.T) {
 
 	// The command should succeed
 	// Note: We can't verify the specs in the output since the new API doesn't return VM details
-	t.Log("✓ VM created with custom specs successfully")
+	t.Log("VM created with custom specs successfully")
 	t.Log("TestRunWithCustomSpecs completed")
 }
 
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ func TestRunSetsHEAD(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("HEAD contains %q, expected %q", headVM, vmID)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ vers run correctly persists HEAD")
+	t.Log("vers run correctly persists HEAD")
 
 	// Verify `vers head` also reads it back correctly from the same directory
 	headOut, err := testutil.RunVersInDir(t, tempDir, testutil.DefaultTimeout, "head")
@@ -180,6 +180,6 @@ func TestRunSetsHEAD(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("vers head output doesn't contain VM ID %s:\n%s", vmID, headOut)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ vers head reads back the correct VM ID")
+	t.Log("vers head reads back the correct VM ID")
 	t.Log("TestRunSetsHEAD completed")
 }
diff --git a/test/single-action/integration_ssh_keys_test.go b/test/single-action/integration_ssh_keys_test.go
index 5382c58..e755803 100644
--- a/test/single-action/integration_ssh_keys_test.go
+++ b/test/single-action/integration_ssh_keys_test.go
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ J8aHcHXRqvNKwFdF9wAAAEDummyJZD5xPH8cYmP5KkqLXQBLJ8aHcHXRqvNKwFdF
 		t.Errorf("key file content doesn't match expected content")
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ GetOrCreateSSHKey successfully returned existing key path")
+	t.Log("GetOrCreateSSHKey successfully returned existing key path")
 	t.Log("TestGetOrCreateSSHKey_ExistingKey completed")
 }
 
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ func TestGetOrCreateSSHKey_NoKey(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Logf("Warning: error message doesn't mention 'failed to fetch'. Got: %s", err.Error())
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ GetOrCreateSSHKey correctly returns error when VM doesn't exist")
+	t.Log("GetOrCreateSSHKey correctly returns error when VM doesn't exist")
 	t.Log("TestGetOrCreateSSHKey_NoKey completed")
 }
 
@@ -199,7 +199,7 @@ func TestGetOrCreateSSHKey_Integration(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("key file doesn't appear to contain a valid SSH private key. Content length: %d bytes", len(keyStr))
 	}
 
-	t.Logf("✓ SSH key successfully fetched and saved (%d bytes)", len(keyStr))
+	t.Logf("SSH key successfully fetched and saved (%d bytes)", len(keyStr))
 
 	// Test that calling it again returns the cached key
 	t.Log("Testing cached key retrieval...")
@@ -212,6 +212,6 @@ func TestGetOrCreateSSHKey_Integration(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("expected same key path on second call, got %s vs %s", keyPath, keyPath2)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Cached key retrieval works")
+	t.Log("Cached key retrieval works")
 	t.Log("TestGetOrCreateSSHKey_Integration completed")
 }
diff --git a/test/single-action/integration_tags_test.go b/test/single-action/integration_tags_test.go
index b17e2d4..bca1a9d 100644
--- a/test/single-action/integration_tags_test.go
+++ b/test/single-action/integration_tags_test.go
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import (
 )
 
 // TestTagLifecycle tests the full tag CRUD lifecycle:
-// create a VM → commit → tag → list → get → update → delete.
+// create a VM -> commit -> tag -> list -> get -> update -> delete.
 func TestTagLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Log("Starting TestTagLifecycle...")
 	testutil.TestEnv(t)
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ func TestTagLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.Contains(out, commitID) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected commit ID in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
-	t.Log("✓ Tag created")
+	t.Log("Tag created")
 
 	// === LIST ===
 	t.Log("Running: vers tag list")
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ func TestTagLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.Contains(out, tagName) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected tag %s in list output, got:\n%s", tagName, out)
 	}
-	t.Log("✓ Tag listed")
+	t.Log("Tag listed")
 
 	// === GET ===
 	t.Logf("Running: vers tag get %s", tagName)
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ func TestTagLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.Contains(out, commitID) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected commit ID in get output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
-	t.Log("✓ Tag retrieved")
+	t.Log("Tag retrieved")
 
 	// === UPDATE (description) ===
 	t.Logf("Running: vers tag update %s --description 'updated desc'", tagName)
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ func TestTagLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.Contains(out, "updated") {
 		t.Fatalf("expected 'updated' in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
-	t.Log("✓ Tag updated")
+	t.Log("Tag updated")
 
 	// Verify the update took effect
 	out, err = testutil.RunVers(t, testutil.DefaultTimeout, "tag", "get", tagName)
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ func TestTagLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.Contains(out, "updated desc") {
 		t.Fatalf("expected updated description in get output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
-	t.Log("✓ Tag update verified")
+	t.Log("Tag update verified")
 
 	// === DELETE ===
 	t.Logf("Running: vers tag delete %s", tagName)
@@ -118,14 +118,14 @@ func TestTagLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.Contains(out, "deleted") {
 		t.Fatalf("expected 'deleted' in output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
-	t.Log("✓ Tag deleted")
+	t.Log("Tag deleted")
 
 	// Verify tag is gone
 	out, err = testutil.RunVers(t, testutil.DefaultTimeout, "tag", "get", tagName)
 	if err == nil {
 		t.Fatalf("expected error getting deleted tag, got success:\n%s", out)
 	}
-	t.Log("✓ Deleted tag no longer accessible")
+	t.Log("Deleted tag no longer accessible")
 
 	t.Log("TestTagLifecycle completed")
 }
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@ func TestTagCreateDuplicate(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected error creating duplicate tag, got success:\n%s", out)
 	}
 	t.Logf("Got expected error:\n%s", out)
-	t.Log("✓ Duplicate tag creation failed as expected")
+	t.Log("Duplicate tag creation failed as expected")
 }
 
 // TestTagGetNonExistent tests that getting a non-existent tag fails gracefully.
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ func TestTagGetNonExistent(t *testing.T) {
 	if err == nil {
 		t.Fatalf("expected error getting non-existent tag, got success:\n%s", out)
 	}
-	t.Log("✓ Non-existent tag get failed as expected")
+	t.Log("Non-existent tag get failed as expected")
 }
 
 // TestTagDeleteNonExistent tests that deleting a non-existent tag fails gracefully.
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ func TestTagDeleteNonExistent(t *testing.T) {
 	if err == nil {
 		t.Fatalf("expected error deleting non-existent tag, got success:\n%s", out)
 	}
-	t.Log("✓ Non-existent tag delete failed as expected")
+	t.Log("Non-existent tag delete failed as expected")
 }
 
 // TestTagListEmpty tests that tag list works even with no tags.
@@ -220,5 +220,5 @@ func TestTagListEmpty(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected tag-related output, got:\n%s", out)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Tag list works")
+	t.Log("Tag list works")
 }
diff --git a/test/single-action/integration_tunnel_test.go b/test/single-action/integration_tunnel_test.go
index 0e17bc9..6e2adb2 100644
--- a/test/single-action/integration_tunnel_test.go
+++ b/test/single-action/integration_tunnel_test.go
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ func TestTunnelBasic(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("expected echo %q, got %q", testMsg, response)
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Data round-tripped through tunnel successfully")
+	t.Log("Data round-tripped through tunnel successfully")
 	t.Log("TestTunnelBasic completed")
 }
 
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ func TestTunnelInvalidVM(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	t.Logf("Got expected error: %v\nOutput:\n%s", err, out)
-	t.Log("✓ Tunnel correctly fails for non-existent VM")
+	t.Log("Tunnel correctly fails for non-existent VM")
 	t.Log("TestTunnelInvalidVM completed")
 }
 
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ func TestTunnelInvalidSpec(t *testing.T) {
 		})
 	}
 
-	t.Log("✓ Tunnel correctly rejects invalid specs")
+	t.Log("Tunnel correctly rejects invalid specs")
 	t.Log("TestTunnelInvalidSpec completed")
 }
 
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ func TestTunnelUsesHEAD(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	conn.Close()
 
-	t.Log("✓ Tunnel correctly uses HEAD VM")
+	t.Log("Tunnel correctly uses HEAD VM")
 	t.Log("TestTunnelUsesHEAD completed")
 }
 
diff --git a/test/testutil/helpers.go b/test/testutil/helpers.go
index 52e9c3c..42dacf2 100644
--- a/test/testutil/helpers.go
+++ b/test/testutil/helpers.go
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ func RunVers(t TLike, timeout time.Duration, args ...string) (string, error) {
 
 	cmd := exec.CommandContext(ctx, BinPath, args...)
 	// Inherit env so VERS_URL and VERS_API_KEY are visible, but force
-	// the update-check off so the "💡 vers update available" banner
+	// the update-check off so the "note: vers update available" banner
 	// can't contaminate command output that tests parse.
 	cmd.Env = append(os.Environ(), "VERS_NO_UPDATE_CHECK=1")
 	out, err := cmd.CombinedOutput()