Issue: transformers.js is an ES module package and cannot be loaded
with importScripts() in classic workers.
Solution:
- Changed to module worker (type: 'module')
- Import transformers.js from CDN as ES module
- Models (42MB) still served from local server at /models/
Trade-off:
- Library (900KB): Loads from cdn.jsdelivr.net once, cached
- Models (42MB): Self-hosted, served from /models/ (no CDN)
This is necessary because:
1. @xenova/transformers is ES module-only (package.json: "type": "module")
2. ES modules cannot use importScripts()
3. Module workers require HTTPS for imports
4. CDN is HTTPS and cacheable
If CDN is blocked:
- Use Web Speech API (with privacy warnings)
- OR use Server Transcription (Vertex AI/AWS)
Models remain self-hosted as they're 40MB+ and contain the AI.