Do we still use xml files for values? I've tried pruning the ones generated down but I still have colors, strings and 2xthemes files

Strings, yes, but the others, only if you really want to

@Adam Powell so I can remove the

android:theme="@style/Theme.MyAwesomeTheme"

from the manifest?

You still need a theme for content "above" compose e.g. the window decor like the

android:windowBackground

used at startup. If you're writing an all compose app then you shouldn't need an AppCompat dependency; we've started moving some of our samples to using

ComponentActivity

and

Theme.Material[.Light]

e.g. https://github.com/android/compose-samples/blob/main/Jetsnack

@nickbutcher @Adam Powell thank you both <3