New Visual Studio Code update released

The latest version of Visual Studio Code, known as VS Code, has been released with several new features aimed at improving the development experience. This update includes enhancements for managing sessions, integrating with external tools, and working with AI models more effectively.

Session continuity improvements

This version introduces session continuity, allowing users to run and continue Copilot tasks in the cloud. This means that users can work on tasks without their local machine being connected to the internet, as the repository and tools run in a managed environment on GitHub’s infrastructure.

Copilot Fusion for model orchestration

A new feature called GitHub Copilot Fusion allows users to let Copilot automatically choose the best models for their tasks. Instead of selecting a specific model for each task, users can choose Copilot Fusion, which combines multiple models to balance performance and cost. This feature is available to all users, with different levels of access based on subscription plans.

Image generation preview

VS Code now includes a preview of an image generation feature that allows agents to create and modify images directly in the chat. This feature uses GPT Image 2.5 Flare and can be toggled on or off through settings. Images generated with this feature require additional AI credits and can include a visible watermark.

Computer usage feature

The "Computer Usage" feature allows agents to interact with desktop applications installed on the user’s computer. This is useful for tasks that require interaction with external software. Users must grant permission for the agent to access their computer, and they can enable or disable this feature using specific commands.

Workset for managing file changes

A new experimental feature called "Workset" allows users to review and manage changes made to files by agents. This feature helps users keep track of modifications and decide whether to keep or undo them. Users can use built-in commands to manage individual changes or view pending changes in the workset.

Assisted permissions for tool calls

The update also introduces assisted permissions, which help users manage tool calls made by agents. This feature allows agents to perform risk assessments for each tool call, reducing the need for constant manual approval while maintaining security and control over the development process.