Microsoft has released Visual Studio Code version 1.137, introducing five key features focused on AI agent capabilities. The update includes tools for task automation, voice interaction, and deeper integration with GitHub workflows directly within the editor.
The new Automations feature, currently in preview, allows users to schedule AI agent tasks on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis. Users can configure these tasks via the Agents sidebar using custom prompts or pre-set templates for tracking changes and bug hunting.
The Voice Mode update enables real-time verbal communication with AI agents, allowing users to interrupt or redirect tasks during execution. This feature supports context awareness regarding active sessions and selected models, and it can be disabled by administrators.
The update improves workflow continuity by allowing quick chats to transition into workspace sessions. Users can attach local folders to ongoing conversations, enabling the Copilot agent to access project files while retaining the original chat history and context.
GitHub integration now allows users to view issues and pull requests directly in the Agents window without leaving the editor. By installing the GitHub Pull Requests extension, users can open links or attach specific issues as context within any chat input field.
Additionally, Microsoft has launched a naming contest for the interactive VS Code pet feature, which can be activated via the vscode-pet command. The submission period for pet names runs from September 10 through September 17.
