Enhancements in Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code: AI Integration and Billing Updates
Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code are among the leading integrated development environments (IDEs), with an impressive user base exceeding 50 million monthly active participants. Their popularity stems from versatile cross-platform capabilities, seamless integration within the Microsoft ecosystem, and the innovative features provided by GitHub Copilot. Recently, Microsoft has announced exciting enhancements aimed at attracting even more developers eager to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for increased productivity in their coding endeavors.
Updated AI Models for Improved Performance
In a recent blog post, Microsoft revealed a significant update to the AI models utilized in Visual Studio. One notable change is the shift from GPT-4o to GPT-4.1 as the default option for GitHub Copilot, which is designed to yield faster and more accurate responses. Additionally, users now have the option to choose from a wider array of models tailored to enhance their coding experience:
- Claude Sonnet 4
- Claude Opus 4
- Claude Sonnet 3.5
- Claude 3.7 (non-thinking and thinking variants)
- OpenAI o3 mini
- Gemini 2.0 Flash
- Gemini 2.5 Pro
Seamless Model Selection
Users can enjoy a seamless experience as their preferred model will be retained throughout their workflow sessions. For those uncertain about which model to choose, comprehensive guidance can be found in the official documentation. Moreover, Visual Studio has streamlined the process of switching between models included in your subscription via an intuitive selector prompt.
New Billing Experience for GitHub Copilot
In relation to billing, Microsoft has introduced an enhanced Copilot Consumptions panel accessible through the Copilot badge located in the top-right corner of the IDE. This new feature presents your usage data in an easily understandable format. Users can also opt for Manage Plan, which links directly to the GitHub website for plan management.
Model Usage Insights
It’s crucial for users to be informed that certain AI models require a heavier request load. Visual Studio has implemented a notification system that alerts users about model selection demands. In instances where premium requests are exhausted, the system will transition users to a standard model without disruption. Furthermore, it’s important to stay updated on the recent changes to the GitHub Copilot pricing plans, as these alterations are reflected in the billing process within Visual Studio.
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