Copilot

GitHub Copilot weekly releases — August 10

From new models and portable plugins to smoother agent workflows, this week’s updates make GitHub Copilot more flexible across editors, the command line, and the Copilot app. GitHub Copilot, general… The post <a href="https://github.blog...

Microsoft retires Mico avatar from Copilot voice mode

Microsoft has removed the Mico avatar, a yellow emotive character, from Copilot's voice mode. Mico will be relocated to the Learn Live platform where it can have more interactive responses.

Why it matters: This change reflects Microsoft's evolving approach to user interaction in AI tools, focusing on more context-rich environments for avatars. It may influence how users experience AI assistants in productivity software.

Gemini 3.7 Flash now integrated into GitHub Copilot

Google's Gemini 3.7 Flash model has been rolled out in GitHub Copilot, showing improvements in web and app development as well as agentic capabilities. Early testing indicates enhanced performance for developers using the tool.

Why it matters: Integrating Gemini 3.7 Flash into GitHub Copilot can boost developer productivity by providing more advanced AI assistance. This update reflects ongoing advancements in AI-powered coding tools.

Microsoft merges consumer and commercial Copilot apps into one 'super app'

Microsoft is unifying its consumer and commercial Copilot AI assistants into a single app called Microsoft Copilot, starting with the Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps. This new app will support both personal and work accounts under a refreshed interface.

Why it matters: Combining these AI assistants streamlines user experience by providing a single access point for both personal and professional AI tools. This move reflects Microsoft's strategy to integrate AI more deeply across its ecosystem.

How to Write Your First Prompt with the GitHub Copilot App

GitHub Blog explains how to write your first prompt in the GitHub Copilot app, select the appropriate context and model, and begin your initial coding task confidently. The guide aims to help new users get started effectively with the AI-powered coding assistant.

Why it matters: Understanding how to craft effective prompts and choose the right settings in GitHub Copilot can improve developer productivity and the quality of AI-generated code suggestions. This guidance supports smoother onboarding for developers adopting AI-assisted coding tools.

GitHub Copilot for JetBrains adds persistent memory and local model access

The latest update to GitHub Copilot for JetBrains introduces persistent memory, local model access via Ollama, enhanced enterprise controls, improved chat workflows, and fixes reliability issues. These enhancements aim to streamline developer interactions and increase stability.

Why it matters: Persistent memory and local model access can improve the efficiency and responsiveness of AI-assisted coding within JetBrains IDEs. Enhanced enterprise controls and reliability fixes support broader adoption in professional development environments.

GitHub Copilot SDK Now Supports Java with Annotations and Virtual Threads

GitHub has introduced a Copilot SDK tailored for Java developers, enabling integration with idiomatic Java features like annotations and virtual threads. This enhancement aims to streamline coding workflows for enterprise Java applications.

Why it matters: By supporting Java-specific constructs, the Copilot SDK can better assist developers in writing efficient and modern Java code. This development could improve productivity and code quality in enterprise Java projects.

Guide to Slash Commands in GitHub Copilot App Enhances Dev Workflow

GitHub Copilot app introduces slash commands to help developers plan, collaborate, automate, and customize their workflows. These commands extend functionality beyond chat interactions.

Why it matters: Slash commands streamline development tasks within the Copilot app, improving productivity and collaboration. They offer a more integrated and efficient way to manage coding activities.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Agent Playbook Livestream Series Launches

Microsoft has introduced a practical livestream series called the Copilot Agent's Playbook to help developers build better declarative agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot. These agents integrate organizational knowledge and workflows directly into users' work processes.

Why it matters: As Microsoft 365 Copilot agent capabilities expand, developers need clear guidance to effectively create agents that enhance productivity. This series aims to provide that practical support, facilitating smoother adoption and innovation within enterprise workflows.

Let’s Learn GitHub Copilot App – Free Virtual Training Event

Join us for a free online event series kicking off July 16 to learn how to get started with the GitHub Copilot App! The post Let’s Learn GitHub...

Model upgrades can increase token use and reduce output quality

A comparison of Claude Sonnet 4.6 and Claude Sonnet 5 models revealed that the newer model used 12 times more tokens for the same tasks while delivering worse results. This was observed across 150 agent tasks in 15 scenarios using GitHub Copilot.

Why it matters: This highlights that newer AI model versions may not always improve efficiency or output quality despite better benchmarks and lower pricing. Developers should carefully evaluate model upgrades before switching to avoid unexpected performance regressions.

Salesforce launches AI-powered Slackbot to enhance workplace productivity

Salesforce has introduced a rebuilt Slackbot that evolves from a notification tool into a fully powered AI agent capable of searching enterprise data, drafting documents, and taking actions. This move positions Salesforce to compete more directly with Microsoft and Google in the workplace AI space.

Why it matters: The new Slackbot represents a significant step in integrating AI into workplace tools, potentially improving efficiency and collaboration. It highlights the intensifying competition among major tech companies to lead in enterprise AI solutions.

Anthropic launches Cowork, a no-code Claude Desktop AI agent for file work

Anthropic introduced Cowork, an AI agent that extends Claude Code's capabilities to non-technical users, enabling file-based work without coding. The feature was developed in about a week and a half.

Why it matters: Cowork lowers the barrier for using advanced AI tools by allowing users to interact with their files through an AI agent without needing programming skills. This could broaden AI adoption among everyday users.

LLMs and GenAI Pose Growing Risks to Cybersecurity and Platform Integrity

Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative AI systems like ChatGPT and Gemini are transforming digital platforms but also raising significant cybersecurity, privacy, and platform integrity challenges. Notably, LLM-assisted malware is projected to increase from 2% in 2021, highlighting escalating r...

Why it matters: As LLMs become more integrated into various sectors, their misuse in malware and scams threatens digital trust and safety. Understanding these risks is crucial for developing effective safeguards in AI deployment.