OpenAI Codex Update: Voice Input and Internet Access ..
OpenAI has expanded access to its AI coding assistant, Codex, making it available to ChatGPT Plus subscribers. Previously exclusive to Enterprise, Team, and Pro tiers, this rollout allows individual developers and smaller teams to leverage Codex’s capabilities for writing, testing, and debugging code more efficiently.
Key Features and Updates
Internet Access During Coding Tasks
A significant enhancement to Codex is its ability to access the internet while executing tasks. This enables the AI agent to:
- Install dependencies
- Interact with staging servers
- Run tests requiring external resources
To maintain security, internet access is disabled by default. Users can manually enable it and specify:
- Permitted domains
- Allowed HTTP methods
OpenAI is actively monitoring for prompt injection attacks to ensure the tool remains secure.
Voice Input for Enhanced Accessibility
Codex now supports voice input, allowing developers to dictate instructions instead of typing them. This feature aims to speed up workflows and make Codex more accessible to users with disabilities or those who prefer voice interaction.
Improved Pull Request Management
Previously, Codex would create a new pull request for every change. With the latest update, it can now update existing pull requests, reducing repository clutter and simplifying the code review process.
Additional Enhancements
OpenAI has introduced several performance upgrades to Codex:
- Faster setup scripts
- Better handling on iOS devices
- Improved GitHub integration process
- Removal of two-factor authentication requirement for teams using social logins or single sign-on
Getting Started with Codex
ChatGPT Plus users can access Codex through the ChatGPT interface. To initiate a coding task, select the “Code” option after entering a prompt. For assistance with existing code, choose the “Ask” option. Each task is processed in a dedicated workspace where Codex can read, edit, and test code. Tasks typically take between 1 and 30 minutes to complete, with real-time progress monitoring available.
Codex operates within a secure, isolated environment, ensuring that each task runs safely and independently. This setup helps maintain the integrity of your codebase while leveraging AI assistance.
Conclusion
The expansion of Codex to ChatGPT Plus users marks a significant step in making advanced AI coding assistance more accessible. With features like internet access, voice input, and improved pull request management, Codex aims to enhance productivity and streamline development workflows for a broader range of developers.