A New World of AI Apps

A few weeks ago at #MSBuild, I got to share our vision for how AI models like OpenAI’s Codex and tools like GitHub Copilot will transform the ways we build and interact with software. I have personally been using Codex for more than a year now, and I’m still in awe of its ability to take simple natural language prompts and generate functional code in more than a dozen programming languages. At Build, I showed some awesome examples my team built that demonstrate how Codex can create natural language experiences in all types of software, and we gave Build attendees free access to Codex and the code behind those demos to try them out.

I really want all of you to experience the magic of these tools for yourselves, so we’re partnering with our friends at OpenAI to make that happen. First, we're offering free access to Codex and $20 in tokens to use on other models in OpenAI’s API. We're also offering code for all the demos in my keynote, showing examples in gaming (Minecraft!), visual design, development and more. Check them all out:?https://aka.ms/BuildAITools

We have really only just scratched the surface for Codex-powered applications, which is why we also announced the Codex Innovation Challenge, asking folks to submit their big ideas for how Codex can create new, more natural software experiences. We’ll select three finalists to build protypes and pitch them to a panel of judges for a chance to win mentorship from experts at Microsoft and OpenAI, along with a very cool prize package – including a meeting with me to talk about their idea :-) We’ve extended the deadline for a couple more weeks – you can learn more and submit your idea here:?https://msft.it/6005bZCBF

Finally,?GitHub Copilot is now generally available for any developer who wants to use it, so you can write code faster and with less work. Copilot was a huge part of what I covered this year at Microsoft Build, and I’m thrilled that we’re already getting it into the hands of more folks who can do creative and imaginative work with it. The pace that we’re already moving with it is pretty astonishing. Since GitHub launched the technical preview last year, we’ve seen over 1.2 million sign ups, with 1/3 of those being frequent users. Earlier in the year, for certain languages like Python, 35% of newly written code was suggested by Copilot. Today, that number is nearly 40%--that’s incredibly encouraging progress in such a brief time. I can’t encourage you enough to give Copilot a try, even if you have little or no previous coding experience – you can try it free for two months here:?https://msft.it/6007bWhk9

I'm going to start sharing more on these tools and demos in the coming weeks, but I really wanted you all to be able to get your hands on them as soon as possible.?

I hope you all enjoy these tools as much as I have. I'm excited to see what you build!