OpenAI has unveiled a new tool that can help computer programmers with tasks including writing code, fixing bugs and running tests.

Artificial intelligence researchers call this kind of technology an AI agent. While chatbots can answer questions, write poems and generate images, agents can use other software and services on the internet. This might involve anything from ordering dinner through DoorDash to synthesising information from a variety of online sources.

OpenAI said in a blog post on May 16 that its new tool, Codex, can handle multiple tasks at the same time.

Starting on May 16, Codex will be available to any subscribers to ChatGPT Pro, a US$200-a-month service that provides access to all of OpenAI’s latest tools, the company said. It plans to also offer Codex through its other paid services.

OpenAI is also in talks to acquire Windsurf, another AI-powered programming tool, for about US$3 billion, according to two people familiar with the discussions. The acquisition could gain OpenAI thousands of new customers in the tech industry, which is rapidly embracing tools that can instantly generate computer code.

The potential deal, which would be OpenAI’s largest acquisition, is part of the company’s effort to expand its offerings beyond its popular chatbot, ChatGPT. NYTIMES

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