Codex, an AI program from OpenAI that programs itself, accesses ChatGPT for free and launches a new application for Mac devices.
Codex is one of OpenAI's leading software development tools. This self-programming AI has its own native macOS application. But that's not the only new feature; its developers have also made it available in the free version of ChatGPT.
OpenAI defines the Codex app for Mac as a "control center" for AI agents, because the tool allows multiple agents to work on different tasks simultaneously. Multiple agents can also be used within the same repository.
According to Sam Altman's company, each agent runs on an isolated copy of the user's code. This not only makes it easier to track and record changes made by each agent but also prevents conflicts. Another feature of the new Codex app for Mac is its ability to import settings and projects created in other versions of the tool, such as the command-line version or the development environment add-on.
The new Codex app for Mac supports the use of skills, which act as extensions for more specific tasks. It also supports scheduling and running automation processes while the app is running in the background, allowing you to delegate repetitive tasks.
While OpenAI's main announcement focused on the launch of the Codex app for Mac, another important piece of news is its availability in the free version of ChatGPT. Previously, access to this tool was limited to subscribers of the paid version of the chatbot software, but this is no longer the case.
But don't expect too much: Codex will only be available in the free version of ChatGPT for a limited time. The same applies to ChatGPT Go, which will also receive the programming tool under the same conditions.
Unfortunately, OpenAI hasn't specified how long Codex will be available in the free and Go versions of ChatGPT. However, this is good news as it will allow more users to try the tool without having to upgrade to a paid plan (or pay extra, in the case of Go). This is clearly part of the company's strategy to boost the adoption of its automated programming tool in a highly competitive market with Cloud Code, Cursor, and other similar products.