The video introduces a new VS Code feature that allows users to remotely access their GitHub Copilot CLI sessions from any device via a generated QR code or link, enabling seamless continuation of coding workflows across multiple devices. This functionality enhances flexibility by letting developers leverage their primary machine’s environment remotely, monitor long-running tasks, and manage sessions through the GitHub mobile app, ensuring uninterrupted and efficient development.
The video introduces a new remote control feature for Copilot CLI sessions in VS Code, allowing users to access their CLI sessions from any device via the web. This means that whether you’re working on a Windows machine, a Mac, or even a mobile phone, you can seamlessly continue your coding sessions without interruption. By running the command {slash} remote within a session, users can generate a QR code to connect to the session remotely, enabling flexibility to work from different devices or locations.
To enable this feature, users need to go into the GitHub Copilot chat settings for CLI within VS Code and ensure that the remote option is turned on. The presenter demonstrates starting a new Copilot CLI session, using it to explain uncommitted changes, and bypassing approval prompts for smoother workflow. Once the session is active, running {slash} remote generates a QR code and a link, which can be used to access the session on other devices, such as a phone, maintaining all the session context and history.
The remote feature is particularly useful for leveraging the power of a developer’s primary machine remotely. For example, if a user has a powerful development device or a local environment configured for building and deploying applications, they can run tasks remotely without needing to be physically present. This is also beneficial for long-running tasks, as users can monitor progress and interact with the session in real time from their mobile device, allowing them to step away from their computer without losing control.
Additionally, the video highlights the integration with the GitHub mobile app, where users can view and manage their active sessions. This is especially advantageous for mobile app developers who can test UI changes and see real-time updates on their phones while continuing development remotely. The ability to pick up sessions started previously, even from a week ago, with full context intact, ensures continuity and convenience in ongoing projects.
In summary, the video covers how to enable the remote feature in VS Code, start new sessions with remote access, and continue existing sessions remotely. This new capability enhances flexibility, allowing developers to work from multiple devices and locations while leveraging their existing development environments. The presenter encourages users to update VS Code to the latest version to try out this feature and concludes with a positive note on improving coding workflows through remote session access.