chat news

Author: jrieken

release-notes/images/1_100/inlinechat2.mp4

@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+version https://git-lfs.github.com/spec/v1
+oid sha256:01b41cd1d4db6ba89f17ecffbf7a077f4dc85a64547682d23cf52df9e07f419e
+size 1929997

release-notes/v1_100.md

@@ -71,6 +71,10 @@ If you want to ask about the repo you are currently working on, you can just use
 
 Also, the `#githubRepo` tool is only for searching for relevant code snippets. The [GitHub MCP server](https://github.com/github/github-mcp-server?tab=readme-ov-file#github-mcp-server) provides tools for working with GitHub issues and pull requests. Learn more about [adding MCP servers in VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/chat/mcp-servers#_add-an-mcp-server).
 
+### Chat input improvements
+
+We have done some improvements to the chat input box and how attachments are handled. Now, any attachment typed also appears as attachment-pill. This makes it simpler to understand what's being send to the language model. Also, the context picker has been stream lined to make it simpler to pick files, folders, and other attachment types.
+
 ### Chat mode keybindings
 
 The keyboard shortcut `kb(workbench.action.chat.open)` still just opens the Chat view, but the `kb(workbench.action.chat.openAgent)` shortcut now opens the Chat view and switches to [agent mode](vscode://GitHub.Copilot-Chat/chat?mode=agent). If you'd like to set up keybindings for other chat modes, there is a command for each mode:
@@ -116,6 +120,14 @@ Use `#extensions` tool to find extensions from the Marketplace. This tool is ava
 
 <video src="images/1_100/extensions-agent-tool.mp4" title="Video that shows using the extensions tool to display popular Java extensions." autoplay loop controls muted></video>
 
+### Inline Chat V2 Preview
+
+We have been working on a revamped version of inline chat `kb(inlineChat.start)`. Its theme is still "bringing chat into code" but behind the scenes it uses the same logic as chat edits. Meaning better use of the available context and a better code editing strategy. You can enable inline chat v2 via `setting(editor.stickyScroll.enabled:true)`
+
+Further, there is a more light weight UX that can optionally be enabled. With the `setting(inlineChat.hideOnRequest:true)`-setting inline chat hides as soon as a request is made - it then minimizes into the chat editing overlay which allows to accept or discard changes as well as to restore the widget again.
+
+<video src="images/1_100/inlinechat2.mp4" title="Inline chat v2 and hide-on-request in action" autoplay loop controls muted></video>
+
 ### Faster agent mode edits with GPT 4.1
 
 We've implemented support for OpenAI's apply patch editing format when using GPT 4.1 and o4-mini in agent mode. This means significantly faster edits, especially in large files. The tool is enabled by default in VS Code Insiders and will be progressively rolled out in VS Code Stable.