OpenAI's Codex now features a small AI companion that provides updates while you code.
Codex Pets has just arrived on Windows and macOS. Here's how to obtain one.
If you enjoy vibe coding, OpenAI has made it even more charming. The company has launched Codex Pets, a new feature for its Codex desktop app that introduces animated companions to your workspace. Codex is OpenAI's agentic coding tool that performs tasks on your behalf, running in the background to get things done, and now it comes with a small mascot.
So, what is a Codex Pet?
A Codex Pet is an optional animated companion that hovers as an overlay on your screen, even when the Codex app is minimized. It displays what Codex is currently working on through message bubbles and notifies you when a task is completed or requires your input.
If your pet appears while a task is in progress, you can click on it to respond directly to the agent. It acts as a passive status indicator and serves as a lightweight two-way communication channel. Eight built-in pets are available right away, all created in an adorable pixel-art style.
How can you get a Codex Pet?
Acquiring a Codex Pet is straightforward. Simply open the Codex app and type “/pet” to summon or dismiss your companion. For a more personalized experience, use the “/hatch” command. This tool allows you to upload an image and transforms it into a fully animated pet, which is saved locally in your Codex home folder for sharing.
The community has quickly embraced this feature, and fan-created sharing sites have emerged online within hours of the release. OpenAI is even hosting a limited-time contest where 10 of the best custom pets will earn their creators 30 days of ChatGPT Pro.
In addition to the pets, this update has also introduced config auto-import, enabling Codex to recognize and import settings from other coding agents, such as Claude Code. There is also a new dictation dictionary in Settings, where you can store abbreviations and phrases to improve voice input accuracy.
Manisha is a Writer at Digital Trends, covering the latest in technology, science, AI, gaming, and entertainment.
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OpenAI's Codex now features a small AI companion that provides updates while you code.
OpenAI has launched Codex Pets, animated companions that can be optionally added to its Codex desktop application. These companions reside on your screen and monitor the activities of the coding agent in real time.