The video introduces Agent HQ, a centralized interface within Visual Studio Code (VS Code) that allows users to initiate, monitor, and review all their agent sessions, whether local or cloud-based. This unified view supports various agents, including local chats with recent history, the GitHub Copilot cloud agent, the GitHub Copilot CLI agent, and the newly integrated OpenAI Codex. Users with a GitHub Copilot Pro Plus subscription can easily start an OpenAI Codex session by installing the extension and signing in, enabling them to leverage Codex for coding tasks directly within VS Code.

One highlighted feature is the built-in plan agent in VS Code, which helps users create detailed implementation plans before coding. This agent collaborates with the user to ensure all requirements are addressed, breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps. After generating a plan, users can review it in the editor, make adjustments, and then choose to start implementation. This planning process helps streamline development by providing a clear roadmap before any code changes are made.

The video also showcases the concept of handoffs, which are guided sequential workflows that transition tasks between different agents with suggested next steps. For example, a user can hand off a plan from the planning agent to the GitHub Copilot cloud agent for implementation or to a reviewing agent. This seamless delegation allows multiple agents to work in parallel on different aspects of a project, all tracked within the single Agent HQ view, enhancing productivity and collaboration.

Additionally, the video demonstrates how to start a new CLI agent session to add features like the latest testing framework to an app, further emphasizing the versatility of agents available in VS Code. Users can manage and monitor all these sessions simultaneously from the Agent HQ interface, providing a comprehensive overview of ongoing tasks and their progress without leaving the editor.

Finally, the video introduces custom agents, formerly known as custom modes, which allow users to configure AI personas tailored to specific development roles and tasks. For instance, a custom front-end development agent can be created with defined behaviors, tools, and instructions to focus solely on front-end work. This customization empowers developers to harness AI agents that align closely with their project needs. The video encourages users to try these features via the VS Code Insiders build for daily updates and to provide feedback, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the Agent HQ experience.