GitHub Copilot’s new token-based billing spurs dev backlash★ 72
TechCrunch AI3d agoBusinessTechCrunch reports that GitHub Copilot will move to token-based billing on June 1, replacing a more predictable flat or request-based model. Some developers say their expected monthly costs could jump dramatically, citing examples from about $29 to nearly $750 or $50 to around $3,000. Others argue the worst cases may reflect heavy vibe-coding usage, while critics say Microsoft encouraged that behavior before changing the economics.
Coders are refusing to work without AI — and that could come back to bite them
TechCrunch AI3d agoCommentaryTechCrunch reports that developers have become so attached to AI coding tools that METR struggled to repeat a no-AI control study. Earlier research found developers felt more productive with AI, while measured task completion could be slower due to debugging, steering, and waiting. The article warns that token usage and code volume are weak productivity proxies if AI-generated code creates more bugs, review work, and long-term maintenance costs.
Visa invests in Replit to power agentic payments for developers
TechCrunch AI5d agoBusinessVisa made an undisclosed investment in AI coding platform Replit and is exploring integrations with its payment products. The goal is to let developers and their AI agents accept customer payments directly inside Replit, potentially using Visa Intelligent Commerce and Trusted Agent Protocol. No joint product has been formally announced yet, while Replit is also expanding enterprise self-serve access with compliance and control features.