Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Unveils a Revamped Bixby
▼ Summary
– Samsung has launched a beta program for an upgraded Bixby, now operating as a conversational device agent for more intuitive Galaxy device interaction.
– The redesigned Bixby allows users to control devices using natural language, eliminating the need to know exact setting names or navigate complex menus.
– It can identify current device settings and suggest solutions, reducing trial and error and helping users complete tasks more quickly.
– Bixby now supports real-time web search, providing up-to-date answers directly within its interface without redirecting to a browser.
– The update is initially available in One UI 8.5 in select markets, including the U.S., UK, and Korea, with plans for broader expansion.
Samsung has launched a beta program for a significantly upgraded version of its Bixby assistant, now functioning as a conversational device agent. This major overhaul aims to make controlling Galaxy devices far more intuitive by allowing users to make requests using everyday language. The update also introduces the ability to pull current information directly from the open web, providing timely answers without leaving the Bixby interface.
Company executives explained the reasoning behind this strategic shift. “Since we introduced our first AI phone in 2024, we’ve been committed to making them easier to use so more people can benefit from AI , that’s why we decided to integrate a device agent directly into the experience,” stated Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of Samsung’s Mobile eXperience Business. He emphasized that the redesign focuses on enabling more natural interactions and reducing the friction involved in daily smartphone tasks.
The core improvement lies in intuitive device control through natural conversation. Users no longer need to memorize specific menu paths or exact feature names. Instead, they can simply describe what they want to happen or ask why something is occurring. Bixby interprets the user’s intent and executes the appropriate action. For example, telling Bixby, “I don’t want the screen to time out while I’m still looking at it,” will automatically activate the ‘Keep Screen on While Viewing’ setting. This eliminates the need to manually search through settings menus.
The assistant goes beyond simple command execution by understanding device context. It can analyze current settings and propose relevant solutions, which minimizes guesswork for users. If someone asks, “Why is my phone screen always on when it’s inside my pocket?” Bixby will identify the likely issue and surface the Accidental Touch Protection setting, allowing the user to enable it immediately from within the conversation.
A key new feature is real-time web search capabilities. Bixby can now fetch live information from the internet, displaying results within its own interface. This creates a seamless experience where users can ask questions and explore topics without being redirected to a separate browser app. For instance, a query like, “Find me hotels in Seoul that have swimming pools for kids,” will generate a list of relevant options directly in the Bixby window, enabling quick research without breaking workflow.
The latest iteration of Bixby is part of the One UI 8.5 update and is initially available in a select group of markets, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the United States. Samsung has indicated plans for a wider rollout to additional regions in the future.
(Source: Samsung News)
