Samsung’s Bixby Reboot Adds AI and Device Controls in One UI 8.5
▼ Summary
– Samsung has re-announced a major Bixby reboot with more AI, set to launch in One UI 8.5.
– The reboot focuses on Bixby’s strength in device control using natural language, eliminating the need for exact command phrases.
– It provides real-time web search results, with Perplexity AI being a likely but unconfirmed source for this feature.
– The updated Bixby is currently available in beta for the Galaxy S25 series in select countries, including the US.
– One UI 8.5, based on Android 16, will fully roll out in the coming months after launching with the upcoming Galaxy S26 series.
Samsung has officially relaunched its Bixby virtual assistant with a significant update, integrating advanced artificial intelligence and enhanced device control features. This revamped version is now rolling out to users through the latest One UI 8.5 beta software. The update aims to make Bixby more intuitive and capable, directly competing with other popular AI services by focusing on its traditional strength: seamless device management.
The core improvement lies in how users interact with their Samsung devices. The new Bixby utilizes natural language processing, allowing people to control their phones without memorizing specific command phrases or navigating complex settings menus. Instead of requiring precise terminology, you can simply describe what you need. For instance, telling Bixby, “I don’t want the screen to go dark while I’m reading,” will prompt it to automatically enable the ‘Keep Screen on While Viewing’ feature. Similarly, if you ask, “Why does my screen turn on in my pocket?” Bixby will understand the context and suggest activating Accidental Touch Protection, letting you toggle it on immediately.
Beyond these smart device controls, the upgraded assistant now provides real-time information sourced directly from the web. While Samsung hasn’t officially named the technology powering this feature, industry reports have frequently cited Perplexity AI as a likely partner. This integration allows Bixby to answer general knowledge questions and fetch current data without switching to a separate browser.
Availability for the rebooted Bixby is currently limited to beta testers. It is accessible on the Galaxy S25 series in select regions, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, through the One UI 8.5 beta program. The beta build recently expanded to include participants in the U.S. market.
Looking ahead, the stable public release of One UI 8.5 is anticipated in the coming months. This software is built on Android 16 and is expected to debut widely following the official launch of the Galaxy S26 series, which Samsung is set to unveil next week. This strategic timing suggests the enhanced Bixby will be a central feature of Samsung’s next generation of flagship smartphones.
(Source: 9to5Google)
