Samsung’s Bixby Reimagined: AI-Powered Device Control in One UI 8.5
Samsung has unveiled a significant overhaul of its voice assistant, Bixby, introducing advanced artificial intelligence capabilities and enhanced device control features. This revamped Bixby is set to debut with the One UI 8.5 update, marking a pivotal shift in Samsung’s approach to digital assistants.
Enhanced Device Control Through Natural Language Processing
A cornerstone of the new Bixby is its ability to interpret and act upon user commands expressed in natural language. This advancement allows users to manage device settings without needing to recall specific command phrases or navigate through complex menus. For instance, a user might say, I don’t want the screen to time out while I’m still looking at it, and Bixby will automatically enable the ‘Keep Screen on While Viewing’ feature. Similarly, if a user inquires, Why is my phone screen always on when it’s inside my pocket? Bixby will recognize the context and suggest activating the ‘Accidental Touch Protection’ setting.
Integration of Real-Time Web Information
Beyond device management, the updated Bixby offers real-time information retrieval from the web. While Samsung has not explicitly disclosed the underlying technology, there are indications that the AI platform Perplexity may play a role in this functionality. This integration aims to provide users with immediate, relevant information in response to their queries.
Availability and Rollout
The enhanced Bixby experience is currently accessible to Galaxy S25 series users participating in the latest One UI 8.5 beta program. This beta is available in several regions, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S. The broader release of One UI 8.5, built upon Android 16, is anticipated in the coming months, coinciding with the launch of the Galaxy S26 series.
A Renewed Commitment to Bixby
This comprehensive update underscores Samsung’s dedication to evolving Bixby into a more intuitive and user-friendly assistant. By focusing on natural language understanding and seamless device control, Samsung aims to position Bixby as a central component of the Galaxy user experience.
