Samsung is expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities with the integration of Perplexity AI into its upcoming Galaxy S26 series of smartphones. The move, announced just days before the Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled to unveil the new devices, signals a strategic shift towards offering users greater choice and flexibility in how they leverage AI for daily tasks. This integration will allow Perplexity’s AI agent to work seamlessly with core Samsung applications – including Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder, and Calendar – as well as select third-party apps, though specific partners haven’t yet been named.
Users will be able to activate the Perplexity agent using the voice command “Hey Plex,” distinct from any existing streaming service with the same name, or by a quick press and hold of the side button. This expansion of Galaxy AI reflects a growing trend among users who prefer having multiple AI agents at their disposal, according to Samsung. Eight out of ten users now prefer more than two AI agents on their phone, seeking tools tailored to specific needs and routines, as highlighted by Won-Joon Choi, President and Head of the R&D Office for Samsung’s Mobile eXperience Business.
The integration of Perplexity builds on an existing partnership between the two companies. Last year, Samsung brought Perplexity’s AI search engine to its smart televisions. PCMag reports that this expansion to mobile devices represents a significant step in Samsung’s vision for a more versatile and interconnected AI ecosystem.
Perplexity and the Multi-Agent AI Approach
Samsung’s embrace of multiple AI agents – alongside its own Bixby assistant and, previously, Google Assistant – positions Galaxy AI as an “orchestrator” of intelligence, aiming to deliver a “single, natural, cohesive” experience for users. Android Authority notes that this approach acknowledges the diverse needs of smartphone users, who often rely on different AI tools for different tasks.
The “Hey Plex” functionality, first reported in January, will allow users to quickly access Perplexity’s capabilities without navigating through apps. 9to5Google details that the integration will extend beyond core Samsung apps to include select third-party applications, enabling multi-step workflows powered by Perplexity’s AI.
Legal Challenges for Perplexity
While Perplexity’s integration into Samsung’s ecosystem represents a significant win for the AI company, it also comes amidst ongoing legal challenges. In September, Perplexity faced lawsuits from Merriam-Webster and Encyclopedia Britannica, alleging unauthorized content scraping and copyright infringement. Android Police reported on these legal issues, highlighting the complexities surrounding AI-driven content aggregation and intellectual property rights.
Samsung has also updated its voice assistant, Bixby, with AI features ahead of the S26 launch. With One UI 8.5, the assistant will be able to adjust device settings and fetch answers from the web, further expanding the AI capabilities available to Galaxy S26 users.
What to Expect at Galaxy Unpacked
Further details regarding the Perplexity integration, including its alignment with the updated Bixby assistant and the specific third-party app support, are expected to be revealed at the Galaxy Unpacked event. Samsung has also confirmed other new features for the S26 series, including a privacy filter that dims the screen when viewed from an angle and AI-powered image editing tools for background changes, object restoration, and photo merging.
The integration of Perplexity into the Galaxy S26 series underscores Samsung’s commitment to providing a dynamic and adaptable AI experience for its users. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Samsung’s multi-agent approach aims to empower users with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly intelligent world.
What are your thoughts on Samsung’s new AI integration? Share your comments below and let us know how you plan to use these new features!
