Samsung is giving its virtual assistant, Bixby, a significant overhaul with a focus on natural language processing and enhanced device control. The reboot, initially previewed earlier this year, is now rolling out with the latest One UI 8.5 beta and promises a more intuitive and helpful user experience. Although Google Assistant remains a popular choice for Samsung device owners, the company is betting that these improvements will make Bixby a more compelling alternative.
The core of the update centers around Bixby’s ability to understand and respond to user requests in a more conversational manner. Instead of requiring precise commands, the revamped Bixby aims to interpret what users mean, streamlining device management. This new approach to AI assistance is arriving alongside the expected launch of the Galaxy S26 series next week, according to Samsung.
Samsung explains that the updated Bixby will allow users to control their devices using natural language, eliminating the need to remember specific setting names or commands. For example, a user could simply 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’ setting. Similarly, if a user asks, “Why is my phone screen always on when it’s inside my pocket?” Bixby will identify potential causes, such as Accidental Touch Protection, and offer to adjust the settings accordingly. This level of contextual understanding represents a significant step forward for the assistant.
Beyond device control, Bixby is gaining real-time access to information from the web. While Samsung hasn’t explicitly named the provider, reports suggest integration with Perplexity, a conversational search engine, is powering this feature. Android Authority notes this addition provides Bixby with up-to-date information, expanding its capabilities beyond simply managing device settings.
Currently, the Bixby reboot is available to users participating in the One UI 8.5 beta program in select regions, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S. 9to5Google reports the latest beta landed in the US earlier today. One UI 8.5, built on Android 16, is expected to become widely available to Galaxy users in the coming months, coinciding with the official release of the Galaxy S26 series.
Bixby has historically offered advantages in its deep integration with Samsung devices, allowing for seamless control of phone settings and features. The Droid Guy highlights that Bixby can manage tasks like changing Bluetooth settings and optimizing device performance with greater ease than Google Assistant, even though Google Assistant excels in smart home control and third-party app integration.
The update also addresses a previous hiccup. Samsung initially announced the Bixby reboot last month but briefly removed the announcement, raising questions about its release. This re-announcement confirms the company’s commitment to improving Bixby and delivering on its promises.
As Samsung continues to refine Bixby, the focus will likely be on expanding its capabilities and further improving its natural language understanding. The success of this reboot will depend on whether it can truly offer a more intuitive and efficient experience than existing alternatives, ultimately convincing users to embrace Bixby as their go-to virtual assistant. The launch of the Galaxy S26 series will be a key moment to observe user adoption and gather feedback on the new features.
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