Samsung’s Bixby assistant is set to receive a major AI upgrade with the release of One UI 8.5. For months, rumors have suggested that Samsung was preparing to integrate more advanced AI capabilities into its assistant, and now, leaked screenshots from a Reddit user confirm these changes. The new version of Bixby is powered by Perplexity AI, a move that highlights Samsung’s ongoing efforts to enhance the functionality of its digital assistant.
According to the screenshots, Bixby will leverage Perplexity AI for a variety of tasks, aligning with earlier reports that Samsung had partnered with Perplexity. This new AI-enhanced Bixby promises to be smarter, more responsive, and able to integrate with multiple popular apps, including The Weather Channel, HERE Maps, Skyscanner, and Uber.
AI Integration to Improve Bixby’s Functionality
The upgraded Bixby assistant will offer users more control and interactivity. The assistant can remain active over other apps, allowing users to interact with it at any time without disrupting other tasks. Additionally, users can like or dislike responses from Bixby, continue conversations seamlessly, and even follow the sources of information by tapping on the Source button, which links directly to Perplexity’s website or app.
Beyond simple tasks like controlling Bluetooth or activating Dark Mode, the new Bixby can now handle more complex functions, such as uploading documents and discussing them in predefined styles. These updates are aimed at making Bixby more versatile and capable, allowing users to manage their smartphones more intuitively.
Bixby Live and Features Similar to Google Gemini
Samsung has also worked on introducing features similar to Google Gemini’s. One notable feature is Circle to Ask, an alternative to Google’s Circle to Search. Additionally, Bixby Live is positioned to offer nearly the same functionalities as Gemini Live, allowing users to share their screen or camera’s viewfinder with Bixby and discuss what they see.
This feature could revolutionize the way users interact with their devices, offering more hands-free capabilities and deeper integration with their environment. Whether you’re sharing content on your screen or talking about the world around you, Bixby Live appears to be a game-changer in smart assistant functionality.
One UI 8.5 and the Future of Bixby
Although the new AI-powered Bixby and its advanced features seem almost ready for release with One UI 8.5, there’s no official confirmation yet. Samsung may continue testing the upgraded assistant internally before making it widely available. Still, the integration of Perplexity AI and the addition of features like Bixby Live signal a bright future for Samsung’s virtual assistant.
