Samsung is set to implement significant changes to its AI-driven Bixby assistant. The South Korean tech leader has inadvertently disclosed that it is incorporating Perplexity AI into Bixby, akin to Apple’s use of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
According to a report by Android Authority, Samsung had issued a press release outlining the upgrade, which was subsequently withdrawn. The Bixby enhancement will be available with One UI 8.5, based on Android 16, to selected Samsung devices.
Samsung to enhance Bixby with Perplexity AI
With the arrival of One UI 8.5, Bixby is receiving its highly anticipated upgrade that includes Perplexity AI integration. This revamp will enable the voice assistant to engage in more natural and conversational interactions while also executing complicated tasks in response to user commands.
Thanks to AI capabilities, Samsung’s voice assistant will comprehend conversational language rather than relying solely on technical commands. As a result, users will no longer need to memorise complicated menus or specific terms to navigate their devices effectively.
Bixby is also expected to feature Perplexity’s search functions, granting the voice assistant the ability to look up data online. Within its chat interface, Bixby will provide users with pertinent links or sources for their inquiries, thus lessening the need for manual online searching.
While Samsung already benefits from Google’s support for a number of its AI-enhanced functionalities, the company is now adding Perplexity AI to broaden its range of capabilities. Integrating Perplexity into its on-device voice assistant resembles Apple’s strategy of empowering Siri with ChatGPT for handling complex tasks and commands.
However, Samsung’s retraction of the press release raises questions about a premature announcement or the possibility of delays regarding the refreshed Bixby assistant and the One UI 8.5 software update.
Currently, the expectation is that Samsung could unveil the Perplexity-augmented Bixby during the launch of the Galaxy S26 series. The release of the S series phones is anticipated at the end of February, so confirmation will be awaited in the coming weeks.
