Samsung Galaxy Phones May Soon Respond to a New "Hey Plex" Voice Command

Evidence uncovered in a recent app update suggests Samsung is preparing to deepen its integration with Perplexity AI, potentially introducing a dedicated "Hey Plex" wake word for Galaxy smartphones and tablets. This move would allow users to invoke the AI assistant hands-free, similar to existing voice commands for other digital helpers, marking a significant step in Samsung's strategy to enhance on-device AI capabilities.

Code Hints at Hands-Free Activation

Analysis of the latest Perplexity app release reveals code strings referencing Samsung-specific hotword services and a "Hey Plex" trigger phrase. This technical groundwork indicates the feature is being optimized specifically for Galaxy devices, enabling the assistant to be activated even when the screen is off. Such functionality would position Perplexity as a more accessible and always-available AI tool directly integrated into the Samsung ecosystem.

Expanding the Samsung-Perplexity Partnership

This development is the latest in a growing collaboration between Samsung and Perplexity. Samsung has already offered Perplexity Pro subscriptions to users in the U.S. via the Galaxy Store and has integrated the AI into Bixby on certain smart home products. Furthermore, a Perplexity-enhanced Bixby experience is anticipated with the future One UI 8.5 update. The "Hey Plex" command suggests an even more prominent role, with speculation that Perplexity could arrive pre-installed as a dedicated assistant on upcoming flagship devices, potentially starting with the Galaxy S26 series.

Implications for the User Experience

The introduction of a native wake word would streamline access to Perplexity's conversational search and answer capabilities, reducing reliance on typing or manual app opening. It represents a shift towards more seamless, voice-first interactions with AI on mobile devices. For Samsung, it underscores a commitment to offering users choice and advanced AI features alongside or within its existing Bixby framework, as the company competes in an increasingly AI-driven smartphone market.

Conclusion

The potential "Hey Plex" command is a clear signal of Samsung's intent to make advanced AI a core, accessible part of the Galaxy experience. By moving towards hands-free voice activation, Samsung is not just adding another feature but is facilitating a more natural and integrated way for users to interact with AI assistance on their phones. While an official announcement is pending, the code evidence points to a near-future where asking "Hey Plex" could become a common way to get answers on a Galaxy device.