Samsung Galaxy S26 and One UI 8.5 Introduce Faster AI Select Shortcut
Samsung continues to refine its user experience with the latest Galaxy S26 series, which debuts running One UI 8.5. A notable enhancement in this update is a new, more direct method to access the AI Select tool, significantly speeding up interactions with this AI-powered utility.
A Streamlined Gesture for Instant Access
AI Select, Samsung's AI-powered tool for performing contextual actions on screen content, has received a usability boost. Previously accessed through the Edge panel, the tool can now be launched almost instantly in One UI 8.5 by simply pressing and holding the Edge pull tab on the side of the display. This new gesture shaves off a step from the traditional method, which remains available, making the interaction feel more immediate and integrated.
The design of this shortcut aligns with existing system gestures, such as Circle to Search, creating a cohesive feel within the One UI interface. By reducing the friction to launch the tool, AI Select transforms from a tucked-away utility into a more native system action. This is particularly beneficial for one-handed use if the Edge tab is positioned lower on the screen.
Building on Previous Customization
This is not Samsung's first effort to make AI Select more accessible. Nearly a year prior, an update to the One Hand Operation+ module within Good Lock allowed users to assign AI Select to a custom gesture. While effective, that solution required manual setup and an additional app. The new press-and-hold gesture is now baked directly into One UI 8.5, offering improved accessibility right out of the box for Galaxy S26 users.
It is anticipated that this convenient shortcut will roll out to other eligible Galaxy smartphones and tablets as they receive the One UI 8.5 update. The core functionality of AI Select itself remains unchanged; once activated, users can tap or draw around on-screen elements to reveal contextual actions like translation, Drawing Assist, Generative Edit, or GIF creation, depending on the phone's capabilities.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Frictionless AI
The introduction of the quicker AI Select shortcut in One UI 8.5 on the Galaxy S26 series represents a thoughtful iteration in Samsung's software design. By minimizing the steps required to access a powerful AI tool, Samsung enhances the fluidity of the user experience. This change, though seemingly small, exemplifies the ongoing effort to make advanced AI functionalities more intuitive and readily available for everyday use on Galaxy devices.