Samsung Transforms Bixby into Conversational AI Agent with One UI 8.5
Samsung has unveiled a significant evolution of its digital assistant, transforming Bixby into a conversational AI agent with the introduction of One UI 8.5 Beta. This upgrade represents a fundamental shift in how users interact with their Galaxy devices, moving beyond simple voice commands to more natural, intuitive conversations.
Real-Time Information Access
The most notable enhancement is Bixby's new ability to fetch real-time information from the web through integration with Perplexity. Users can now ask virtually any question and receive up-to-date results directly within Bixby's interface, eliminating the need to switch to separate apps or browsers. For instance, asking "Find me hotels in Seoul that have swimming pools for kids" will trigger a web search that displays relevant results within the assistant's native environment.
Natural Language Device Control
Beyond information retrieval, the upgraded Bixby demonstrates improved device control capabilities using natural language. Users no longer need to know specific feature names or navigate complex settings menus. Instead, they can describe their intent in everyday language. For example, saying "I don't want the screen to time out while I'm still looking at it" will prompt Bixby to automatically enable the 'Keep Screen On While Viewing' setting on compatible devices like the Galaxy S25.
Enhanced User Interface
The assistant features a redesigned interface that organizes conversations similarly to popular AI chatbots. All conversation threads are displayed in a menu on the left side of the screen, making it easier to review previous interactions. This conversational approach marks a departure from Bixby's previous command-response model, positioning it as a more persistent, context-aware companion.
Availability and Language Support
The new Bixby is currently available to One UI 8.5 Beta Program participants in select markets including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US. It supports multiple languages and accents including English (US, UK, India), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese (Brazil). The stable version is expected to roll out to compatible Galaxy phones and tablets in additional markets in the coming months.
Strategic Direction
This transformation aligns with Samsung's broader AI strategy, building on the company's introduction of AI phones in 2024. The integration of a device agent directly into the user experience aims to reduce friction in everyday tasks through more natural interactions and intuitive device control. The upgrade represents Samsung's commitment to making AI technology more accessible and practical for everyday smartphone users.
The enhanced Bixby positions Samsung's digital assistant as a more competitive player in the evolving AI assistant landscape, combining real-time information access with sophisticated device control capabilities. As the stable release approaches, users can expect a more conversational, helpful, and integrated AI experience across the Galaxy ecosystem.