Samsung Electronics has announced a beta program for the latest version of Bixby. The assistant now works more like a conversational device agent, allowing Galaxy users to ask for what they need using natural language.
Rolling out with One UI 8.5, the update aims to simplify how users manage their devices. The improved Bixby recognizes context and intent, which means less time spent navigating menus or remembering specific settings. It also gains the ability to provide up-to-date information from the open web.
“Since we introduced our first AI phone in 2024, we’ve been committed to making them easier to use so more people can benefit from AI. That’s why we decided to integrate a device agent directly into the experience,” said Won-Joon Choi, President and Head of the Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “To support this, we redesigned Bixby to enable more natural interactions and intuitive device control, reducing friction in everyday tasks.”
The key feature of the updated Bixby is its ability to understand intent without needing exact commands. Users no longer have to navigate menus; they can describe what they need or ask about their device’s behavior in plain language.
For example, a user could say, “I don’t want the screen to time out while I’m still looking at it.” Bixby interprets the request and immediately activates the ‘Keep Screen on While Viewing’ setting, bypassing the need for the user to know the feature’s precise name or location in the settings menu.
Beyond handling simple commands, Bixby can now assess the device’s current settings to suggest possible fixes. This added diagnostic layer is designed to cut down on guesswork, allowing users to solve problems more quickly, even when they’re unsure which feature is responsible.
If a user asks, “Why is my phone screen always on when it’s inside my pocket?” Bixby uses the context of the situation to surface relevant options, such as the Accidental Touch Protection setting, and allows the user to enable it directly.
In addition to enhanced device control, the new Bixby now features real-time web search capabilities. It can access live, up-to-date information and display the results within Bixby’s own interface.
This integration means users can explore topics and find answers without being redirected to a separate browser or application. For instance, a user can ask Bixby, “Find me hotels in Seoul that have swimming pools for kids.” Bixby processes the query and presents relevant web search results directly in its interface.
The latest Bixby update is available as part of the One UI 8.5 beta program in select markets, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S. Samsung has confirmed plans for a broader expansion to additional markets in the future.
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