Samsung accidentally leaked its Bixby reboot through a press release published and deleted earlier today. The announcement revealed a Perplexity AI-powered assistant arriving with One UI 8.5.
The new Bixby transforms into a conversational device agent that controls phone settings through natural language. Users can describe problems instead9 of navigating menus. Samsung's example shows asking "I don't want the screen to time out while I'm still looking at it" triggers the Keep Screen On While Viewing setting.
Perplexity AI integration brings real-time web search directly into Bixby's interface. Queries like "Find me hotels in Seoul that have swimming pools for kids" return results without browser redirection. This mirrors Apple's Siri-ChatGPT partnership structure.
Samsung pulled the announcement from its US and Global Newsrooms shortly after publication. The company has not explained the deletion. Multiple tech publications including Android Authority, Android Police, and 9to5Google captured the details before removal.
The Bixby overhaul marks Samsung's renewed AI investment following 2024's first AI phone launch. Samsung COO Won-Joon Choi stated the company aims to "reduce friction in everyday tasks" through more natural interactions.
One UI 8.5 beta testers on Galaxy S25 devices may receive the new Bixby in the fourth beta build this week. The stable version will debut with the Galaxy S26 series expected in March. Initial availability will be limited to select markets with broader rollout following.
Samsung's Perplexity partnership represents a strategic shift from Google dependence. While Gemini remains available on Galaxy devices, Bixby now offers an alternative AI assistant with integrated web search capabilities.
The assistant will not support voice-based app control initially. Both Bixby and Gemini will remain available for user selection based on preference for on-device controls versus Google's ecosystem integration.
Samsung's accidental leak confirms months of beta sightings and rumors about Bixby's AI transformation. The company has struggled to gain traction against Google Assistant and Apple's Siri since Bixby's 2017 debut.
