Samsung’s bixby is Getting a Major AI Upgrade, Taking Cues from Google’s Gemini
samsung’s Bixby is poised for a meaningful overhaul with the upcoming One UI 8.5 update, reportedly drawing inspiration from Google’s Gemini AI. Evidence discovered online (via sammobile) points to features like “Bixby Live,” conversational styles, and AI generation capabilities.
Bixby Live: A Gemini-Like Experience
The standout feature is “Bixby Live,” which functions similarly to Google’s Gemini Live. When activated, it displays a multi-colored strip around the phone’s display with a central circle indicating AI presence. The bottom of the screen provides options to mute the microphone, share the camera, and upload content.
Conversational Styles & AI Generation
The update introduces “conversational styles” accessible through a drop menu, including options like “general agent,” “tour guide,” and “storyteller.” Screenshots reveal an “AI-generated content” disclaimer,confirming AI generation capabilities,and showcasing a chat interface remarkably similar to Gemini.
Circle to Ask and Fast Queries
bixby is also gaining a “Circle to Ask” feature, mirroring Google’s “Circle to Search”. Users will also have access to a semi-transparent window for quick queries directly on their device.
perplexity AI integration
Beyond its own improvements, samsung is testing a Perplexity AI integration with Bixby. The idea is for Bixby to handle basic tasks while tapping into Perplexity’s expertise for more complex, web-based questions.
A Long-Awaited Upgrade
These changes were first hinted at in October with reports of a new Bixby pop-up bar. The update appears to be a concerted effort to revitalize Bixby and bring it up to speed with the competition in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
