By Gizchina
Publication Date: 2025-12-29 06:00:00
Bixby is the survivor of the smartphone world. For years, critics called it “the button nobody wanted,” and many users traded it for Google Gemini the second they got the chance. But Samsung isn’t ready to say goodbye. With the arrival of One UI 8.5, Samsung is pulling a massive plot twist: Bixby is getting a brain transplant from Perplexity AI.
Key Points:
- One UI 8.5 introduces Perplexity AI integration directly into the Bixby app.
- Bixby will handle local device tasks while Perplexity manages complex web queries.
- A new “Liquid Glass” UI card design replaces the old full-screen Bixby interface.
- Version 4.0.50.4 of Bixby is currently being tested in Europe with restricted access.
- This move signals Samsung’s desire to reduce total reliance on Google’s Gemini.
The Multi-Model Strategy
If you’ve used Siri lately, this might feel familiar. Much like Apple’s partnership with ChatGPT, Samsung is splitting Bixby’s duties. Your phone will still handle the “local” stuff—like turning on your flashlight or setting a 7:00 AM alarm—using its internal code. But the moment you ask something complex, like “Why is the Samsung S26 likely to use a ceramic body?” Bixby hands the baton to Perplexity.
This is a strategic middle finger to the idea that Google Gemini has to be the only game in town. By using Perplexity, Bixby can now provide real-time web searches with actual citations. Instead of a vague paragraph, you get a clean card with links to sources.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
The first leaks…
