By Juan Vasquez
Publication Date: 2026-01-20 20:38:00
Samsung Electronics Co. has long struggled to make its Bixby voice assistant a compelling alternative to rivals like Apple’s Siri or Google’s Assistant. Launched in 2017 with the Galaxy S8, Bixby promised seamless device control and contextual awareness, but it often fell short in delivering accurate responses to complex queries. Now, in a move that signals a significant shift in strategy, Samsung is integrating Perplexity AI’s search capabilities into Bixby as part of its upcoming One UI 8.5 software update. This partnership aims to transform Bixby from a basic command executor into a more intelligent conversational tool, capable of handling real-time web searches and nuanced questions.
The integration comes at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping consumer electronics, with companies racing to embed advanced AI features into their ecosystems. According to reports from Android Authority, early leaks of One UI 8.5 reveal Bixby deferring complex queries to Perplexity, allowing it to provide detailed, sourced answers drawn from live web data. This isn’t just a superficial upgrade; it’s a fundamental enhancement that could finally give Bixby the edge it needs in a crowded field of virtual assistants.
Perplexity AI, founded in 2022, has gained attention for its ability to deliver concise, citation-backed responses to user queries, blending search engine functionality with large language model prowess. By tapping into Perplexity, Samsung is…
