Quick Read
- Samsung officially announced Perplexity as a second AI agent for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series.
- Perplexity will power the Bixby AI assistant, offering real-time web search and deep app integration.
- Users can activate the enhanced Bixby with the new voice phrase “Hey Plex” or by pressing the side button.
- Samsung will continue its partnership with Google for Gemini AI, aiming to offer multiple AI agents.
- More details about the integration will be revealed at the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25.
SAN FRANCISCO (Azat TV) – Samsung is set to integrate Perplexity, a prominent AI company, as a second artificial intelligence agent within its highly anticipated Galaxy S26 series, significantly enhancing the capabilities of its homegrown Bixby assistant. This strategic move, officially announced ahead of the February 25 Unpacked event, signals Samsung’s commitment to diversifying its AI offerings and reducing its reliance on Google’s AI ecosystem for its flagship devices.
The integration means that Bixby, now powered by Perplexity, will offer a more personalized and intelligent user experience. Users will be able to summon this enhanced Bixby using a dedicated voice wake phrase, “Hey Plex,” in addition to the traditional press-and-hold action on the side button. Early hands-on experiences with the One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series, which already features Perplexity-powered Bixby, reveal that answers are now curated by Perplexity, providing real-time web search capabilities directly through the assistant.
Perplexity Powers Enhanced Bixby on Galaxy S26
The core of this new partnership lies in Perplexity’s ability to augment Bixby’s intelligence and utility. The ‘Hey Plex’ hotword will directly activate Bixby, which will then leverage Perplexity for web search and complex queries. This is a notable shift from the ‘OK Google’ or ‘Hey Google’ commands that have long been standard on Android devices, including previous Galaxy models. Samsung has confirmed that the Perplexity app might come pre-installed with the Galaxy S26 series, allowing immediate access to its advanced features.
Beyond voice commands, Perplexity will also be accessible through quick-access controls, such as assigning it to the power button for a press-and-hold launch. This deep integration extends to app-level access across various system applications, including Samsung Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder, and Calendar, as well as select third-party apps. This enables more complex, multi-step workflows, such as drafting emails or finding nearby restaurants directly through the AI agent, streamlining user interactions.
Samsung’s Dual AI Strategy and On-Device Focus
Despite the new partnership with Perplexity, Samsung has clarified that its collaboration with Google and the Gemini AI agent will continue. The company’s strategy is to offer multiple AI agents, providing users with diverse options and an improved overall experience. This approach allows Samsung to maintain flexibility while pushing its own AI agenda.
The emphasis on ‘Agentic AI’ is a key theme for the Galaxy S26. Samsung is prioritizing on-device AI processing, moving to the 2nm GAA process with the Exynos 2600 and making 12GB of RAM and 256GB of memory the baseline for all models. This is crucial for features like the new EdgeFusion on-device image generation, ensuring faster results and heightened privacy by processing data locally rather than relying solely on cloud or server-based solutions. This move also highlights Samsung’s ambition to avoid full dependency on any single AI stack.
Galaxy S26: Beyond AI, Camera and Price Adjustments
While AI is a major focus, the Galaxy S26 series is also expected to bring significant advancements in other core areas. The S26 Ultra is anticipated to feature an f/1.4 aperture on its 200MP sensor, a wider aperture than its predecessors, promising better low-light performance with less noise and more natural night shots. The camera system aims for greater subtlety, improved skin tones, and more natural shadows, indicating a focus on both hardware and image processing pipeline evolution.
The new flagships are also expected to come with price adjustments. While specific figures will be confirmed at the Unpacked event, reports suggest a potential increase of around 99,000 won across the lineup in Korea, with the base Galaxy S26 starting at approximately 1,254,000 won and the Ultra around 1,797,000 won. However, Samsung may opt to keep pricing unchanged in the US market, following a trend of gradual price increases justified by enhanced AI and hardware capabilities.
The integration of Perplexity AI into the Galaxy S26’s Bixby assistant marks a significant step in Samsung’s broader strategy to establish a robust, diversified, and on-device AI ecosystem, positioning its flagship devices with unique capabilities in an increasingly competitive market.