Quick Read
- Samsung Galaxy S26 series, launching February 25, 2026, integrates Perplexity AI.
- Users can activate Perplexity AI with the new “Hey Plex” voice command or side button.
- Perplexity AI works across Samsung core apps (Notes, Calendar, Gallery) and select third-party apps for complex tasks.
- The upgraded Bixby will handle device navigation and routine commands, complementing Perplexity.
- Samsung aims for a multi-agent AI ecosystem to streamline tasks and reduce app-hopping.
SAN FRANCISCO (Azat TV) – Samsung is set to redefine smartphone interaction with the upcoming launch of its Galaxy S26 series on February 25, 2026, introducing a deeply integrated Perplexity AI system accessible via the new “Hey Plex” voice command. This strategic move aims to streamline complex tasks through a sophisticated multi-agent AI ecosystem, signaling a significant shift in how users will interact with their devices and marking a crucial evolution in Samsung’s Galaxy AI platform.
The integration of Perplexity AI, functioning as a system-level agent, is a cornerstone of the Galaxy S26 series. Users will be able to summon Perplexity hands-free by simply saying “Hey Plex,” or by pressing and holding the phone’s side button. This dedicated wake phrase underscores Samsung’s commitment to making its advanced AI tools intuitive and readily available, moving beyond traditional single-assistant models. The feature is designed to work seamlessly across core Samsung applications like Notes, Calendar, Gallery, Clock, and Reminders, and will extend to select third-party apps, allowing for multi-step workflows without constant app switching, as reported by Android Authority.
“Hey Plex” Command Redefines Interaction
The “Hey Plex” command represents a pivotal change in user experience. Unlike conventional chatbots, Perplexity AI is engineered to understand context across the operating system, enabling it to coordinate with other AI features, including the revamped Bixby. For instance, a user could ask Perplexity to plan a follow-up for a client call, and the AI would intelligently pull highlights from meeting notes, create a reminder, suggest available calendar times, and even attach a relevant image from the gallery—all from a single prompt. This level of cross-app orchestration is a direct response to Samsung’s internal research, which indicates that nearly eight out of ten users currently rely on more than two AI agents for their daily tasks.
While Perplexity AI handles complex research and multi-step reasoning, the upgraded Bixby, rolling out with One UI 8.5, will serve as a conversational device agent. It now understands natural language commands for device navigation and settings, such as asking “Why is my phone screen always on when it’s inside my pocket?” to access the Accidental Touch Protection setting. Bixby also offers real-time web search capabilities within its interface, a feature currently in beta in markets including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US, with a wider release expected alongside the S26 launch. Crucially, “Hey Google” will continue to be available on Samsung devices, offering users choice in their preferred digital assistant.
Perplexity AI’s Role in Galaxy Ecosystem
Perplexity AI’s deep integration means it operates at the OS framework level, providing lower latency, greater reliability, and enhanced privacy. Samsung emphasizes protections like Samsung Knox and on-device processing for sensitive tasks, while more demanding queries can be handled in the cloud with transparent user prompts. The Galaxy S26’s upgraded neural processing units (NPUs) further support this, enabling faster summarization, longer context windows, and richer multimodal interactions, making the real-time, cross-app orchestration feel instantaneous.
Won-Joon Choi, President and COO of Samsung’s Mobile eXperience Business, stated, “We’ve been committed to building an open and inclusive integrated AI ecosystem that gives users more choice, flexibility and control to get complex tasks done quickly and easily. Galaxy AI acts as an orchestrator, bringing together different forms of AI into a single, natural, cohesive experience.” This vision, detailed in Samsung’s press releases, positions Galaxy AI as an intelligent conductor, seamlessly blending different AI capabilities to provide a unified and intuitive user experience.
Samsung’s Vision for Multi-Agent AI
This initiative represents Samsung’s broader effort to combat feature bloat and enhance the utility of its AI offerings. The company aims to move from isolated smart features towards a unified ecosystem of agentic AI that can manage multiple agents and understand context across the OS. While the Perplexity integration is confirmed for the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung has indicated that more details about supported devices and experiences will be announced soon, suggesting that similar capabilities could extend to recent Galaxy flagships and other device categories through future updates.
As the tech industry increasingly pivots towards AI agents capable of planning, reasoning, and executing tasks, Samsung’s open, multi-agent approach distinguishes it from competitors. Analyst firms like Gartner have identified AI agents as a key strategic trend, and Samsung’s early adoption with the S26 series positions it at the forefront of this evolution. However, the balance between powerful new tools and concerns over privacy and potential feature overload remains a topic of public discussion.
The strategic decision to integrate Perplexity AI and introduce the “Hey Plex” command on the Galaxy S26 series underscores Samsung’s intent to lead in the multi-agent AI space, offering a more cohesive and intelligent user experience that could significantly reduce the cognitive load of managing digital tasks.

