The Bixby leaks continue to emerge, and this particular one has a wealth of information.
What you should know:
– Samsung’s Bixby featured prominently in a significant report on Reddit that disclosed potential AI enhancements for One UI 8.5.
– Among the findings, it appears that Samsung is set to introduce a “Bixby Live” functionality, akin to Gemini Live, along with “Circle to Ask.”
– Recent rumors regarding Bixby suggest that the device may acquire a new pop-up bar for swift inquiries, as well as integration with Perplexity.
We’ve encountered these rumors previously, but now a social media report claims to have identified various ways Bixby could evolve. A Reddit user explored Samsung’s One UI 8.5 build and allegedly found clues about what a major Bixby upgrade could entail (via SamMobile). One notable feature mentioned is allegedly named “Bixby Live.” If this rings a bell (Gemini Live), it’s because the functionality operates in a manner quite similar to Google’s iteration, at least based on this initial discovery.
When enabled, it seems Bixby Live will display a multi-hued strip along the edges of your phone’s screen. The center will likely contain a circle, probably just signaling the AI’s presence. At the bottom, the AI will be “listening,” along with options to mute the microphone, share the camera, and upload content.
As pointed out by SamMobile, the drop menu is reportedly indicating “conversational styles” for Bixby. Styles such as general agent, tour guide, storyteller, interview, and others.
AI generation features for Bixby were observed, with one of the Reddit user’s screenshots showcasing a “content above was generated by AI” notice. Two additional purported glimpses reveal Bixby’s chatting interface: one that’s its primary app and the other that exists off the home screen. Concerning the former, it seems users immersing themselves in Bixby’s app can experience a chat thread reminiscent of what one would encounter with Gemini. It even mentions “Circle to Ask,” which sounds remarkably akin to Circle to Search.
The alternative chatting method with Bixby is a straightforward, semi-transparent window that appears for quick inquiries on your device.
Bixby aims to keep pace
These alleged modifications for Bixby were identified in Samsung’s One UI 8.5 test; however, indications first surfaced back in October. A social media update noted that Samsung was trialing a new Bixby pop-up bar when activated on a Galaxy device. The bar would align with your Light or Dark mode selection and present a vibrant blue/purple color scheme along its edges.
It certainly imparts a more Gemini-like essence to the otherwise ordinary and low-profile AI.
On a more significant note, Samsung was recently observed testing its Perplexity AI integration with Bixby. A report indicates that the company was assessing the AI’s replies for queries directed to Bixby, intensifying speculations regarding its possible enhancements for the complete One UI 8.5 rollout. Furthermore, leaks suggest that Bixby could handle basic functions, while Perplexity’s intelligence would be utilized for “complex, web-backed” inquiries.