# Samsung Achieves “Late 2024” Goal for Revamped AI Assistant Bixby in China
Samsung has discreetly introduced a significant redesign of its AI assistant, Bixby, in China, making it the first market to access the next-generation iteration of the on-device helper. This development coincides with the launch of Samsung’s newest foldable devices, the W25 and W25 Flip, which are exclusively available in China. The revamped Bixby incorporates a variety of generative AI features, such as improved query comprehension, on-screen translation, and even the capability to generate office documents.
## Important Information:
– **Samsung’s AI assistant Bixby has undergone a substantial generative AI enhancement in China.**
– **The updated Bixby can manage complex user inquiries, provide superior on-screen translation, and produce office documents.**
– **Samsung had earlier indicated a “late 2024” rollout for this update, which has now been achieved in China.**
– **A specific timeline for when these features will be introduced in other regions, including the U.S., has not been specified.**
## Next-Gen Bixby: An Unexpected Launch
The redesigned Bixby made its entrance alongside the unveiling of the W25 and W25 Flip in China, serving as localized variants of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. Although the foldable devices were anticipated, the surprise was the arrival of the next-gen Bixby, especially since Samsung had suggested that the revamp would come “later in 2024.”
The new Bixby aims to be more intuitive, capable of grasping complex user intents. According to Samsung, the AI assistant can now “deeply understand” user requests, even when provided with multi-step commands in a single sentence. This advancement in understanding parallels improvements seen in other AI systems, including Google’s AI Overviews.
## Notable Features of the Revamped Bixby
### 1. **Advanced Query Comprehension**
A highlight of the new Bixby is its proficiency in understanding and managing complex user inquiries. Samsung asserts that Bixby can now process multi-step directions in one sentence, ensuring a more fluid and intuitive user experience. This marks a considerable enhancement over earlier versions of Bixby, which frequently had difficulty with intricate queries.
### 2. **Enhanced On-Screen Translation**
Samsung has also refined Bixby’s on-screen translation abilities, enhancing its accuracy and efficiency. Given the launch in China, Mandarin is likely fully supported, but Samsung plans to broaden language options down the line. However, no specific timeline for this expansion has been disclosed.
### 3. **Improved Content Understanding**
Bixby’s capacity for content understanding has also been upgraded, enabling it to “intelligently combine text and video” sourced from the web. This feature aims to offer users more context, especially when researching travel destinations or other information-rich subjects.
### 4. **Generation of Office Documents**
In a development that could enhance Bixby’s usefulness for professionals, Samsung has introduced office document generation functionalities. The AI assistant can now create Word, PowerPoint, and other types of documents aligned with user requirements, potentially making it a significant productivity asset.
## A Strategic Step Toward Generative AI
Samsung’s initiative to integrate generative AI capabilities into Bixby aligns with broader industry movements. Generative AI has emerged as a prominent topic in technology, with firms like Google and OpenAI leading the way. Samsung’s Head of Mobile Business, TM Roh, previously noted that advancements in AI serve as a “catalyst” for consumer interest and convenience, and this latest update to Bixby embodies that vision.
Notably, earlier this year, there were speculations that Samsung’s generative AI ambitions for Bixby were inspired by ChatGPT, a well-known generative AI model. While Samsung has yet to verify these claims, the new functionalities in Bixby undoubtedly reflect the competencies of contemporary generative AI systems.
## What Lies Ahead for Bixby?
Although the revamped Bixby is presently available in China, no official information has been shared regarding its rollout to other markets, including the U.S. Some speculate that the enhanced AI assistant could make its global debut alongside the Galaxy S25 series in early 2025, possibly coinciding with the release of One UI 7. However, such predictions remain speculative for now.
For the time being, users outside China will have to settle for minor updates to Bixby. Earlier this year, Samsung released an update that introduced hands-free capabilities to the AI assistant. This enhancement enables users to utilize features such as Live Translate, Spelling Correction, Webpage Summaries, and File Organization without physically interacting with their device. Users can activate these functions by saying, “Hi Bixby.”
## Conclusion
Samsung’s revamped Bixby signifies a
