Samsung's New Bixby in One UI 8.5: Performance and Innovation Compared to Previous Versions

Daily Technology

21/01/2026

Samsung is rolling out a significant upgrade to its virtual assistant, Bixby, alongside One UI 8.5, aiming to deliver a smarter, more intuitive user experience. This article compares the technical advancements and potential impact of this new version against previous iterations of Bixby, highlighting key performance indexes and public test metrics.

Enhanced Contextual Understanding

The new Bixby version introduces advanced contextual awareness, enabling it to interpret user requests more naturally and act decisively without requiring additional clarification. In contrast to earlier versions—which often relied on sequential command lists—Bixby 8.5 can directly carry out tasks such as toggling the “Screen on While Viewing” feature when specifically requested. This streamlined interaction reduces response time and enhances operational efficiency.

Integration with Real-Time Web Search

A standout feature of the updated Bixby is its integration with Perplexity, allowing real-time web searches within the assistant’s interface. This approach eliminates the need to switch to browsers or separate applications, conserving device resources and maintaining workflow continuity. Previous generations of Bixby did not offer real-time web access, limiting their functionality to preloaded or periodically updated datasets.

Beta Testing and Rollout

Samsung’s new Bixby is being tested through the One UI 8.5 beta program, currently available to select markets and devices like the Galaxy S25 series. Performance indicators in this beta phase focus on response accuracy, user satisfaction, and feature adoption rates. Publicly available changelogs and developer notes suggest that this update will become widely accessible with the stable release of One UI 8.5, coinciding with the upcoming Galaxy S26 series launch.

Technical Performance Metrics

Comparing user-initiated tests between Bixby 8.5 and its predecessor, improvements are noted in natural language processing accuracy and latency. Early beta feedback indicates faster command execution for context-driven actions and higher recognition rates for conversational queries. Additionally, the enhanced Perplexity integration supports up-to-date search results, surpassing the delayed or static responses observed in previous software versions.

Market Impact and Future Prospects

Samsung’s strategy with the new Bixby aligns closely with industry trends focusing on AI-driven assistants, mirroring developments such as Apple’s upcoming Gemini-powered Siri. By emphasizing seamless performance and broader data accessibility, the latest Bixby strengthens its position amidst increasing competition in the digital assistant market.

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