Samsung’s AI voice assistant Bixby had been in need of an update, and the company has finally delivered. Samsung today announced new Bixby updates that improve the user experience, performance, and capabilities of the intelligent assistant and platform. Bixby Text Call, a few offline commands, and other features have been improved.
Bixby Text Call in English
Bixby Text Call is now available in English from Samsung. The feature debuted with One UI 5 in October 2022, but it was only available in Korea. English speakers can now answer calls from anywhere by typing a message, which Bixby converts to audio and communicates with the caller directly on their behalf.
Users can also customize their Bixby Text Call voice by using the new Bixby Custom Voice Creator, which allows them to record different sentences for Bixby to analyze and create an AI-generated copy of their voice and tone.
This feature is currently limited to a few models, including the Galaxy S23 series in Korea, and only works on One UI 5.1 devices. The company has also stated that it intends to expand this feature to other Samsung apps.
Other New Bixby Features
Bixby now supports a custom wake-up phrase, thanks to an update from Samsung. Bixby has also learned to understand intent and process follow-up requests by understanding context and associating words from previous interactions.
Bixby users, for example, can start a workout on Samsung Health and then ask Bixby to play music appropriate for that workout by saying, “Play music for this workout.”
In addition, Samsung has improved Bixby’s in-app AI capabilities. Setting a timer, taking a screenshot, or activating the flashlight can all be done completely offline.
Samsung has combined on-device AI with native applications to provide advanced AI-based voice dictation, allowing the company to broaden its language offerings and capabilities.
Availability
The new Bixby updates will be available for Samsung Galaxy users in February through a software update.
Regarding the update, YoungJip Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Artificial Intelligence Team in Mobile Experience Business, Samsung Electronics said,
When Samsung first launched Bixby as a voice assistant, it was part of a vision to create a human-to-machine interface that makes life easier and can advance over time with Samsung Galaxy innovation. Today, we introduce updates to build a more intelligent interface that is proactive and adaptive, giving people greater control over their mobile experience.