Samsung Elevates Bixby with Generative AI, Rolls Out One UI 6.1 to Galaxy Devices

Samsung has announced its intention to enhance Bixby with generative AI features, aiming to redefine the role of its virtual assistant. Concurrently, the tech giant has begun rolling out the One UI 6.1 update for selected Galaxy phones and tablets, including the latest Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and Tab S9 models. This strategic move underlines Samsung's commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities across its ecosystem, promising a more intuitive user experience.

Samsung Charts a New Course for Bixby with Generative AI Integration Plans

According to the Android Headlines report, all smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung, are racing to incorporate generative AI features into their devices. While the company introduced Galaxy AI with the Galaxy S24 series, which includes various generative AI features, its built-in virtual assistant has received no major AI-related updates. However, Samsung intends to redefine Bixby's role and is developing generative AI features.

Woo-joon Choi told CNBC about Bixby's future, saying, "With the emergence of generative AI and LLM technology, I believe that we have to redefine the role of Bixby so that Bixby could be equipped with generative AI and become smarter in the future."

Furthermore, he stated that incorporating AI into the virtual assistant will provide a more natural conversation tone. He also mentioned that they plan to improve the Bixby interface to support the Samsung ecosystem better.

There needs to be a set release date for Bixby's generative AI features, and a roadmap should outline how Samsung intends to implement them. Woo-joon Choi stated that the company is "working diligently" to integrate generative AI features into their virtual assistant.

Revisiting Bixby: Samsung's Virtual Assistant Faces User Skepticism Ahead of AI Upgrade

Bixby, which replaced the S Voice assistant, has been part of the Samsung ecosystem since 2017. You can use it with Samsung smartphones, smartwatches, smart TVs, and home appliances. While it can help you with various tasks, such as using Bixby Voice to control your smartphone with voice commands, the most crucial question is whether you still use Bixby.

A Reddit thread started to discuss the generative AI capabilities coming to Bixby, which evolved into a platform for discussing the current usability of virtual assistants. Many users stated that Bixby is one of the first features they disable on their Samsung devices. There have also been comments from users who need to remember that they have something called Bixby on their smartphones. These comments indicate that users dislike the Samsung voice assistant and last used it a while ago.

It'll be interesting to see what generative AI features Samsung adds to Bixby, especially if these features can again persuade users to use their virtual assistant, Bixby.

Samsung Expands One UI 6.1 Update to More Galaxy Devices, Enhancing User Experience

One UI 6.1 was released alongside the Galaxy S24 series in late January, and it took Samsung two months to bring the new version of One UI to older Galaxy devices.

The One UI 6.1 update began rolling out on March 28. The initial release was for flagship phones and tablets, launched in 2023, and as of April 1, Samsung had yet to announce when other devices would be able to join in the fun.

People can expect Samsung to take a few months to complete the rollout for all eligible Galaxy devices and update you on the company's progress.

This list will be updated every time One UI 6.1 is released for the first time on a phone or tablet, so bookmark it and return frequently to find out when One UI 6.1 is available for the device.

Galaxy smartphones and tablets that have received One UI 6.1 update

• Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
• Galaxy S23 FE
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9+, Tab S9 Ultra

You can always check if your phone or tablet has a new update by opening the Settings app, selecting Software Update, and tapping Download and Install. You can also look for new updates for your device in our firmware library.

The video posted on YouTube provides a breakdown of One UI 6.1's best features. Remember that One UI 6.1's AI-powered features will not be available on devices other than the Galaxy S23 series (FE included), Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and Tab S9, though Samsung has hinted that this may change later.

Photo: Jonathan Kemper/Unsplash