I'm sure it's happened to you: you have a Samsung phone, and even though you see Bixby there , you're not quite sure if it's a useful tool or just an annoying button. The truth is, this assistant has undergone an incredible transformation, evolving from a simple Siri imitator into the brain of Galaxy AI , capable of managing almost every aspect of your tech ecosystem.
It's not just about asking it to set an alarm or tell you the weather; it's about a smart services platform that learns your habits and routines. From translating calls in real time to controlling the living room lights without lifting a finger, Bixby aims to make interaction with the machine as natural and seamless as possible , relying on an artificial intelligence that is constantly evolving.
What exactly is Bixby and how is it structured?
To understand Bixby, you have to see it as a set of coordinated tools. It's not a single app, but an ecosystem divided into three main pillars that work together to make our lives easier.
- Bixby Voice: It's the most well-known feature. Through natural language recognition, it interprets what we say and executes actions. What's powerful here is its contextual awarenesswhich allows it to understand who you mean when you say "send this photo to my brother" without you having to give the full name every time.
- BixbyVision: It's basically the assistant's eye. Using the camera, it can identify objects, translate texts live, read QR codes or even help you choose a wine by analyzing the label.
- Bixby Home (Samsung Daily): Although in more modern models it has given way to Google Discover, it was the first bet on a personalized feed with news and reminders tailored to each user.
The Galaxy AI revolution and full integration
With the arrival of the S24 series and later versions, Bixby hasn't died; it's been integrated into Galaxy AI . Now, the assistant is the vehicle for running advanced features like automatic voice transcription and generative image editing. Samsung has made it clear that Bixby is now an integral part of its global AI strategy, collaborating closely with giants like Google to provide more accurate answers.
Furthermore, the assistant has expanded its linguistic boundaries. We are no longer limited to English or Spanish from Spain; there is now detailed support for Latin American Spanish , allowing millions of users to interact in their local variant. This expansion also includes languages ​​such as Korean, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Brazilian Portuguese, adapting to diverse accents and dialects.
Automation: The true superpower of Routines
What makes Bixby stand out from the competition is its ability to create custom routines . This essentially means telling your phone, "If this happens, do that." For example, you can set it to automatically turn on Wi-Fi and put your phone on silent mode when you get home .
To set up a routine, simply go to the advanced features settings and define a trigger (the "If") and an action (the "Then"). It's a fantastic way to save time and battery, as the device intelligently manages the hardware without you having to manually navigate through each menu. There are some very useful pre-configured routines, such as optimizing battery life while you sleep or remotely shutting down or locking your PC with Bixby Routines.
System compatibility and limitations
Bixby isn't exclusive to high-end devices, although it shines brightest on them. It's compatible with a vast array of devices , ranging from the Galaxy S8 to the S26, including the Note, Z Fold, and Z Flip series, and even Tab S tablets and Galaxy Watches. It also extends to Galaxy Book laptops and Buds earbuds.
However, keep in mind that its performance may vary. Bixby's use is limited in critical situations , such as when recording video, playing games, on a call, or with maximum power saving mode enabled. Furthermore, an active Samsung account and an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) are essential for most of its features to function correctly.
How to manage, customize, or disable the assistant
Sometimes, the assistant can be a bit pushy, especially with marketing notifications . This can be fixed by going into Bixby settings and disabling marketing notifications. If you prefer to change how you address it, you can choose between "Hello Bixby," "Hey Bixby," or simply "Bixby ," depending on your version of One UI.
For those who prefer using Google Assistant or Alexa, Samsung allows you to remap the side button . From the advanced settings, you can change the button's function to open a different app instead of launching the smart assistant. You can even disable voice activation entirely if you don't want your phone constantly listening for wake-up commands.
Samsung's ecosystem has transformed Bixby from a simple accessory into a massive productivity tool. Thanks to its integration with SmartThings , the assistant controls everything from the washing machine to the home's lights, creating a connected environment where voice is the primary command. By combining the power of Galaxy AI with the versatility of routines , Samsung offers an experience where the device not only obeys commands but also anticipates the user's daily needs.
