Samsung introduced the branded Bixby along with the Galaxy S8. The community greeted the voice assistant coolly, due to its limited functionality and the impossibility of simply reconfiguring the assistant button. In the new Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus, Samsung allowed you to change the Bixby call button to any other one and expanded the assistant's capabilities to third-party applications.

Bixby is an interesting development in the company's software and services, given the fact that the custom TouchWiz software shell was considered the most bloatware-laden among Android enthusiasts.

Samsung has many applications, but almost all of them are installed out of the box on the company's branded smartphones, annoying users with their presence. But here's the paradox - sometimes Koreans release really useful software, which by default is only available in the Galaxy Store application catalog. This is the distribution model Samsung has chosen for its new CalliScan app, which recognizes handwritten text and converts it to typed text in seconds.

The Bixby voice assistant is not very popular in Russia, and therefore many people have no idea what it is capable of. Samsung has done a great job to compete with Siri, teaching the assistant a variety of different skills. Thanks to them, Bixby can not only conduct a dialogue with the user, but also recognize objects and interact with installed applications. However, Samsung felt that this was not enough and introduced a specialized marketplace for Bixby. Let's try to figure out what it can do and why it is needed.

When Samsung launched last week, one new feature that was previously missing from Galaxy S users caught the attention of users: the ability to reassign the action on the mechanical button to call the Bixby smart assistant.

In March 2017, a few days before the announcement of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus smartphones, it was introduced. It, like virtual assistants Siri and Amazon Alexa, is necessary to perform voice commands. Unfortunately, it turned out to be not as “smart” as its analogues, so some users even in September were looking for the possibility of it. The company is constantly trying to improve the assistant, and is now ready to resort to the help of third-party developers.

Introduced the branded Bixby along with the Galaxy S8. The community greeted the voice assistant coolly. This was due to the limited functionality and inability to easily reconfigure the assistant button. Perhaps the attitude of users will soon change - cooperation with Google will help with this.

Many users who recently purchased a new smartphone from Samsung discovered an application called Bixby on it. If you also come across this application, we suggest you read our article. Here you will learn what Samsung's Bixby is, how it works and how to use it.

Samsung Bixby is a voice assistant that was introduced by Samsung in the spring of 2017 along with the Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones. In fact, Samsung Bixby is a heavily redesigned S Voice app that has been pre-installed on Samsung smartphones since the Galaxy S III. Like S Voice, Samsung's Bixby assistant can answer user questions, complete simple errands, or search for information.

Initially, this voice assistant was available only on smartphones from Samsung, both on new and old models. The only limitation is the operating system version. In order to install Bixi on an old Samsung smartphone, it must be running the Android Nougat operating system or a newer version of Android. But later, the scope of Bixby expanded, Samsung began to implement this assistant in its other equipment, for example, in smart TVs and even refrigerators.

Bixby Home, Voice and Vision

is an application that is accessible from the main screen of the smartphone. To open it, you need to swipe right on the main screen or short press the Bixby button.

Bixby Home collects a variety of information that may be of interest to the user and displays it in a vertically scrolling feed. The main content of this tape is unified cards that contain information from various sources. By scrolling through this feed, the user can find out about the weather, their fitness activity, scheduled events, set alarms and reminders, etc.

The Bixby Home feed can be customized to suit your needs. The user can disable uninteresting cards or, conversely, pin those that contain the most relevant and useful information. The main source of card information is other Samsung apps, but Bixby Home can also receive data from third-party apps. For example, there are cards for applications such as Spotify, CNN and Flipboard.

Bixby Voice is an application that is launched by long pressing the Bixby button. The Bixby Voice app is the voice part of the Bixby assistant, something like Siri, but from Samsung.

With Bixby Voice, you can issue voice commands and communicate with your assistant using your voice. For example, you can ask about the weather forecast, ask to send a text message, dial a phone number, change settings, or set a reminder. More complex commands are also supported, in particular, Bixby can launch applications in split-screen mode, edit photos, remind you of the location of your car, play videos on your TV, and much more. Samsung says Bixby can recognize and execute more than 3,000 different voice commands. At the same time, the assistant can interact with third-party applications, for example, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Uber, Google Maps or Gmail.

Bixby Voice also has the ability to communicate with the user in “phone mode”. To do this, the user needs to hold the phone to their ear, as this is done during a phone call. This will allow you to interact comfortably with your assistant in public places.

is a component of the Bixby assistant that is built into the camera app. This component uses machine learning and Samsung partner databases to make the camera more useful.

With Bixby Vision, you can identify photographed objects in real time and search for information about them in various Internet services. For example, Bixby Vision uses data from the FourSquare service to identify landmarks and places of interest to photograph.

Bixby Vision can also recognize QR codes and translate text. In order to translate a foreign language, just point the camera at the text and its translation will immediately appear in the field of view. This feature supports a fairly large set of languages, so it can be very convenient.

Among the unusual features of Bixby Vision, the “Makeup” function should be noted. This feature uses the front camera to apply virtual makeup to your face. At the moment, this way you can “try on” almost all the products of the cosmetics manufacturer Sephora.

How to use Samsung Bixby

To start using the Bixby voice assistant, you can use a separate button, which is present on the body of many new models from Samsung. For example, there is such a button on the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9 Plus, Note 8 and Note 9. A quick press on this button will open Bixby Home, and a longer press will bring up Bixby Voice. In addition, Bixby Home can be opened by swiping your finger from left to right on the main screen.

When you open Samsung Bixby for the first time, you will need to accept the user agreement and give access to your data. After this, you can customize the assistant to your own requirements. To do this, open Bixby Home, click the gear icon in the top right corner and go to Settings.

In 2017, the manufacturer Samsung introduced a unique application designed for two Samsung models (S8 and S8+). On these, and over time, other smartphones, a button appeared that launched the assistant. After pressing it, the system calls the assistant and allows you to use its capabilities. Without internet, this option is useless, so people started asking how to remap the Bixby button on Samsung to enable another app.

Until the beginning of 2019, this opportunity did not exist. After the 2019 update, users have the right to reassign keys and use it for other tasks. If you want, you can reconfigure the Bixby button to turn on the flashlight, launch the browser, Google Assistant, or other applications. We'll look at how to do this below.

Which models are affected by the update?

According to Samsung representatives, the new update affected devices running the Android Pie 9.0 operating system. We are talking about the following phones - Galaxy S8 and S8+, Galaxy Note 9 and Note 8, Galaxy S9. Other models are also expected to undergo changes - Galaxy S10, as well as the S10e and S10+ series. If you have one of these phones, after updating, go to settings and use the new feature. It will take a few minutes to reassign the program link.

Setting up the Bixby Samsung button allows you to change the standard settings, and later use it to solve other tasks, from launching software to executing any commands. You can reassign the key to start the camera, start modem mode, etc. In this case, users of these phones just need to update and take a few simple steps.

If there is no Bixby Key button, check that it has been updated. For this:

• open the Store software for Samsung Galaxy phones;
• touch the “three dots” menu at the top right;
• go to the “My Page” section;
• go to updates.

If the system has not been updated, information about new versions will be visible. In this case, you need to update, and after that you need to reassign the program keys to Samsung.

Remapping the Bixby button on Samsung smartphones

Experts highlight two ways to replace the Bixby button with another application. Let's highlight three ways - through the setup section, using special software and using commands.

How to reassign using settings:

• make sure that the latest version is installed on your Samsung phone;
• go to the settings section of the program;
• go to the “Bixby Key” or “Bixby Button” section;

• set up a link to the software by the number of clicks (one or two);

• set the software of interest by clicking on the gear.

If it was not possible to reassign the button in this way, we consider other options. Please note that installing unlicensed software carries certain risks.

How to reassign via Bixby Button Assistant Remapper:

• download the specified application and install it (during the installation process, indicate the option to install software from unknown sources);
• go to the Voice settings menu, and then to the program keys menu;
• select the option to launch the software with two clicks and press the phrase "Use one click";
• next to the link to open the application, click settings (gear), enter the list and find the above program (select it).

All that remains is to change the Bixby button by selecting through the menu the software that will work by default. During setup, check the “Always” checkbox so that this particular program will open in the future.

How to reassign using shortcuts:

• go to Bixby Voice;
• enter quick commands and create a new team by clicking on the “plus”;

If done correctly, remapping the Bixby button on Samsung Galaxy and other devices takes minimal time. Thanks to this feature, you can bypass company restrictions and reassign a program that understands Russian.

If you can't reprogram the Bixby button through Settings, you can use two other methods. As a rule, changes through settings are not possible on S10 series models (according to user reviews).

Disablement options

The Bixby button is a link that launches the app on Samsung. If it is not needed, the key can be disabled. This is necessary to avoid accidental clicks or in a situation where a person is not using the application. Experts recommend reassigning the button and doing nothing else. If this is not enough, you should deactivate the key completely. To do this, disable the option through the settings or use another available method.

Bixby is an artificial intelligence system for Samsung phones that simplifies human interaction with the device and expands its capabilities. The application is integrated into many smartphones of the Korean manufacturer, and its presence increases the number of available functions for users. Below we will look at the features of Bixby Samsung, what kind of application it is and how it works. Let's highlight its capabilities and reviews from real people.

The history of the appearance of the function in the world and Russia

The first information about the assistant appeared in March 2017, a few days before the presentation of Samsung S8 and S8+ series smartphones. Bixby comes as a counterweight to existing apps like Siri, Google Assistant, and others. Over time, the number of models used has increased and functionality has improved. According to the developers, by 2020 all devices will be equipped with an assistant.

Today, the voice assistant is available in more than 200 countries, including South Africa, Canada, Australia, England, etc. Initially, it worked in the DPRK and the USA, but later spread to other countries.

Today the development trend continues. In addition, South Korean developers are working to update the software and expand its functionality.

Many people are wondering when Bixby will speak Russian. At the moment, the assistant understands English, Chinese and Korean. As for expanding the list of languages, this issue has been suspended indefinitely. Samsung representatives only promise to expand the list, but do not take real action. Testing of Italian, German, British and Spanish is planned in the near future. As for the appearance of Bixby Samsung in Russian, and when it will be released in Russia, there are no exact dates.

Which Samsung models support the application?

Initially, the assistant functioned only on two Samsung devices - S8 and S8 Plus. Subsequently, this list expanded. Today the application works on the following models of the company's smartphones - S10, S10+, Note9, S10e, A9 Star, A8 2018, A8+ 2018, A7 2018, A5 2018, A6, A6+, J7+, Tab s4, J7 TOP, Tab A2, W2018 and a number of others. The number of Samsung models that support Bixby is constantly expanding.

Analogs and their features

There are still discussions among experts about what Samsung's Bixby is and how relevant this application is. The reason is that the program has a number of competitors in the form of the following programs:

• Google Now is a personal assistant that works reliably, provides voice prompts and provides access to Google maps. He is able to answer questions, recommend things and perform certain actions.

• Siri is software that uses voice to send SMS, dial other users' numbers, set reminders, etc. The program understands the owner's words and converts them into action. New versions are more stable and have more features. For example, they are able to identify music tracks.

• Google Assistant is a personal assistant created by the company of the same name. The presence of such software raises the question of why the Bixby assistant from Samsung is needed, since the Google application performs almost the same functions. But that's how it was at first. Over time, the developers of the Bixby program expanded its functionality. As for Google Assistant, it is capable of recognizing speech, identifying objects, and collecting visual data through the camera. The application is easy to install and works quickly.

• Cortana is a personal user assistant that makes life easier for the user and helps solve important tasks.

Despite the variety of competitors, Samsung's assistant successfully coped with the onslaught. For example, Amazon Alexa only understands one language, but it took Siri four years to begin recognizing Russian. In this regard, Siri certainly wins. As noted, Samsung has not announced a time frame for when the application will appear for Russian-speaking citizens. On the other hand, the application works better using gestures, which is what the developers focus on.

Operating principle

Samsung representatives have introduced many features that make the application truly useful for the user. The developers set the following Bixby scenarios regarding the future development of the program - managing multiple devices, understanding context and human language. The application works quickly and uses all the functionality of a Samsung phone, from various sensors to the device’s camera.

Functions and their features

The Bixby application is a multifunctional software that offers new features for the user. Let's highlight the main ones:

• voice control;
• replacing wallpaper on your desktop;
• output video to TV screen;
• object recognition through the camera;
• combination with other applications;
• searching for various information on the Internet;
• making payments, etc.

The application works with an eye to development. It provides an internal system that involves the development of intelligence.

Our readers also often ask about, our authors have prepared a separate article about this function.

Note that Bixby widgets from Samsung are separate branches with additional capabilities for the user.

Let's highlight the main ones:

• Bixby Reminder is a widget that provides reminders (alerts) about certain events. With its help, you can get information about all the little things, including which page a person finished reading a book on.
• Bixby Vision is an option that allows you to use your Samsung smartphone camera to recognize objects. Using a widget, a person can find out useful information about a particular object. Additional functions - scanning QR codes, text translation, location detection, etc. The question regarding the Bixby Samsung camera, how it works, deserves special attention. The application's functions allow you to look at the world differently, recognize landmarks, scan QR codes, create visual elements and solve other tasks.

• Bixby Voice is a widget that works for speech recognition. Using voice commands, the user can control the Samsung phone and give it different tasks (calls, settings, etc.). Russian-speaking users often ask a question regarding Bixby Voice - how to enable it in Russia. As noted, the Samsung assistant does not yet understand Russian, so this option is not available.

• Bixby Home is a complex of the most important elements for the user in one place. This includes the best apps, services, commitments, etc.

The program's capabilities are constantly expanding. It can be used as a translator and guide, search for similar pictures, quickly access functions of interest, and solve other problems.

Instructions for inclusion

There are two ways to turn on Bixby - using the phrase “Hi, Bixbi” or by pressing and holding a special button. A small blue circle appears on the left side of the screen. For a long time, Samsung did not provide the ability to disable or reassign the button. After the update appeared, this became possible. If the owner of a Samsung smartphone has turned off the button and plans to turn it on again, there are two ways to resolve the issue.

• press the application button and activate Voice and hints;
• click on the gear sign at the top right of the display;
• enable the Key option by moving the slider to the right.

From the main screen:

• press the display and swipe your finger from right to left;
• switch the toggle switch for the Home assistant;
• Open the Home display and tap the gear icon at the top right;
• turn on Key by moving the switch.

The last step is to make sure that Bixby on Samsung is working normally.

Terms of use and settings

The next point to consider is how to use Bixby. The setup principle depends on the widget. Let's highlight the main points:

• Swipe the home screen to the right to view the latest photos or check the weather;
• use voice commands (in supported languages) to control functions;
• get alerts using the Reminder widget, etc.

Many people are interested in how to set up Bixby and reassign the button. After the next update, the function became available to all assistant users. Now the button can be used to launch any software, be it a camera, Goolge Maps or another application. The work can be done through the settings after checking the update.

Having a personal assistant remains a pipe dream for most people. However, Samsung offers owners of Galaxy S8 phones (and a number of related models) an effective alternative in the form of a virtual assistant running on their phones. What is Bixby Samsung and how does it work? We'll tell you in this article. Samsung's Bixby virtual assistant has advanced artificial intelligence, is good at recognizing human speech, can execute a series of sequential commands, and can be an effective tool for simplifying everyday operations.

What is Bixby Samsung?

“Bixby” is a digital assistant from Samsung, which exists in the form of an application for phones of the Galaxy S9 line (and a number of related analogues). Its mission is to make your life easier and more convenient through voice control and automation of many operations. Bixby allows you to quickly open the applications you need and perform various actions in them, work with social networks, calendar, effectively search the Internet, and much more.

What does Bixby mean for other smartphone manufacturers? “Bixby” is Samsung’s response to the emergence and implementation of such analogues as “Siri”, “Google Assistant”, “Cortana” and “Alexa”; it has new advanced AI, which allows it to effectively promote Samsung devices in a rather saturated market. At the moment, the assistant supports work with three languages ​​(English, Korean and Chinese Mandarin), and can speak in three voices (two female and one male). The assistant is available on the Galaxy S9 line of phones and a number of related models, as well as on TVs, refrigerators, washing machines and other household devices from Samsung. The developers promise that Bixby will work in the future on mobile devices from other manufacturers.

Bixby lets you tap into your device's visual and voice capabilities

Bixby functionality

After we figured out what this Bixby Samsung application is, let's find out its capabilities and learn how to use the assistant. Bixby's work can be roughly divided into three main blocks:

How to set up Bixby assistant

Before you can start working fully with Bixby, the assistant will need to be configured. You will need to launch Bixby by pressing the special button on the left side of the phone and follow the commands that appear on the screen.

During the setup process, you will be asked to say several phrases, adjusting the application to the characteristics of your voice.

In the application settings, you can also choose the language and voice of your assistant by clicking on Bixby Home, tapping the button with three vertical buttons at the top, then selecting Settings - Language and Speaking Style. Here you can select both the language and voice for the assistant to pronounce phrases.

How to use Bixby

Bixby is very easy to use. You say “Hey Bixby” or press the corresponding button to call the assistant, then say the desired command, many of which are supported by the assistant (you can view their list in the assistant’s functionality). For example, after you say “Open Google Maps and Navigate to Red Square,” the assistant will open the Google Maps application and show you how to get to Red Square.

To activate the assistant, say “Hey, Bixby”

If Bixby did not understand your words, or you asked an incorrect question, the assistant will point this out and offer to reformulate the request.

How to disable the Bixby button

1. If for some reason you want to disable Bixby from launching when you press the corresponding button, then launch “Bixby Home”.
2. Next, click the button with three vertical buttons on the top right.
3. Select "Settings", scroll down and tap on "Bixby key".
4. Then click on the “Don’t open anything” option.

Conclusion

Bixby Samsung is a convenient digital assistant from Samsung that allows you to speed up and simplify work with various electronic and digital equipment, from smartphones to washing machines. The constant development of the application and improvement of its AI promises that we will soon see Bixby on a variety of consumer electronics from Samsung. Time will tell to what extent Bixby will be able to withstand competition with similar assistants from other manufacturers.