Nov 22, 2024 | Updated: 11:35 AM EDT
Apr 03, 2017 09:41 AM EDT
Samsung's newest Bixby is a software feature introduced alongside the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Samsung Galaxy S8+; a digital assistant similar to Google's Assistant and Apple's Siri. It is predominantly a voice-controlled AI which aims to give users a new way to interact with their phones, bypassing the touchscreen.
According to Venture Beat, Samsung has done its best to make Bixby stand out and seem different from the other assistants. Instead of just asking for directions, weather reports, and cinema times, users can ask Bixby to change settings in their Samsung phone. Google Assistant can change certain settings as well, but as Samsung will know more about the hardware of the devices using Bixby than anyone else; an AI assistant that is poised to offer deeper control.
The language for operating one of these digital assistants was already well-established by Samsung. There's a hardware button that users can long-press on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+'s left side to bring up Bixby; awake word to activate it or make it pop-up. Similar to OK Goggle, but you can teach the phone phrase of your choice. However, Bixby isn't just about voice, there's also a Bixby home screen called Bixby Home that provides a stream of information cards.
It seems like Samsung plans on keeping Bixby as an exclusive to the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. Bixby can't be found in the Google Play Store and Samsung doesn't want to offer it to older devices. Fortunately, an XDA forums member has been able to get Bixby up and running on a Samsung Galaxy S7.
According to Android Authority, Samsung device must run on an Android Nougat to perform the installation of Bixby. First, users need to install first a Galaxy S8 launcher. Then install the Bixby APK. Next, go to Galaxy S8 launcher setting by long pressing the home screen. Then activate Bixby, followed by Reboot. Finally, swipe left for Bixby.
