Samsung is preparing a major upgrade for Bixby Live in its upcoming One UI 8.5 update, based on Android 16. The enhancements aim to boost Samsung’s AI assistant capabilities, allowing it to compete more directly with Google Gemini Live by introducing new AI-powered features and improved productivity tools.
The first indication of this upgrade came from a beta build of One UI 8.5, where a user identified as Galaxy Techie shared screenshots showing the integration of DeepSeek and Perplexity technologies within Bixby. These advancements enable Bixby Live to handle more complex queries and generate diverse types of content, such as podcasts, music, images, videos, and documents, which can be attached directly to search requests.
Bixby Live’s New AI Agent System
In the beta version, Bixby Live appears to adopt a multi-agent AI system with eight distinct roles. These specialized agents include General, Tour Guide, Interview, Positive Support, Storyteller, Listening Ear, and Dress Matching. This design allows Bixby to provide more context-aware responses tailored to different user needs. For instance, when users ask for travel-related advice, the Tour Guide agent can deliver accurate, relevant information, enhancing the overall interaction quality.
Multimodal Input and Enhanced Interaction
One of the standout features in One UI 8.5 is Bixby Live’s improved multimodal capabilities. The assistant can now read on-screen content to generate relevant answers, as well as utilize the phone’s camera for tasks like solving equations or translating text on the fly. Users can also attach multiple media files—including images, videos, and documents—to a single query, thereby enriching the context and accuracy of Bixby’s responses. Additionally, it allows sharing of content from an entire screen or specific apps to focus the AI’s attention precisely.
Document Export and Offline Access
Among the productivity upgrades, Bixby Live users will benefit from exporting AI-generated answers as PDF, Word, or plain text documents. This functionality addresses practical use cases such as work-related documentation, study notes, or offline reference materials. Users can conveniently save and review AI-generated content without requiring continuous internet access, which marks a significant improvement in usability.
Session Management and User Experience
The new Bixby Live also introduces session management features. It monitors user activity and automatically closes conversations after periods of inactivity, streamlining the user experience and conserving device resources. This feature demonstrates Samsung’s focus on optimizing both engagement and efficiency.
DeepSeek and Perplexity Integration
DeepSeek and Perplexity are two AI technologies that significantly enhance Bixby Live’s ability to process and answer complex queries. Perplexity, in particular, was already hinted at in previous versions, enabling Bixby to provide answers sourced from reputable references. The visibility of Perplexity’s icon within the Bixby interface reassures users that responses are backed by reliable data, improving transparency and trustworthiness.
Implications for Samsung’s AI Ecosystem
If these beta findings translate into the final release, One UI 8.5 will represent a pivotal step for Samsung’s AI ambitions. By integrating advanced AI agents, enabling rich multimodal inputs, and supporting document exports, Samsung positions Bixby Live as a serious contender in the Android AI assistant space. This move directly challenges Google Gemini Live by focusing not only on conversational intelligence but also on practical productivity features that appeal to a broader user base.
What to Expect Moving Forward
While Samsung has yet to officially confirm these updates, the beta evidence suggests an ambitious overhaul. Users can anticipate a smarter, more interactive Bixby Live that combines AI versatility with improved user-centered design. As AI assistants become central to mobile experiences, Samsung’s enhancements in One UI 8.5 could significantly elevate Bixby’s relevance and competitiveness.
This development follows a trend of increasing AI sophistication in smartphone ecosystems, with Samsung adopting a multimodal, agent-based approach to enhance user engagement. The integration of third-party AI engines like DeepSeek and Perplexity further enriches Bixby’s functionality, encouraging more dynamic, context-driven interactions than before.
Samsung’s upcoming Bixby Live upgrade promises to expand beyond traditional voice commands, integrating AI deeply into the daily workflows of users and helping Samsung compete more effectively in the evolving landscape of smart assistant technology.