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Samsung Bixby logo | Image by Samsung
Samsung is kicking off 2026 with a bang, and although the new Galaxy S26 series hardware is eye-catching, it is what is going on inside these phones that is generating the most excitement. We have been waiting for what feels like decades for our voice assistants to be more than just glorified timers or weather reporters, and it appears Samsung was paying attention. The company just announced a massive redesign for Bixby with the goal of making it a truly proactive assistant that can understand how you speak and what you might want before you even ask.
Following the release of the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung has also on how it is working toward creating an "agentic" future where your phone does the heavy lifting in the background. Rather than you having to go through five different menus just to change a simple setting, the new Bixby acts as a conversational device agent. This means you can simply speak with it naturally, rather than having to remember special commands or technical jargon.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is now available for up to $720 off
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The Galaxy S26 Ultra has been announced, bringing a Privacy Screen feature, insanely fast processor, and multiple Galaxy AI enhancements. Right now, you can save up to $720 at the Samsung Store with eligible trade-ins. You also get 15% off the Buds 4 series with your purchase. Alternatively, you can get $150 credit for add-ons, no trade-in required.
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The Galaxy S26+ is here, bringing improved software and a more powerful processor. The device can now be yours for up to $480 off with eligible device trade-ins. Users also get 15% off the Buds 4 series with their purchase. The official store gives you a $150 credit for add-ons without trade-ins.
The Galaxy S26 is currently available at the Samsung Store with an exciting trade-in discount. Right now, you can buy the model with a $380 maximum price cut. Samsung also gives you 15% off the Galaxy Buds 4 or the Buds 4 Pro with your smartphone purchase.
Natural language interaction: you can now adjust your device settings or navigate your phone by simply talking with Bixby.
Third-party agent integration: in addition to Bixby, you can now also choose to integrate and use other device AI agents like Gemini and Perplexity.
Automated multi-step tasks: the device can now automatically complete complex multi-step tasks with a single prompt using different apps, such as booking a ride with Gemini.
Context-aware suggestions: the new "Now Nudge" feature analyzes what you are doing, such as chatting about a trip, and suggests you share relevant photos from your photo gallery.
Personalized daily briefs: an updated feature of "Now Brief" will provide you with relevant reminders about traveling updates or reservations based on your context.
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How your phone is becoming a personal assistant
'Now Nudge' feature. | Image by Samsung
We are now seeing the "AI phone" move beyond photo editing and into actual usefulness. Digital assistants have always seemed to be behind the times in the face of the explosive growth of AI, but with the inclusion of such powerful assistants like Google's Gemini in addition to Bixby, Samsung is giving the user the ability to choose how they want to be productive.
Samsung seems to be going above and beyond the iPhone in the sense that they are making the AI experience effortless and proactive, not reactive. If you are like many people and find the sheer number of apps and notifications you must sift through to be overwhelming, then this "agentic" approach to your smartphone experience might help get all that under control.
How do you feel about Bixby handling your daily tasks?
A promising step toward smarter tech
So, I'll admit, I've been a bit of a Bixby skeptic in the past, often turning to other virtual assistants the moment I run into a snag. But these new Bixby updates have me reconsidering.
One feature I'm particularly excited to test is the Now Nudge. If it really does save me time searching for photos or my schedule, then it could end up being something I can't live without.
Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
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