Overview
- Samsung pushed One UI 8.5 Beta 5 to carrier‑unlocked Galaxy S25 models in the United States, a ~550MB build whose changelog lists only an applied Bixby version update.
- The company formally launched a Bixby beta that turns the assistant into a conversational agent capable of changing settings based on intent, such as keeping the screen on while a user is looking at it.
- Samsung says the upgraded Bixby can deliver up‑to‑date information from the open web, and multiple outlets report the feature is powered by Perplexity.
- Access to the new Bixby is available to One UI 8.5 beta participants in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK and the U.S., with broader availability planned as the stable update rolls out.
- Samsung updated its Galaxy Wearable app with a One UI 8.5 look, added support for Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro, and ended compatibility with the original Galaxy Fit and Fit e, signaling ecosystem changes tied to next week’s Unpacked event.