Katarzyna Petru
Bixby is alive. Although for years it was seen more as a curiosity than a real assistant, Samsung has decided that it’s time for a true revolution. The new version, which is debuting on Tizen televisions, is not only meant to answer simple questions but also to genuinely assist in discovering content and controlling the home.
From Meme to a Flesh and Blood Assistant
Up until now, Bixby has been losing out to Google Assistant and Alexa – and not just on televisions. The problem? A lack of natural conversations and meaningful context. Now Samsung promises a completely different experience. You’re watching a film and you ask, “Who is that actor?” – Bixby will understand that you’re referring to the face on the screen and will provide an answer. Want a new series similar to Breaking Bad or films with your favourite actress? Finally, you’ll receive accurate suggestions.
Not just TV, but also smart home
The new Bixby is also the control centre for SmartThings. You can turn on the lights, lower the temperature, or check the cameras using your voice – all without taking your eyes off the screen. Moreover, classic questions (“how tall is Mount Everest?”) will not only end with an answer, but also with a suggestion of related video content.
Where and when?
To start, the USA, South Korea, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The 2025 Neo QLED and QD-OLED televisions will come with Bixby immediately, while older models – likely from 2024 – will receive it later. British users will have to wait as there are currently no specifics. And what about Poland? Officially, there is no release date yet, but considering that the service is launching in large European countries, one can assume that Poland will receive the update in one of the subsequent waves.
And this is just the beginning
In autumn, Samsung will add the Vision AI update – real-time content translation, image and sound adaptation, better personalisation. All as part of seven years of free Tizen updates. And although the competition is not resting (Google is preparing Gemini for Google TV, Amazon – Alexa+, and Apple – a new Siri), it seems that this time Samsung really wants to fight for the title of the smartest television in the living room.
