Samsung adds Perplexity to its S26 phones – and it's already teasing more AI (www.techradar.com)

Samsung has integrated a new AI assistant called Perplexity into its Galaxy S26 smartphones, joining existing assistants Gemini and Bixby. This move aims to enhance user experience by allowing individuals to activate Perplexity with the command "Hey Plex" or set it as the default assistant. Perplexity is designed to perform similar functions to Gemini, such as retrieving information from apps like calendars and galleries, as well as conducting web searches, all while offering deeper integration than standalone apps. The significance of this announcement lies in Samsung's focus on user choice in the AI space, reflecting the fact that many users juggle multiple assistants daily. Minseok Kang, Samsung’s Smartphone Product Planning Team head, suggested that there might be more AI partners added in the future, hinting at a shift towards a more customizable experience. However, while promoting Perplexity, Samsung reaffirmed its primary partnership with Google, implying that Gemini will remain a key player in their ecosystem. This multi-assistant approach could set a precedent for future smartphone designs, as users may benefit from selecting the best AI tool for specific tasks rather than relying on a single solution.