If you own a Samsung TV from this year, and you’re in the US, we’ve got good news.
This week, the Korean tech giant began to roll out an update to its voice assistant, Bixby. Prior to the update, voice commands were limited to simple tasks such as opening apps, adjusting the volume, searching for TV shows and movies etc.
The key changes in 2025 for Bixby include faster navigation, integration with the Samsung smart home ecosystem and support for more conversational language. Here’s what you need to know.
Improved Click to Search
You may already be aware of Android’s Circle to Search AI feature, but did you know that Samsung has its own version dedicated to its TV range? Essentially, if you see something on your TV that you’re curious about, you can click on it and the TV will provide more information.
But now, you’ll be able to use the voice assistant Bixby for Click to Search. For example, you can ask your panel about an actor or a show, and the TV will provide an answer right on the screen.
Samsung has even extended support for questions beyond the entertainment sphere. So, you can ask it for good recipes, or movie recommendations.
Samsung
Control smart home devices with your voice
If you own any Samsung SmartThings-enabled appliances, you can now control them with your voice via your Samsung TV. Commands supported include “Turn off the oven now” and “Set the air conditioner to 25 degrees”.
In the press release, Samsung also addressed concerns over the storage of voice data, claiming that data isn’t saved on TV servers and that its security programme, Samsung Knox, provides “industry-leading” data protection.
Chat naturally with your TV
Bixby Answers can now be accessed simply by using your voice or pressing the mic button rather than typing or scrolling through a menu, making navigation quicker and simpler.
Samsung also states that Bixby now understands a wider range of questions and commands. For example, you can ask for “chill playlists for a rainy day” or even learn the height of Mount Everest (admittedly a rogue example, but you get the gist). The answers will be displayed directly on your screen.
When will I get the Samsung TV Bixby free upgrade?
According to Samsung’s website, the update began rolling out in the US on 4 August, so don’t worry if it hasn’t reached you just yet. It’s coming to Samsung TVs from 2025, including Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame and QLED models.
There’s no launch stated for Samsung TV owners in the UK, but it will be “extending to global markets in phases”, so hopefully users won’t be in for a long wait.
You can also read more about the new Roku update available in America.
