Samsung is adding Perplexity to Galaxy AI
Galaxy S26 users can now say 'Hey, Plex' to access Perplexity with deep system integration.
Samsung is making a strategic bet on a multi-agent AI future by integrating Perplexity directly into its Galaxy AI platform. The announcement, ahead of Samsung's upcoming Unpacked event on February 25th, reveals that Galaxy S26 users will be able to summon the Perplexity assistant with the wake phrase 'Hey, Plex.' This is more than a simple app integration; Perplexity will have system-level access to core Samsung applications including Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminders, and Calendar, as well as unspecified third-party apps. This deep integration allows the AI to perform tasks and retrieve information across the user's device in a way a standalone app cannot.
The technical shift here is Samsung's move towards an open 'multi-agent ecosystem.' The company recognizes that users often prefer different AI agents for specific tasks—using one for creative writing, another for research, and another for coding. Instead of forcing a single, default assistant like Bixby or Gemini, Samsung is opening its operating system to allow multiple AI agents to coexist and be deeply integrated. This architecture suggests a future where the AI assistant becomes a user-choice component, similar to selecting a default web browser.
Contextually, this is a clear differentiator in the competitive smartphone market. While Apple deepens integration with its proprietary Apple Intelligence and Google pushes its Gemini ecosystem, Samsung is betting on user choice and interoperability. The company believes that as people form strong attachments to specific AI personalities and capabilities, the freedom to choose will become a key feature. The practical implication is a more personalized and powerful AI experience on Galaxy devices, where 'Hey, Plex' could handle complex, cross-app queries using Perplexity's noted strength in providing sourced, research-oriented answers, while another agent might handle quick translations or summaries.
- Galaxy S26 users can activate Perplexity with the 'Hey, Plex' wake phrase, joining Bixby and Gemini as options.
- Perplexity gains deep access to Samsung's core apps (Notes, Calendar, Gallery) and select third-party apps for cross-app functionality.
- Samsung's strategy is to build an open 'multi-agent ecosystem,' allowing users to choose their preferred AI for different tasks, differentiating from Apple and Google's walled-garden approaches.
Why It Matters
It shifts control of the phone's AI from the manufacturer to the user, making the assistant a personal choice that can deeply interact with your data.