Samsung is introducing another voice command with the Galaxy S26: In addition to “Hey Google” and “Hey Bixby”, “Hey Plex” will also be supported in future. This is based on the integration of the AI service Perplexity at system level. Samsung is talking about an open, integrated multi-agent ecosystem that makes several AI assistants usable in parallel. The innovation is likely to be particularly relevant for productive workflows and context-based support in everyday life.
- New hotword “Hey Plex” for Perplexity
- System-wide integration in selected Samsung apps
- Can be used in parallel with “Hey Google” and “Hey Bixby”
- Expected to be available from the market launch of the Galaxy S26 series
Galaxy S26 and “Hey Plex”: multi-agent AI at system level
Samsung Electronics is significantly expanding its AI portfolio with the introduction of “Hey Plex”. The new hotword activates the Perplexity AI service directly on upcoming flagship devices in the Galaxy S26 series. This means that there will be three parallel voice activations in future: “Hey Google”, “Hey Bixby” and “Hey Plex”.
According to Samsung, this is technically a system integration. This means that Perplexity not only runs as a separate app, but is deeply integrated into the operating system. In addition to activation by voice command, the assistant can also be started by holding down the side button. This close integration indicates that Perplexity will be pre-installed.
Samsung is positioning this step as part of an “open and integrated multi-agent strategy”. The background to this is the observation that many users use several AI services in parallel. Instead of limiting themselves to a single assistant, different AI agents will be used depending on the context or task.
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This approach seems particularly plausible with regard to specialized AI models. While “Hey Google” is heavily integrated into web search and smart home functions and “Hey Bixby” remains deeply anchored in device management, Perplexity could be designed more for contextual research, structured answers and multi-step tasks.
Integration in apps and Galaxy AI strategy
The announced integration into selected system apps is particularly interesting. Perplexity will work with Samsung Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder and Calendar, among others. This would allow multi-stage workflows to be triggered directly via voice commands – for example, researching a topic, then saving notes and setting a reminder in a continuous process.
This system-wide integration fits in with the extended Galaxy AI strategy that Samsung has already established in previous device generations. Apparently, Perplexity is also being integrated as part of the Bixby realignment, which indicates closer cooperation between the AI services.
It is not yet clear whether “Hey Plex” will remain exclusive to the Galaxy S26. Samsung speaks of “supported devices”, with more information to follow shortly. It is therefore plausible that other high-end models with Galaxy AI will also benefit from the function in the future.
Although the parallel existence of several hotwords on one device places higher demands on resource and energy management, modern chipsets and AI accelerators in current flagships make this technically realistic. The decisive factor will be how smoothly the agents interact in everyday use.
Conclusion
With “Hey Plex”, the Galaxy S26 adds another voice assistant to its AI ecosystem. The system-wide integration of Perplexity alongside Google and Bixby underlines Samsung’s multi-agent strategy. Details on supported devices are expected to follow as part of the official launch of the Galaxy S26 series. The Galaxy S26 is expected to be priced in the premium segment, but specific details are still pending.
Source: Samsung
