Samsung enlists Perplexity AI to refine Bixby for home appliances

A Samsung Electronics 2026 Family Hub refrigerator / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics has rolled out an upgraded version of its Bixby voice assistant across a new lineup of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered home appliances, improving natural language understanding and adding a generative AI question-and-answer feature through integration with Perplexity.

The upgraded AI features have been introduced across Samsung’s 2026 lineup, including Family Hub refrigerators, air conditioners, robot vacuums, water purifiers and new washing machines equipped with a 7-inch display.

The enhanced Bixby, built on a large language model, is designed to understand user intent from everyday speech rather than rely on preset commands. It draws on context from both a user’s request and prior interactions to deliver more relevant responses.

For example, if a user tells the refrigerator, “I put in beef and mackerel — change the mode,” it will automatically switch to a setting optimized for storing meat and fish. A request like “I’m going to have whisky — make me some ice” will prompt the appliance to produce round ice suited for drinks.

The system also enables voice-activated automation.

Users can link multiple devices through simple commands. For example, telling Bixby to “start vacuuming when the laundry is done” will trigger a robot vacuum once the washing machine finishes, while a request like “run the dehumidifier when it rains” creates a weather-based routine.

Samsung said the upgraded appliances also feature enhanced voice-guided support for product use and troubleshooting.

On models with screens, users receive both spoken instructions and on-screen video guides, illustrating tasks like resetting a robot vacuum or cleaning a washing machine heat exchanger without the need for customer service or online searches.

A new Open Q&A feature, powered by Perplexity, also allows users to ask general questions — from spring outing ideas to seasonal recipes and food storage tips — directly through appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners.

“Bixby continues to evolve to enable natural conversations and convenient use of each product,” a Samsung Electronics official said.

“We will further develop Bixby and our software capabilities so that Samsung’s AI appliances can serve as true companions in the home.”

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.