GoKawiilSamsung brings Bixby gesture wake-up and widgets to Galaxy S26 via One UI 9 Beta 7
Samsung's One UI 9 Beta 7 update for the Galaxy S26 series adds two Bixby features previously seen elsewhere: a gesture wake-up option that activates the assistant when users hold the phone near their mouth, and home screen widgets in 2x1, 2x2 and 4x2 sizes for quick voice or text input. The update also includes other additions like My FanCam, Call Brief, and a split Finder-Google Search bar, though Samsung's official changelog didn't mention these Bixby changes.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
These tweaks show Samsung continuing to refine Bixby's accessibility even as most users default to Google Assistant or third-party AI tools, suggesting the company still sees value in pushing its own assistant. Small usability improvements like gesture activation and widgets could nudge more users toward trying Bixby, even if they're unlikely to shift loyalty on their own.
- Gesture wake-up lets users trigger Bixby by holding the phone near their mouth and speaking, but only works when Bixby isn't busy or media isn't playing.
- New Bixby widgets in three sizes make voice and text input more accessible from the home screen.
- These features first appeared on Galaxy Z8 foldables and earlier One UI 9 test builds before reaching the Galaxy S26 beta.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Smartphone — If the One UI Bixby upgrades have you eyeing Samsung's flagship line, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the current top-tier pick with Samsung's full software suite and long update support. It's a great way to get One UI's assistant, widgets, and AI features on a big, bright display.
See Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Smartphone on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-08-28
Published there as: “Galaxy S26’s latest beta update makes Bixby much easier to use”
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