Samsung Integrates Perplexity AI with New “Hey Plex” Wake Word
Samsung is reportedly enhancing its voice assistant capabilities by integrating Perplexity AI more deeply into its Galaxy devices. Recent findings from an APK teardown reveal the introduction of a new wake word, “Hey Plex,” designed to activate the Perplexity-powered assistant on Samsung smartphones and tablets. This new hotword could allow users to summon the assistant even when the screen is off, streamlining hands-free interaction.
Key Features and Setup Details
The latest version of the Perplexity app (v2.69.3) includes code that supports Samsung-specific hotword services, suggesting optimisation specifically for Galaxy devices. To enable “Hey Plex,” users will need to agree to the collection and processing of their voiceprints, ensuring personalised and secure voice recognition. The setup process requires microphone access and notably, users must disconnect any external microphones, such as Bluetooth headphones, to complete voice enrolment using the device’s built-in mic. Once configured, users can delete or re-record their voiceprint as needed.
Under the hood, the voice activation system leverages Samsung’s proprietary Hotword SDK rather than relying solely on standard Android microphone permissions. This indicates a tailored approach to ensure smooth and efficient wake word detection on Galaxy hardware.
Background and Samsung’s Ongoing Partnership with Perplexity
Samsung’s collaboration with Perplexity AI has been developing for some time. In the US, Samsung Galaxy users can redeem a year’s subscription to Perplexity Pro via the Galaxy Store, and the company has already integrated Perplexity within Bixby on certain smart home appliances. The upcoming One UI 8.5 update is expected to bring a Perplexity-enhanced Bixby experience to Galaxy phones, with speculation that the Galaxy S26 series might come pre-installed with Perplexity as the default assistant.
Additional clues from the app teardown include new image files hinting at Perplexity’s pre-installation on some Galaxy devices. While these files do not explicitly confirm the Galaxy S26 series as the launch platform, the timing aligns with Samsung’s major flagship release in the first half of the year, making it a plausible candidate.
What to Expect Next
While these findings strongly suggest Samsung is preparing to introduce “Hey Plex” as a new voice command for its Galaxy lineup, official confirmation from Samsung or Perplexity is still awaited. The integration could mark a significant step in Samsung’s strategy to differentiate its voice assistant offerings and enhance user experience through AI-powered interactions. Fans and users should keep an eye out for announcements related to the Galaxy S26 series and the upcoming One UI updates, which may bring this new feature to life.