The main feature showcased during the launch of Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus was Bixby, the new AI-powered assistant. It serves as a quick information source and simplifies interaction with Bixby-enabled applications through voice and screen context search. While exclusive to the Galaxy S8 series, users can still access Bixby on any Samsung device running Nougat. Here’s how:
Note: This demonstration is performed on a Samsung Galaxy S7 running Android 7.0 Nougat.
Installing and Switching to the S8 Launcher
- Access Settings -> Applications, tap the three-dot menu, then select “Default Applications“.
- Select “Home Screen”, and choose “TouchWiz home”.
Tap the home button to switch to the new launcher. With the S8 launcher on your Samsung device, let’s proceed to installing Bixby.
Installing Bixby on Any Samsung Device
- Download the free Bixby APK.
- Once done, install the APK on your Samsung device. Ensure you’ve enabled “Unknown Sources” in your device’s security settings.
- After installing the APK, return to the home screen, and long press to access the S8 Launcher settings. Here, select “Home screen Settings“, and then “Hello Bixby” settings.
- Select “Hello Bixby cards” and enable the apps.
- Reboot your phone. After the restart, long press on the home screen, and you’ll see a toggle for “HelloBixby”. Turn it on, and swipe left-to-right on the home screen to access Bixby cards.
Once done, Bixby runs on your Android device. However, it won’t be the full Bixby, lacking features like screen context-based results, image-based search, and voice features showcased by Samsung. Nevertheless, Bixby cards are present, akin to Google Now, positioned in the same manner. Time will tell if Bixby cards outshine Google Now cards, and if Bixby can surpass Google Assistant.
Get Bixby on Any Samsung Device running Nougat with Ease
While Bixby, in its current state, lacks utility, it offers users insight into its potential functionality with the upcoming Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. Despite its current cards interface being reminiscent of Google Now cards, Bixby shows promise as a potential game-changer, provided it performs satisfactorily. Interested in trying out Bixby on your smartphone? Share your thoughts on Bixby, the Galaxy S8, and S8 Plus in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
