Galaxy S26: ‘Hey Plex’ AI Hotword Confirmed for Samsung’s Next Flagship

Samsung is expanding its AI ecosystem with a new voice command for Perplexity, dubbed “Hey Plex,” coming to its upcoming Galaxy S26 series. The addition of Perplexity joins existing voice assistants “Hey Google” and “Hey Bixby” on Samsung’s flagship devices, signaling a shift towards a more open and integrated AI experience.

The move, announced February 22, 2026, reflects Samsung’s “vision for a rich, open and integrated multi-agent ecosystem” within Galaxy AI. According to the company, nearly 80% of users now leverage more than two different AI agents, choosing tools based on the specific task at hand. This suggests a growing user preference for flexibility and specialization in AI assistance, rather than relying on a single, all-encompassing solution.

“Hey Plex” will activate Perplexity directly on the Galaxy S26, and Samsung indicates the integration will be “system-level,” suggesting Perplexity will be pre-installed on the devices. This deep integration extends beyond simple voice activation. Perplexity’s AI agent will be embedded across core Samsung apps – including Notes, Clock, Gallery, Reminder, and Calendar – as well as select third-party applications. This allows for “smoother, multi-step workflows,” enabling users to move between tasks without constantly switching between apps.

The integration isn’t simply about adding another voice assistant. Samsung’s approach aims to coordinate multiple AI agents, allowing the device to intelligently select the most appropriate tool for a given situation. For example, a user might use “Hey Plex” for complex research queries, while relying on Bixby for device control or Google Assistant for calendar management. This multi-agent strategy acknowledges that different AI models excel at different tasks.

The company highlighted the potential for seamless workflows. Imagine a user taking a note in Samsung Notes, then asking “Hey Plex” to summarize the key points. Or, a user viewing photos in the Gallery app and using “Hey Plex” to research the location where the photo was taken. These examples illustrate how Perplexity can augment existing Samsung apps, providing contextual assistance without requiring users to manually copy and paste information.

While the initial rollout is focused on the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung hinted that support for “Hey Plex” could expand to other devices in the future, with details on “supported devices” to be announced “soon.” This suggests a broader strategy to bring Perplexity’s capabilities to a wider range of Galaxy products.

The addition of Perplexity and the “Hey Plex” hotword represent a significant step in Samsung’s AI strategy. By embracing a multi-agent approach, Samsung is positioning itself to offer users a more versatile and adaptable AI experience. The success of this strategy will likely depend on how effectively Samsung can integrate Perplexity into its existing ecosystem and demonstrate the value of having multiple AI agents at users’ disposal. The move also signals a potential shift in the competitive landscape of mobile AI, as Samsung seeks to reduce its reliance on a single AI provider and foster a more open and inclusive ecosystem.

The system-level integration of Perplexity also suggests a deeper collaboration between the two companies. Beyond simply adding a voice command, Samsung appears to be leveraging Perplexity’s AI capabilities at a fundamental level within its operating system and core applications. This level of integration could unlock new possibilities for AI-powered features and functionalities in the future.

Samsung’s research indicates a clear trend towards users employing multiple AI tools. This finding underscores the importance of interoperability and seamless integration in the development of AI-powered devices. By embracing a multi-agent ecosystem, Samsung is responding to evolving user needs and positioning itself to deliver a more personalized and efficient AI experience.