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What you need to know
- Samsung’s first software update for the Galaxy S26 series removed the “Hey Plex” activation phrase that activated the hands-free Perplexity AI assistant.
- Without the “Hey Plex Detection” option in settings, users now have to open Perplexity manually or use the side button.
- Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas confirmed that the commando will return as ‘Hey Perplexity’.
Samsung’s newest flagship phones just lost a feature they launched with, but this change could point to something bigger for the future of AI on Galaxy devices.
When Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 lineup earlier this year, highlighted its growing AI ecosystem. In addition to Bixby and Google Geminithe company introduced a third assistant called Perplexity AI.
A key feature of this integration was a new activation phrase. Instead of pressing buttons or opening apps, you could simply say “Hey Plex” and the Perplexity assistant would appear immediately, even if the screen was off.
Article continues below.
Android Central’s opinion
Samsung’s quick removal of “Hey Plex” after launch suggests that the feature may not have been fully ready. While switching to “Hey Perplexity” could strengthen the brand, the sudden change can create the perception that the launch lacked planning.
Now, that feature has suddenly disappeared. According SamMobileafter the Galaxy S26 first software updateThe “Hey Plex Detection” option has been removed from the Perplexity app settings. Without that change, the voice command no longer starts the assistant.
For now, Galaxy S26 users have two hands-free assistants. Perplexity still works on the device, but you have to launch it manually, either with the side button or by opening the app.
Why Samsung removed it
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas confirmed the unknown that the activation phrase is not removed; It’s just changing. Instead of “Hey Plex,” the command will become “Hey Perplexity.”
This means that the voice activation feature is temporarily disabled while Samsung and Perplexity switch to the new wake word.
Neither company has given a detailed explanation, but the shorter phrase “Hey Plex” could overlap with other brands or products that use the same name. Changing to the full name of “Perplexity” could help avoid confusion and clarify the identity of the assistant.
Android Central’s opinion
For now, this is a good example of how things work behind the scenes in the world of AI. Releases are rarely perfect, trigger words change, and sometimes a feature you were hoping for disappears, only to return with a better name. Your S26 is still a powerful phone, and when “Hey Perplexity” is activated, you’ll have one of the most versatile AI setups on any smartphone.
With the Galaxy S26, Samsung is focusing on a multi-assistant setup rather than a single AI. Users can switch between assistants based on their needs, such as using Gemini for Google-driven questions, Bixby for device controls, or Perplexity for research-style responses from the web.
The puzzle is also more deeply integrated into the Samsung ecosystem. It can work with apps like Samsung Notes, Calendar, and Reminders, so users can pull information from these apps or save responses directly to them.
At this time, Galaxy S26 owners must launch Perplexity manually. Once the new activation phrase is available, voice access should return with the “Hey Perplexity” command.
