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Samsung rolls out update allowing users to disable the Bixby button

Samsung is rolling out a new update for its virtual assistant Bixby on the Galaxy S8, S8+ and Galaxy Note 8. The company had earlier announced an update to disable the Bixby key from launching Bixby Home. Disabling the key ensured that it wouldn’t launch the assistant if pressed, but it wasn’t fully dead. Now, with the latest update, the Bixby button will not even wake up the device when pressed.

Samsung has been working on the update for some time now as many users found the button really annoying. Two months ago, even after disabling the Bixby button, it did wake up the device when pressed. Basically, it was acting like the power button now, making the screen turning on at times. With the latest Bixby update, this is no longer the case now. The Bixby button will not respond in any way after it is disabled from the settings.

There is no further information what else the update has brought. However, SamMobile has reported that Samsung has also updated the assistant’s feature that analyses saved contacts when a call command is issued. So, with this update, Bixby will now be able to make calls to contacts whose names might be misspelled in the phonebook.

How to get the Bixby update?

To get the latest Bixby update, users will need to open Galaxy Apps on their Galaxy S8, S8+, or Note 8. Next, they will have to tap the three-dot button on the top right corner and then My apps. Finally, users need to go to the update, and then tap ‘Update all’ button.

Source: Sam Mobile

It is to be noted, that it isn’t the traditional software update. It brings revamped versions of the Bixby clients on the Galaxy Apps Store. So, users will need to make sure that they have the latest version of the Bixby, Bixby Home and Bixby Service installed to get the latest update.

Samsung launched its virtual assistant alongside the Galaxy S8 and S8+ back in March this year. The company provided a dedicated hardware button to access it on the Galaxy S8/S8+ and this was also included on the Galaxy Note 8 when it was launched in August. The company is also planning to launch the second edition of Bixby next year, which will reportedly work on home appliances as well.

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Satyendra Pal Singh

Satyendra explores the latest happenings in the tech world and writes stories about those. He likes to play around with the latest gadgets and shares his views through articles. In his free time, you can find him watching movies/TV shows and/or reading books.