The Galaxy Note 9 release coincided with the launch of Bixby 2.0, the revamped version of Samsung’s personal Assistant. However, despite some significant improvements, some users are still pretty keen to disable the dedicated Bixby button on their new handset.
Unfortunately, while the Galaxy Note 8, S8 and S9 enabled users to disable or remap the Bixby button underneath the volume rocker, Samsung is yet to allow that on its latest flagship. However, Samsung says the solution is just around the corner. According to Samsung Germany’s Twitter account (via SamMobile) the functionality is set to return by the end of September.
That news will be greeted positively by the Note 9 community, who’ve been accidentally triggering the Bixby assistant due to the sensitive physical keys.
Related: Bixby 2.0
In his review of the Galaxy Note 9, Max Parker wrote: “My big issue with the design is the Bixby button. Sitting just below the volume key, the dedicated button for the Bixby assistant has been a constant on the past few Samsung flagships – and it remains a source of frustration right up to the point you disable Bixby completely.
“I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve pulled the Note 9 out of a pocket, clearly hitting the button by mistake and therefore being taken straight to Bixby.”
Despite the annoyance provided by the dedicated button, the new version of Bixby improves upon its unloved predecessor with a number of new features. It’ll be boosted by faster response times, improved conversational skills and the ability to predict users’ needs.
Bixby 2.0 is also more like Amazon’s Alexa and the Google Assistant in the ability to hold up its end of a conversation. For example, if you ask it for the lowdown on London concerts this weekend, you can follow up with “what about the first weekend in September?” without asking the original question all over again.
Samsung has also added third-party integration with services like Ticketmaster and Yelp, with more to follow.
Have you warmed to Bixby on the Note 9? Do you find the dedicated Bixby button annoying? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.