The rift between Samsung and Google

Instead of choosing Gemini, Samsung is incorporating AI from a fledgling startup into its Galaxy smartphones. This could be a sign that the South Korean tech giant wants to reduce its dependence on Google.

Samsung is actively seeking applications that can replace Google's products. Photo: Phone Arena .

According to Bloomberg , Samsung has reached an agreement with Perplexity, paving the way for pre-installing the app and making this AI chatbot the default virtual assistant on the Galaxy smartphone line, starting with the Galaxy S26.

In addition, Perplexity's AI-powered search technology is integrated into Samsung's internet browser. The Bixby voice assistant can also incorporate AI from its partner.

Perplexity AI: The 'dark horse'

Launched in 2022, Perplexity is a rapidly growing AI search and assistant platform that competes directly with more established names like Google Search and Microsoft Copilot. Perplexity AI has applications for both Android and iOS.

Notably, Perplexity's assistant not only provides simple question-and-answer functionality, but also handles complex queries, answers follow-up questions, and directly cites sources in its responses—a feature that demonstrates content transparency and sets Perplexity apart from its competitors.

Perplexity is favored for the accuracy and transparency of its content. Photo: Shutterstock.

Perplexity is increasingly gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional search engines and creative assistants, thanks to its high accuracy and focus on real-time data.

Samsung's intentions

If the deal materializes, Samsung could pre-install the Perplexity app and virtual assistant on Galaxy phones, integrate the search engine into Samsung Internet, and embed some technologies directly into Bixby.

According to Bloomberg , Samsung wants to make Perplexity the "default assistant option" on the Galaxy S26 series. It's unclear whether Perplexity's virtual assistant will completely replace or simply supplement Bixby and Google Assistant.

This isn't the first time Samsung has opted for a solution from Google's rivals. In 2023, reports suggested that Samsung was considering switching the default search engine on its devices from Google to Bing, causing Google to go into "panic mode."

Perplexity could become the default virtual assistant on Galaxy smartphones. Photo: Android Central.

Now, with Perplexity, Samsung appears to be continuing its strategy of exploring alternative AI solutions to Google's products.

This doesn't say much about the "billion-dollar" partnership between Samsung—the world's largest Android smartphone manufacturer—and Google, the tech giant behind the Android ecosystem. However, it's a sign that Samsung is ready for change.

Fierce competition

Samsung isn't the first smartphone manufacturer to intend to pre-install Perplexity on its devices. Prior to that, Motorola launched the Razr series, which supported four virtual assistants: Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Moto AI, and Perplexity.

Google introduced a new AI feature at the I/O 2025 event. Photo: Google.

Until now, Samsung has taken a more rigorous approach to the software experience. If Perplexity becomes a core part of One UI, the company needs to clearly communicate the differences and reasons behind this AI presence on Galaxy smartphones.

Samsung's move comes at a time when the AI ​​market is heating up. To gain a competitive advantage, developers are constantly adding new features to their systems.

Google is researching a range of powerful generative features, including smarter search results, AI-generated imagery, and interactive tools for learning and programming. It has been suggested that these efforts are partly driven by the threat posed by Samsung seeking solutions from its rival.

For Samsung, it remains unclear whether they will ultimately make progress with Perplexity and how deeply they will integrate the technology, but this could mark a significant turning point in how AI works on Galaxy devices.

Source: https://znews.vn/vet-ran-nut-giua-samsung-va-google-post1558068.html