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Perplexity Prepares Galaxy S26 Wake Word Switch to 'Hey Perplexity'

App evidence points to a branding shift behind the missing voice trigger on many phones.

Overview

  • New app assets and hidden setup screens in Perplexity for Android version 2.81.2 point to 'Hey Perplexity' as the next wake word, according to Android Authority and Android Headlines.
  • The app code includes support for sound‑alike pronunciations of 'Perplexity' to help the assistant respond even when users say the phrase quickly or imperfectly.
  • Early Galaxy S26 owners reported that 'Hey Plex' was absent or nonfunctional, and SamMobile says the first S26 update removed the 'Hey Plex detection' toggle from the Perplexity app.
  • Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas briefly posted that the company was moving to 'Hey Perplexity' before deleting the message, reinforcing signs of an intentional change.
  • Samsung calls the disruption an 'ongoing product refinement process' and has not given a timeline, and reporters suggest the longer name likely avoids confusion with the Plex media app while many users still lack a working Perplexity hotword.