The Bixby Button - Should it stay, or die? - Samsung Galaxy S9+ Guides, News, & Discussion

Hi everyone,
Really interested in people's thoughts on the Bixby Button.
Initially I hated it, but after a) accidentally pressing it less since thanks to muscle memory, and more importantly b) the ability to make it do anything other than launch Bixby (such as double press for Google Assistant, long press for flashlight) I have found myself appreciating the existence of this extra button. So much so in fact, that speculation it could be removed in the Galaxy S10 have kind of dissapointed me.
So what do you think? Should the Bixby button stay, or should it be removed? Vote in the poll and share your thoughts in the comments!

It needs to go. Just go away.
If you could natively remap the button to whatever you choose, that would be great, but in the stock incarnation its terrible. Just horrible.

I disabled all of packages related to Bixby. In turn, it disabled the button.
The only thing it ever did for me was get accidentally hit and bumped.

die and move the volume buttons lower, until then I'm using bixby remapper as a screenshot, play/pause, skip and previous tracks shortcuts

KryptonKal-El said:
die and move the volume buttons lower, until then I'm using bixby remapper as a screenshot, play/pause, skip and previous tracks shortcuts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which remapper are you using?

I'm using ButtonMapper by flar2.
Single tap: nothing
Double tap: Google Assistant
Long Press: Flashlight
I'm finding that it adds value to me (only in the scenario remapping tools exist) and id rather see it kept around.

Bixby
The Bixby button is nothing more than a bloody nuisance.
I accidently activated it so many times that I turned Bixby feature off. I hope Samsung are reading this.
Cheers
Aussie

I remap it using bxactions.
Single: Google Now
Double: Samsung Pay
Hold: Google Assistant

Samsung just needs to admit that Bixby is a failure. It was a cool concept with the S8, but they took WAY too long to fully release it, and when they did, it was pretty terrible. Hell, I'd rather use Cortana than Bixby, and that's saying something...

Neither, I'd just like them to offer us the option to switch it to Google Assistant

ADPL said:
Which remapper are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bxactions from Jawomo, I paid for the pro version.

Bixby is good for in Phone stuff. But they should give us the option to remap it.

Those who say it should go away: If it was a Google Assistant button, would you feel the same way? It looks like the LG 7 will have a dedicated assistant button, and the Pixel XL2 has a dedicated "squeeze" action for Assistant, and no one complains about that.
I don't use Bixby, but by using a 3rd party app to use the Bixby button for other things I believe it's fairly useful.

Bixby Button Remapper works great. Just press it and Google Now opens up. It is fine for me.

meyerweb said:
Those who say it should go away: If it was a Google Assistant button, would you feel the same way? It looks like the LG 7 will have a dedicated assistant button, and the Pixel XL2 has a dedicated "squeeze" action for Assistant, and no one complains about that.
I don't use Bixby, but by using a 3rd party app to use the Bixby button for other things I believe it's fairly useful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, if it were Google Assistant than I would love it. But its not... Its Samsungs home brew assistant crap.

Scott said:
Correct, if it were Google Assistant than I would love it. But its not... Its Samsungs home brew assistant crap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it's easy to make it open Google Assistant, you know.

DIE!!!!!
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Maybe someone can help me here.
I have a problem when I disable the Bixby button and press again comes the message from Samsung Reminder.
I really do not know how to turn it off and hope someone here can help me.

Senaxo said:
Maybe someone can help me here.
I have a problem when I disable the Bixby button and press again comes the message from Samsung Reminder.
I really do not know how to turn it off and hope someone here can help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't heard of this one, on the bright side, it's still more useful than Bixby
You could try Button Mapper (made by @flar2) to see if it could help you set single press = nothing.

Uncustomisable Bixby button is the worst thing a smartphone can have and it's death is a must, and it should not be even remembered as a nightmare post its demise. Only if Samsung gives "full freedom" to customize, it should be considered.

Related

Remapping the Bixby Button to Launch Google Assistant

EDIT: it's possible, here's my tutorial on remapping the Bixby button! https://www.xda-developers.com/how-...-the-galaxy-s8-s8-to-launch-google-assistant/
Earlier today, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), posted the following tweet:
First one that makes an app to remap the Bixby button on the Galaxy S8 to Google Assistsnt wins my $$$
Challenge accepted. I bet that it's not only possible, but pretty easy to do.
...the only problem is, I don't have a Galaxy S8. If any one of you (somehow) have a Galaxy S8 already, or if you get one early and want to figure this out, message me at [email protected] and we'll hash this out.
Tagging for updates.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
daddymikey1975 said:
Tagging for updates.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We won't see anything until someone with an actual S8 is willing to test. I won't be able to get my hands on one for weeks until it officially launches, and even then, I'm not sure if I will pick one up immediately.
I'll test stuff. Just gotta get my hands on one first. Still wanted a post in the thread so I won't lose it ?
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
I'd love to see this happen as well as being able to remap it to quick launch the Camera. Wearing out the Power Button isn't my cup of tea as to how I remember my Power Button failed on me when I had the S3.
Plus, I tried the demo models at Best Buy and it couldn't seem to work in launching the Camera when I double pressed the power button to launch. So...idk.
GigaSPX said:
I'd love to see this happen as well as being able to remap it to quick launch the Camera. Wearing out the Power Button isn't my cup of tea as to how I remember my Power Button failed on me when I had the S3.
Plus, I tried the demo models at Best Buy and it couldn't seem to work in launching the Camera when I double pressed the power button to launch. So...idk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You launch the camera by double pressing the bottom of the screen.
20degrees said:
You launch the camera by double pressing the bottom of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even when your phone's screen is off? I don't think that's the case because the options within the Camera settings is to Quick Launch via Power Button as it's stated.
GigaSPX said:
Even when your phone's screen is off? I don't think that's the case because the options within the Camera settings is to Quick Launch via Power Button as it's stated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My s7 does it with the screen off. I don't see why the 8 wouldn't. I tested the double push with the screen on at best buy and it worked.
20degrees said:
My s7 does it with the screen off. I don't see why the 8 wouldn't. I tested the double push with the screen on at best buy and it worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're still talking about the S8 and S8+, right? I have the S7 Edge and the whole greatness is being able to quickly launch the camera with the Home button it has.
The S8 is something I'm uncertain about. Can't turn the screen off because it goes right into screensaver mode due to being in Retail Store mode. When the screen is on though, I double pressed the Power Button to try and access Camera right away and it doesn't do a thing. It may work with the Home key on the navigation bar when the screen is on (which I haven't tried yet anyhow), but I want to see how you say it would work if the screen is off. Or better yet like I posted originally, remap the Bixby button on the side to Quick Launch the Camera just like the dedicated Shutter Buttons on the Xperias.
GigaSPX said:
We're still talking about the S8 and S8+, right? I have the S7 Edge and the whole greatness is being able to quickly launch the camera with the Home button it has.
The S8 is something I'm uncertain about. Can't turn the screen off because it goes right into screensaver mode due to being in Retail Store mode. When the screen is on though, I double pressed the Power Button to try and access Camera right away and it doesn't do a thing. It may work with the Home key on the navigation bar when the screen is on (which I haven't tried yet anyhow), but I want to see how you say it would work if the screen is off. Or better yet like I posted originally, remap the Bixby button on the side to Quick Launch the Camera just like the dedicated Shutter Buttons on the Xperias.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are talking about the 8. I'm sure it'll do it with the screen off. The screen button on the 8 is like the iPhone 7 button.
As far as I know you double push the power button now not the home button to quick access the camera, like on the Pixel.
acheney1990 said:
As far as I know you double push the power button now not the home button to quick access the camera, like on the Pixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. I saw this demonstrated in a hands-on YouTube video on March 29th. Which video, I don't recall. I watched like 20 of them that day.
I just tried out the S8+ in a Verizon store that had a working model. The double push of the power button to launch the camera worked fine. It is a setting that can be turned off (like the home double push on the s7 edge). Personally, I'd rather have the Bixby button remapped to be a physical home button. If so, then a long press can launch the Google Assistant. I don't need Bixby and really liked having the physical home button. I hated the virtual button ever since the Galaxy Nexus.
Since the home button area is pressure sensitive, you can also double press that area while the screen is off so it's pretty much the same as previous galaxy phones. I tried it today at the T-Mobile store and it basically worked just like my S7 edge.
This will be a thing for sure. My only doubt is if it will work also for non-root users.
Hmm, just wondering if the Bixby Voice input works with nonrooted S7 edge. I installed it and it crashes... Is it disabled by Samsung?
Really hoping that somebody can make this happen for non-rooted users. Might be possible via a Tasker plugin too? But that wouldn't be as native or fluent IMO. I pre-ordered the S8 on T-Mo and am willing to test out attempts
Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk
Tagging for updates. This will be so useful without root, as this always ruins an access to bank apps.
Someone posted this on Reddit.
Just installed it on my S6 to check.
UPDATE:
I managed to map volume key button on Galaxy S6 Edge to do Home action. This app may be very helpful when I put my hands on S8 as far as Samsung will not turn this option off, to try to force people to use Bixby at any cost

Remapping Bixby button to Google Assistant back again?

See here. Those of you with phones can check. Nice if it could be mapped to something else.
That's a dirty way of remapping a button, might as well use tasker.
Bxactions is much better. It does not flash bixby and simply open right into Google now with zero lag.
robber said:
Bxactions is much better. It does not flash bixby and simply open right into Google now with zero lag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doesnt work after update.

[APP] Button Mapper: Remap Bixby single, double and long press for FREE

NOTE: On a rooted device, this is the fastest, most reliable and problem-free method for remapping Bixby (no limitations, no setup)
Button Mapper allows you to remap any action you want to physical or capacitive hardware buttons. This includes volume buttons, Bixby button, and many buttons on game controllers and other hardware you attach to your phone.
You can map shortcuts, apps or actions to single press, double tap and long press for hardware buttons.
The Bixby button on the Galaxy S9 and S9+ is supported as of version 0.62
Bixby remapping of single, double and long press is completely free. No ads. Pro version not required.
Does not require root. If your device is rooted, you will have many more options (essentially unlimited). Also with root, Bixby remapping does not involve any hacks, it is implemented at the input level (native).
This does require an adb command to remap Bixby on unrooted devices. It's a one-time setup. I do not use the method used by other apps because it leads to a poor user experience (i.e. swiping right causes actions to occur, gets stuck in a loop)
This app is continually updated with new features and improvements.
Download on XDA Labs:
https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/flar2.homebutton
.
I'm unable to test because I don't have a computer at the moment for the adb command, so just had a question. Does this allow for one of the remapped options to still be bixby, specifically the screen/feed you get when swiping right on the default launcher? ie remap bixby button single tap to flashlight, remap double tap to bring up bixby feed (or regular bixby)?
Perfect! Thank you. Why won't it work with the screen off though?
Zyphur said:
I'm unable to test because I don't have a computer at the moment for the adb command, so just had a question. Does this allow for one of the remapped options to still be bixby, specifically the screen/feed you get when swiping right on the default launcher? ie remap bixby button single tap to flashlight, remap double tap to bring up bixby feed (or regular bixby)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best way to use the button for both Bixby and something else would be to have single press open Bixby and long press turn on the flashlight.
To do this, leave the bixby button "on" in bixby settings, leave single press default in Button Mapper, and set long press to flashlight.
SalamanderBoy said:
Perfect! Thank you. Why won't it work with the screen off though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It used to, I think Samsung must have changed something.
EDIT: actually, I did something. I will re-enable screen off next update.
SalamanderBoy said:
Perfect! Thank you. Why won't it work with the screen off though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Version 0.64 restores Bixby while screen is off. Update is rolling out now.
Works! Thank you! Going to donate now .
flar2 said:
Version 0.64 restores Bixby while screen is off. Update is rolling out now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good app, however, it needs a permission to record video!
can you please explain why?
El Maestro said:
Good app, however, it needs a permission to record video!
can you please explain why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screenshot function uses Android's cast API and the flashlight requires the camera permission. The app never records video.
The app will ask for permissions as needed, that way you know which action requires the permission.
flar2 said:
NOTE: On a rooted device, this is the fastest, most reliable and problem-free method for remapping Bixby (no limitations, no setup)
Button Mapper allows you to remap any action you want to physical or capacitive hardware buttons. This includes volume buttons, Bixby button, and many buttons on game controllers and other hardware you attach to your phone.
You can map shortcuts, apps or actions to single press, double tap and long press for hardware buttons.
The Bixby button on the Galaxy S9 and S9+ is supported as of version 0.62
Bixby remapping of single, double and long press is completely free. No ads. Pro version not required.
Does not require root. If your device is rooted, you will have many more options (essentially unlimited). Also with root, Bixby remapping does not involve any hacks, it is implemented at the input level (native).
This does require an adb command to remap Bixby on unrooted devices. It's a one-time setup. I do not use the method used by other apps because it leads to a poor user experience (i.e. swiping right causes actions to occur, gets stuck in a loop)
This app is continually updated with new features and improvements.
Download on XDA Labs:
https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/flar2.homebutton
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for great work man
Sent from my Samsung SM-G965F using XDA Labs
This app's pretty good. I am unrooted and did the recommended ADB step and it works perfectly. Unlike other remap apps, it doesn't accidentally launch Bixby if you set it up correctly. The extra button is finally useful!
Please see attached image.
View attachment 4454173
I just got this on my S9+. That's a lot of juice don't you think?
SalamanderBoy said:
Please see attached image.
I just got this on my S9+. That's a lot of juice don't you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might be a false reading. On GSAM, mine is reading as 0.1% in the last hour of use.
I've never even seen it in the Battery drainer list. It could be any number of things on your device.
SalamanderBoy said:
Please see attached image.
View attachment 4454173
I just got this on my S9+. That's a lot of juice don't you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It shouldn't use any noticeable amount of battery.
flar2 said:
It shouldn't use any noticeable amount of battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're correct, it shouldn't.
SalamanderBoy said:
You're correct, it shouldn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it doesn't. I'm running it on a S9 and and an S8 for several months and battery use is negligible.
flar2 said:
NOTE: On a rooted device, this is the fastest, most reliable and problem-free method for remapping Bixby (no limitations, no setup)
Button Mapper allows you to remap any action you want to physical or capacitive hardware buttons. This includes volume buttons, Bixby button, and many buttons on game controllers and other hardware you attach to your phone.
You can map shortcuts, apps or actions to single press, double tap and long press for hardware buttons.
The Bixby button on the Galaxy S9 and S9+ is supported as of version 0.62
Bixby remapping of single, double and long press is completely free. No ads. Pro version not required.
Does not require root. If your device is rooted, you will have many more options (essentially unlimited). Also with root, Bixby remapping does not involve any hacks, it is implemented at the input level (native).
This does require an adb command to remap Bixby on unrooted devices. It's a one-time setup. I do not use the method used by other apps because it leads to a poor user experience (i.e. swiping right causes actions to occur, gets stuck in a loop)
This app is continually updated with new features and improvements.
Download on XDA Labs:
https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/flar2.homebutton
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On G965F
The AOD breaks after sometime. Reboot fixes it though.
Please fix this issue on your app. I really find your app convenient and smoother than other apps. It works great. So please fix this bug.
ingeniousambivert said:
On G965F
The AOD breaks after sometime. Reboot fixes it though.
Please fix this issue on your app. I really find your app convenient and smoother than other apps. It works great. So please fix this bug.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using the screenshot action? That's what breaks AOD. It will work if you root.
flar2 said:
Are you using the screenshot action? That's what breaks AOD. It will work if you root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I use that. I ll try disabling it
ingeniousambivert said:
Yeah I use that. I ll try disabling it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screenshot is definitely the problem. Unfortunately the bug is for Samsung to fix, as it seems AOD has a problem when using Android's cast API (which I use to take screenshots without root).

How to create a bxactions type app for google assistant remap

I have an lg v45 (Sprint's v50 unlocked), and although ive enjoyed the upgrade from my samsung s8 active, one thing that gets me is no remap for the google assistant. BxActions app on the samsung made that bixby button legit. 1 push- text app. Double tap- music app. When screen was off, double tap turned on flashlight. So my question is. Any thoughts on any direction i can go to direct a bounty for the conjuring of this possibility? A bxactions type key replacing this google key. Ive already got it deactivated from use. Its just sitting and waiting for a remap. Im even willing to learn. Just aint got my software development study on. Thank you again for your time.
foc110 said:
I have an lg v45 (Sprint's v50 unlocked), and although ive enjoyed the upgrade from my samsung s8 active, one thing that gets me is no remap for the google assistant. BxActions app on the samsung made that bixby button legit. 1 push- text app. Double tap- music app. When screen was off, double tap turned on flashlight. So my question is. Any thoughts on any direction i can go to direct a bounty for the conjuring of this possibility? A bxactions type key replacing this google key. Ive already got it deactivated from use. Its just sitting and waiting for a remap. Im even willing to learn. Just aint got my software development study on. Thank you again for your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure you can just use any good button remapper app from f Droid or playstore
antintin said:
I'm pretty sure you can just use any good button remapper app from f Droid or playstore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're awesome..... Thank you for the suggestion. I searched before. But, at the time, there wasnt an app that detected the assistant button. Now im stoked. I re love this phone. Now just hoping for an update for the delay/lag it kinda has since updating to android 10

Question Remap buttons

Hey forum peeps
I was curious if it possible to remap the buttons. I would love to do it on my terms haha
Jzharris86 said:
Hey forum peeps
I was curious if it possible to remap the buttons. I would love to do it on my terms haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bottom button is not yet possible. There are only SPay. Perhaps there will be third-party software. You can go to the top. Everything is in the settings.
MrBigRed said:
The bottom button is not yet possible. There are only SPay. Perhaps there will be third-party software. You can go to the top. Everything is in the settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope someone is working on that
Same here. I really don't understand why Samsung did not allow us to use the "Press once" and "Double Press" on the back button! Ridiculous
Definitely need full button change options...
Downloaded an app called Button Launcher, tried to remap the second button long press to Google Pay but unsuccessful, still defaults to Samsung Pay.

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