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How to enable Bixby text-to-speech on Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

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Samsung has started rolling out its latest One UI 5.1 update to all supported devices. Most users need to pay more attention to the latest integration of Bixby into their phone app. This feature enables the voice assistant to take a call by text. I know it sounds weird. You may remember Google introducing its Google Assistant, which helps you attend to calls from your phone screen to text. All calls will be transcribed and displayed on your screen.

From there, you can text, and Bixby will reply. It seems pretty valuable, especially when you cannot take calls but can text. This feature, known as Bixby Text Call, allows users to answer calls automatically and discover why the person is calling. So, let us look at this and learn more about it.

What is a Bixby Text Call?

This feature was recently launched and is only available on Samsung’s flagship smartphones. It will transcribe the call and text based on your reply, making answering calls possible without saying a word. This feature is not new. Google’s exclusive Pixel devices come with this feature called Call Screen, but it is Samsung’s alternative for Galaxy users.

How does Bixby Text Call work?

It uses ML and AI to transcribe the call, and the caller responds in real-time. This feature is integrated with the Bixby Assistant. You can read the screen and either use Quick Reply or type a response, and Bixby will respond on your behalf. This feature started rolling out with the November update but was only available in selected regions. However, with the One UI 5.1 update, it is more polished and supports the English language.

How do you enable and use Bixby Text Call on your Samsung device?

Before proceeding, ensure that your device is updated to the latest version of OneUI. To check, you can follow these instructions:

  1. Open the device settings.
  2. Head over to About Phone.
  3. From there, go to Software Information.

You will find whether you have installed the latest One UI 5.1 there. If you do not have One UI 5.1, then you can check for the update with these step-by-step instructions:

  • Open the device settings.
  • Go to Software Updates.
  • If an update is available, click Download and Install.

Once you have confirmed that your device is running One UI 5.1, you can proceed with enabling Bixby Text Call with the guide mentioned below:

  • Open the Phone app and tap on the triple-dot menu.
  • Go to Settings and tap on Bixby Text Call.
  • Toggle it on to enable it.
  • Tap on Language and Voice and choose English.
  • Download the Language add-on and add custom responses that you want to use with Quick Reply.
  • That is it!

You have now enabled Bixby Text Call on your Galaxy smartphone. You only need to tap the Bixby Text Call button on your call screen to use it. After that, it will start the conversation by first giving the caller an explanation of why you are using Bixby Text Call. You can also view the transcription after the call has ended from the log info in your calls in the phone app. Not to mention, you can switch or end the call accordingly.

How is Bixby Text useful?

This feature helps avoid spam calls, where most spammers end the call after hearing a synthesized voice. Bixby’s voice deters them from continuing because they fear being recorded or are disinterested as they are not talking to real humans. So, if you receive a call from an unknown number or feel too surprised, try using Bixby Text Call to avoid such calls.

This feature is currently available in English and Korean, and there are no plans to expand to other languages. This article was helpful for you, and you have successfully enabled Bixby Text Call. Thanks for being with us! We would like to hear your valuable opinions and feedback. If you have any queries, share them with us in the comment section below. Stay tuned for more updates in the future.