Samsung Galaxy S8 blocks users from customising Bixby button, despite Voice delay

The handset's virtual assistant is not yet up to scratch

Bixby is supposed to be one of the S8's key features, and goes head-to-head with Google Assistant

Samsung is blocking users from reconfiguring the Bixby button on the Galaxy S8.

The company has made a number of ambitious claims about the virtual assistant, which is being marketed as one of the phone’s key features.

In a move designed to help establish Bixby as a genuine rival to Google Assistant, Samsung even decided to equip the S8 with a physical Bixby button.

However, soon after the handset’s unveiling, it was discovered that a free app called All in one gestures could be used to reconfigure that button, to make it launch any other app.

Since Bixby doesn’t actually work as it should – Voice, arguably its main component, has been delayed – the ability to re-map the button was a handy option to have.

Unfortunately, it’s no longer available to customers.

XDA Developers reports that Samsung has blocked the ability to reconfigure the Bixby button with an over-the-air update.

Philip Berne, Samsung’s head of review for the US, has confirmed the move, saying, “It was exploiting a system-level behavior. That behavior has been changed. Can't say it will never happen, but we won't officially support.

“I can't say for sure why this behavior changed, but I can say that we are not supporting remapping that button.”

The company is, of course, well within its rights to make such a move, especially as Bixby needs all the help it can get at this early stage.

However, considering the virtual assistant's shortcomings, it feels like a small slap in the face for customers.