Side button voice input - Reduced functionality

[nickthaskater]

Once again, Samsung "support" demonstrates it is clueless about how its own OS functions. 

I used to use side button voice input and it worked great up to OneUI 7. OneUI 7 brought a new requirement to enable the persistent keyboard button in the navigation area to use side button voice input. I have no other use for the keyboard button so this just results in a useless, persistent empty space beneath my keyboard.

Samsung support asserts that it only appears "momentarily" when voice input is active, but this is absolutely false and the serting description even makes that pretty clear.

The persistent keyboard button being enabled should not be a prerequisite for using side button voice input.

See:

[RobertZ]

I too just received a "response" from a report I made at the beginning of December, but on a different issue...

[Fatwa]

I used to use Bixby on sidekey, but since Gemini actually improved + Gemini now integrated with Samsung apps and its sidekey mapable, I've never looked back. I must speak with Gemini 20 times a day using that thing. Should just be called the AI key moving forward. Super handy.

[nickthaskater]

Side button voice input (typing) is distinct from using the side button to access whichever assistant.

[Fatwa]

Yeah, I used to use it as well. When I used it(comma) I remember it being pretty terrible(exclamation mark), (next paragraph).

Even after learning to speak dictation, it still seemed to mess up if the message was any longer then 'be there soon'.

In order to properly activate it, your cursor also has to be in a text window, and this action launches the keyboard. I just mapped the a mic button to the keyboard as a workaround. My point is (in lieu of futzing around with voice dictation) AI simplifies the whole process altogether. I can just squeeze the key and say 'Jim texted me, text him back and tell him im on my way to a new pub. Ill be there from 7pm till 9ish. Its the Cat and Dog pub on main street. Also send him a map of the address'.

For me this significantly outperforms, launching messages>scrolling to Jim's text>bickering with voice dictation >launch maps>entering address>copying address>back to messages to paste etc.

[Fatwa]

Also, looks like the functionality is still there so long as you long press in a text window. Im can't be bothered to switch my sidekey to Bixby to try it, but maybe below (from gemini) helps:

Executive Summary
The direct "Side Key for Voice Dictation" shortcut has been moved/reassigned in recent One UI versions to prioritize Bixby and Galaxy AI. However, the functionality is not removed; it is currently integrated into the Side Button "Wake Bixby" setting. When the keyboard is active, long-pressing the Side Key (set to Bixby) triggers dictation directly into the text field rather than launching the full Bixby assistant.
Tactical Solutions
1. The Native Re-routing (Side Key to Dictation)
Samsung's current logic uses Bixby as the engine for hardware-triggered dictation. To restore this:
* Navigate to Settings > Advanced features > Side button.
* Under Press and hold, ensure Wake Bixby is selected.
* The Logic: If you are not in a text field, it launches the AI/Assistant. If you are inside a text window with the keyboard visible, long-pressing the button should now initiate voice-to-text.
2. Good Lock (RegiStar Module)
Since you mentioned Good Lock, the RegiStar module is your primary asset for bypassing default restrictions:
* Open Good Lock and install/open RegiStar.
* Select Side-Key press and hold action.
* You can map this to Voice Input directly (if available in your regional firmware) or use it to trigger a Macro that taps the microphone icon on your keyboard.
3. The "Space Bar" Contingency
If the Side Key remains stubborn due to AI overrides, the fastest alternative for dictation is now built into the keyboard itself:
* Go to Settings > General management > Samsung Keyboard settings.
* Tap Touch and hold space bar.
* Select Voice input.
* This allows a long-press on the space bar to act as your primary dictation trigger, keeping your thumb in the typing zone.
Strategic Observation
Samsung is aggressively pushing "Intelligent Features" (AI) to the hardware buttons to compete with the latest industry shifts. The disappearance of a dedicated "Dictation" toggle in the Side Key menu is a deliberate move to force user engagement with their broader AI ecosystem.
Would you like me to walk through setting up a specific RegiStar macro to force-trigger the microphone?

[nickthaskater]

You clearly didn't read my post and your reply is wholly irrelevant.

[Fatwa]

I was trying to give you better ideas. If you think they are irrelevant I won't waste my time with your account name any longer. Better for both of us. Adios, nicktheskater!

[nickthaskater]

Your ideas are a lot more useful when you actually read and think about your reply rather than copying and pasting AI rubbish.

[Fatwa]

I was trying to give you better ideas. If you think they are irrelevant I won't waste my time with your posts any longer. Better for both of us. Adios, nicktheskater!