Brilliant, the smart home controller company that narrowly avoided closure last year, has triumphantly launched its second-generation touchscreen panels. These panels replace traditional light switches, offering a sleek, modern alternative for controlling your smart home devices.
The new panels boast a significant upgrade in screen resolution – a whopping four times higher than their predecessors. This, coupled with dual-band Wi-Fi (supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies), promises a smoother, more responsive user experience and reduced interference. But the improvements don’t stop there; a more powerful processor lies at the heart of this new generation, positioning Brilliant for what they term “the next phase of AI-powered smart home evolution.” While specific details on these future AI features remain under wraps, the upgraded processing power hints at exciting possibilities.
For those familiar with the previous generation, the design remains largely unchanged, offering a familiar and user-friendly interface. However, Brilliant has addressed a key criticism of the original panels: latency. According to Erin Wright, Brilliant’s Head of Marketing, the new panels significantly reduce latency in device integrations. This is especially welcome news, as previous testing revealed sluggishness with certain devices. The panels continue to seamlessly integrate with popular smart home ecosystems, including Philips Hue lights and Sonos speakers.
The company’s journey to this launch is one of resilience. After facing near-closure in 2024, Brilliant was acquired by Almeida Strategic Investments and Cullinan Holdings. This acquisition not only saved the company but also clearly fueled the development of this improved product line.
Currently, most of the new Brilliant panels are available for immediate order and shipping. Smart shoppers can take advantage of bundle deals that include screenless switches, offering significant savings. For those who prefer a less invasive installation, a plug-in version of the panel is also available, complete with two smart plug outlets. This offers a convenient option for those who want to avoid any electrical work.
With its enhanced performance, improved responsiveness, and a promising glimpse into a future enhanced by AI, Brilliant’s second-generation smart home panels are a compelling upgrade and a testament to the company’s perseverance and commitment to innovation in the smart home space.
