Skip to main content

The long-awaited Brilliant Control smart home panel is finally available

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Who needs a smartphone when you have a voice? That’s the question posed by a new startup called Brilliant, which believes that the future of smart home control will center not on any device but rather on users. Its flagship device, Brilliant Control, is branded as a “smart lighting solution that gives anyone in the house the ability to access music, climate [controls], and other common smart home devices with just a simple touch or voice command — no smartphone required.” So put down your mobile and clear your throat — now that Brilliant Control is finally available to consumers, your voice is about to be heard.

Promising easy installation that takes just minutes, the Brilliant Control comes with an intuitive touchscreen that serves as the hardware hub for your connected home. But don’t worry, you don’t have to use it. Rather, you can just talk to your home, and while it won’t talk back, it will certainly listen and respond.

Recommended Videos

“While renovating my house, it was important to me that anyone in any room could adjust lighting, music, and climate control as easily as flipping a light switch,” said Aaron Emigh, co-founder and chief executive officer of Brilliant. “Requiring a mobile phone and apps to adjust your environment is clumsy, and for guests or children, it’s impossible.”

Most such systems were far out of the price range of the average customer, Emigh realized, so like any good entrepreneur, he set out to create his own solution. “[Brilliant Control] is affordable, can be installed in minutes by replacing an existing light switch, and provides a beautiful and intuitive solution that everyone in the home can use throughout the home.”

Amazon Alexa is built right into Brilliant Controls, which means it’s easy to not only control various components of your smart home, but also to get weather forecasts, listen to the radio, or create shopping lists. Brilliant Control is also compatible with a host of other connected devices, including those from Nest, Sonos, Philips Hue, SmartThings, and more.

And naturally, you can’t expect a smart home hub to be a smart home hub if it doesn’t also keep your home safe, right? Brilliant Control comes with a built-in camera, privacy cover, and microphone, which make it easy to not only add video or voice intercom to your house, but to keep an eye on things as well.

Oh, and while Brillian Control doesn’t require a smartphone to give you total control over your home, you can use the Brilliant app to take control of the house or check in remotely when you’re on the go.

The Brilliant Control starts at $300 without any annual fees, and is available at www.brilliant.tech.

Updated September 6, 2018: The story now reflects that Brilliant Control is now available for purchase.

AJ Dellinger
AJ Dellinger is a freelance reporter from Madison, Wisconsin with an affinity for all things tech. He has been published by…
The affordable Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is now available following debut at CES 2025
the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential on a green wall

After making a splash at CES 2025, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is now available for purchase. More affordable than both the Smart Thermostat Enhanced and Smart Thermostat Premium, the Essential is an affordable way to bring a bit of smarts into your home -- including Apple HomeKit integration and vacation scheduling.

Ecobee designed the Smart Thermostat Essential to be easy to use, with a large full-color touchscreen display giving you quick access to your most-used controls. However, the big draw is its built-in intelligence, as the device will slowly learn how to optimize its settings for your specific home. For example, it can detect how long it takes to heat and cool your home, allowing it to build a routine that ensures you stay comfortable regardless of the temperature outside. When paired with Ecobee Smart Sensors, it’ll even track occupancy levels and adjust your settings accordingly.

Read more
Google’s Gemini AI can now control your smart home devices
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

After spending a bit of time in Public Preview, Google is rolling out its Google Home extension for the Gemini app to everyone. This will allow you to control smart home devices using Gemini, including tasks like turning on smart lights, checking your smart thermostat, or adjusting the volume on your speakers.

The Google Home Extension will be rolling out over the next few weeks, and once you've made the update, any compatible devices synced to your Google account will be accessible via Gemini. If you try using commands in the Gemini app that aren’t supported, your smartphone will automatically launch the Google Home app to complete the command (such as accessing camera actions and smart lock features).

Read more
Home Depot expands Hubspace smart home lineup at CES 2025
The Home Depot Hubspace logo on a white background.

Hubspace, Home Depot’s smart home platform, has seen impressive growth over the past few years, and that growth continued at CES 2025. Three new gadgets were revealed at the event, including a wireless power switch to control Hubspace products, a portable air conditioner, and a window-mounted air conditioner. All three are unique additions to the catalog -- and since there’s not much like them on the market, they should quickly become popular options in their respective niches.

The Hubspace Remote Switch is arguably the most useful of the three gadgets. Designed to look like a light switch, but with a removable remote controller, it works with select Hubspace light bulbs, fixtures, plugs, power sockets, surge protectors, and more. You’ll get standard on and off functions, plus access to brightness controls. Its sleek looks and versatility should make it a great choice for shoppers seeking an entry-level smart switch.

Read more