Brilliant's Touch Screen Smart Home Hub With Alexa And Google Home Integration Now Available
Robots may not yet be doing [all of] our household chores, but we are getting a little closer to this fantasy. The Brilliant Smart Home Controller with Amazon Alexa built-in is now available for purchase. The product promises to simplify the smart home experience and eliminate the use of smartphones and smart speakers such as Amazon Echo and Google Home.
The Brilliant Smart Home Controllers will replace any existing light switch in one’s house. The user will then have touch and voice control over Sonos, Nest, Philips Hue, Ecobee, Ring products in their home. Users will be able to control their Sonos Home Sound System, adjust the room temperature, be able to see who is knocking on their door, and use the controller as a video intercom. Those who are concerned that they will never truly be alone in a smart home will be glad to know that the microphones and cameras also include “privacy shutters”. If a user is not at home, they can still control their devices through an Android or iOS companion app.
Brilliant is the “first Amazon Alexa compatible third-party device to offer visual responses directly in the wall of your house.” The product promises “clutter-free control” and does not require the purchase of a smart speaker. Users will be able to access all of the skills Alexa has to offer as well as Google Assistant.
The controllers can be personalized in a number of ways. Users can upload photos, art, or seasonal themes to match their room decor. They can create “scenes” with set music, lighting, and temperatures as well. The Brilliant frames currently only come in white, but they promise that other colors such ivory, light almond, cool grey, and black will soon be available.
The Brilliant Smart Home controller could potentially be a great solution for those who do not want to deal with the hassle of smart speakers. Smart speakers have a limited range and only support a set number of users. The devices are small nevertheless still take up precious surface space. Brilliant’s products are a bit more expensive, but simply require WiFi and a 120V double switch gang box. They can also be used by any person in the house.
The smart speaker market has grown tremendously in the last year. It is estimated that 16.8 million units were sold in the second business quarter of 2018. It will be interesting to see if Brilliant’s smart home solutions catch on and overtake the smart speaker market.
Brilliant products are available on their website, starting at $299 USD. Their companion app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.
Brilliant is the “first Amazon Alexa compatible third-party device to offer visual responses directly in the wall of your house.” The product promises “clutter-free control” and does not require the purchase of a smart speaker. Users will be able to access all of the skills Alexa has to offer as well as Google Assistant.
The controllers can be personalized in a number of ways. Users can upload photos, art, or seasonal themes to match their room decor. They can create “scenes” with set music, lighting, and temperatures as well. The Brilliant frames currently only come in white, but they promise that other colors such ivory, light almond, cool grey, and black will soon be available.
The Brilliant Smart Home controller could potentially be a great solution for those who do not want to deal with the hassle of smart speakers. Smart speakers have a limited range and only support a set number of users. The devices are small nevertheless still take up precious surface space. Brilliant’s products are a bit more expensive, but simply require WiFi and a 120V double switch gang box. They can also be used by any person in the house.
The smart speaker market has grown tremendously in the last year. It is estimated that 16.8 million units were sold in the second business quarter of 2018. It will be interesting to see if Brilliant’s smart home solutions catch on and overtake the smart speaker market.
Brilliant products are available on their website, starting at $299 USD. Their companion app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.
