NewsBrilliant launches new smart home control panelsThe company survives under private equity to launch a second-generation product with more processing power.The company survives under private equity to launch a second-generation product with more processing power.by Umar ShakirMay 9, 2025, 2:38 PM UTCLinkFacebookThreadsImage: BrilliantUmar Shakir is a news writer fond of the electric vehicle lifestyle and things that plug in via USB-C. He spent over 15 years in IT support before joining The Verge.Smart home controller maker Brilliant NextGen has launched its second generation of touchscreen panels that replace traditional light switches. The new hardware, which looks like the previous model, has a 4x higher resolution screen and dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) to help curb interference. It also has a more powerful processor that Brilliant says is ready “for the next phase of AI-powered smart home evolution,” although the company has not said when it plans to launch such features or what it could do. (As-is, there are currently no new software features from the previous gen.)In an email to The Verge, Brilliant’s head of marketing Erin Wright says the new version also reduces latency with integrations, which sounds promising since the previous model was sluggish with some devices in our testing. Brilliant’s smart panels control smart bulbs like Philips Hue lights and Sonos speakers, among other smart home devices.The company nearly went out of business in 2024 before it was purchased by two private investment firms, Almeida Strategic Investments and Cullinan Holdings, for an undisclosed sum.Most of the new Brilliant panels are available to order and ship today. There are bundles that include three screenless switches (usually $69.99 each), saving you up to $96. The company is also selling a plug-in version of the panel for $329, which comes with two smart plug outlets, for anyone who’d rather not do any electrical work.See More: NewsSmart HomeTechMost PopularMost PopularYou can now submit your claims for Apple’s $95 million Siri spying settlementNetflix is removing Black Mirror: BandersnatchWhoop wants everyone to give a whoop about the new Whoop 5.0Bill Gates tears into Elon Musk for being ‘involved in the deaths of the world’s poorest children’Palworld had to remove game features because of Nintendo lawsuitInstallerA weekly newsletter by David Pierce designed to tell you everything you need to download, watch, read, listen to, and explore that fits in The Verge’s universe.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.Advertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native ad