I had a perfect testing day (they are not often like this) –every BrilliantSmart device quickly installed and worked flawlessly. The rangeincludes LED lighting, security cameras, sensors, smart switches and more.
I have to say that I had never heard of BrilliantSmart, letalone Brilliant Lighting, and before I took on the review challenge, we did duediligence to ensure this was not a one-off dodgy import.
It turns out that BrilliantSmart (website here) is part of Brilliant Lighting (website here) based in Rowville, Victoria that distributes Australia-wide via electrical contractors, DIY, department stores and specialty lighting and electrical retailers. It is a new overall brand for Brilliant’s smart products.
So, you are likely to see or be able to order BrilliantSmart products at places like Aldi, Bunnings, Freedom, and over 1700 licensed electricians and stores.
It also explains why I could not get recommended retail prices– it is up to the outlet and installer. More on that later but if you see aprice below its indicative only and there may be discounts and promotions aswell.
So, to answer the question – yes, Brilliant Lighting isserious about providing smart devices, and it has done a lot of homework to offereasy to install and trouble-free devices. It has all the electrical test and certificates.I am impressed.
BTW – I noticed some stores use two words Brilliant Smartand some list under Brilliant Lighting. Do not confuse this brand withBrilliant Smart home controllers (US-based) and many devices advertising Brilliantsmart XYZ.
We review four BrilliantSmart devices from a comprehensive range of products (all are smart, Wi-Fi-connected)
After this great experience, I will be pleased to test moreBrilliantSmart products.
Setup
The list of devices is extensive and likely reflects therange of products that the ODM factory (uses Tuya’s leading IoT platform thatpowers over 100 million products) will make for BrilliantSmart. There issupport for a yet to be released range of Zigbee and Bluetooth products soexpect more from this brand.
In every case the product attached to the 2.4GHz channel ofour NETGEAR AX12 router (AX9 review here)and were placed up to 30 metres away where the signal measured a very healthy229Mbps. I am very impressed with the staying power of this super router. Note:If your router is underpowered, then you may need to use a free Wi-Fi analysisapp to work out maximum distances.
Smarts – Voice Assistance and IFTTT
We tested with Google Assistant and its simply a matter ofadding the BrilliantSmart Action to that. Easy and all you do is allocate roomsto the devices. You can also add an Alexa skill. As it works with iOS, we canonly assume HomeKit support.
These will turn on/off named or room lights to a specified percentageor colour. You can also set up routines (schedules).
It also has IFTTT support to bind the devices into a larger ecosystem. IFTTT means ‘If this then that’ and you can set nested conditions across a myriad of smart devices, e.g. If the front door sensor opens then turn on the hall light and activate the security video unless it is me and I have a geofenced smartphone.
You need to use the app to access more features. Voiceassistants (as with all brands of smart lights) do not support calling namedscenes (at this time).
As a review is all about setup and use we will simplyidentify the best use of these devices.
A60 White + RGB LED globe (Bayonet cap or Edison Screw) ($40 in ES or BC)
If you have an old incandescent light, you can replace itwith this RGB + White globe. Connect via Wi-Fi, and you can call Google toactivate it or manually switch it on (it remembers the last setting).
Perfect for reading lamps, hard to reach places (these lasta long time) and to reduce energy from 80-100W to 9W. White is set at 3000K(warm white) to avoid Blue Light (cool white sensitivity). Dimming iselectronic from 0-100% (800 lumens), e.g. you don’t need a dimmer switch.
There is also a white only 900 lumens light.
GadgetGuy’s take: Great price, performance and very easy touse.
IP44 weather-resistant LED RGBW 2m strip lighting kit ($100)
We were keen to review this 2m LED RGB+W self-adhesive stripas it is one of the few that is water-resistant IP44 – Water splashingagainst the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect,utilising either: a) an oscillating fixture or b) A spray nozzle with noshield.
What this means is that, within reason, it will stand out tooutdoor use and bathroom use.
There are three parts – the 12V/1.25A (15W) AC transformer(not IP rated) that has a 1.5m cable ending in a water-resistant screw pug. Ifthe transformer has rain protection, then the rest is fine for outdoor use. Itthen plugs into a Wi-Fi controller bock (water-resistant) and the 2m strip intothat.
It uses dimmable 60 x RGB and 60 x White LEDs (3000K) andcan have standard or customisable scenes. I know what will be adorning thebalcony at Christmas time. But beyond that, it could act as task lighting over thekitchen, workshop, laundry, bathroom benches, as emergency lighting in hallwaysor even as a night light.
There are two things it cannot do compared to Lifx Z strips. It does not have addressable zones, and you can’t add additional lengths. But the IP44 rating more than compensates.
GadgetGuy’s take: Good price, well made, IP44 rated.
IP68 Weatherproof LED RGB garden lighting kit (four light kit $280 and additional lights $60)
Now this is impressive and at IP68 is weatherproof.
It comprises a transformer, a Wi-Fi controller and four 3Wlights replete with garden spikes (or can be screw-mounted). The lights daisychain via 2.2m together to a maximum of eight.
These are 3W RGB LEDs (no white) and have a 60° beam, so theyare for mood or path lighting. And 12W is a measly amount to leave on at nightor attach to a motion sensor. Overall useful ‘throw’ is about 3 metres.
We found that by experimenting with colours and lumens, youcan create everything from a warm and inviting glow to a cool, frosty blue.
My only criticism is that all heads display the same theme –it may have been nice to have individually addressable heads, but that wouldhave cost a lot more with Wi-Fi in each.
GadgetGuy’s take: Weatherproof IP68 and very easy to use.These are definite candidates for IFTTT and a sensor.
Remote control 240V plug with USB 5V/1.5A charger port $20
You can add smarts to any 240V/10A powerpoint to enablescheduling or remotely turn them on/off.
Yes, I know you can flick a switch, but “OK Google, turn offthe heater’ is far easier. Or use it with an iron and never worry again if youleft it on.
GadgetGuy’s take: This is a low-cost item (Bunnings have itfor $15) – last year I was paying $60 for similar WeMo remote switches. And ithas a 7.5W charger suitable for iPhone, iPad and more USB charging.
GadgetGuy’s take – BrilliantSmart is a brand worth looking for
We do due diligence to ensure that all products have localsupport and warranty. We are impressed that BrilliantSmart is IFTTT compliantand as a bonus, these are well made and work – the first time.
We are pleased to add BrilliantSmart to our #Stop the Energyrip-off campaign, and we look forward to seeing this brand develop and expand.
Our ratings are collectively 4.5-out-of-5 for performance, price and local backing. Just remember that you may have to insist the retailer go looking for the products and don’t accept some no-name substitute.
