Lego just pulled back the curtain on what it\u2019s calling the most significant product evolution in 50 years.<\/p>\n
Driving the news: The world\u2019s biggest toymaker unveiled its new Smart Brick<\/a> this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, a computerized model of its 2×4 brick that lights up, makes sound effects, and plays music. The first Smart Brick sets, which will be Star Wars-themed, will roll out on March 1.\u00a0<\/p>\n The sensors in the bricks react to each other to trigger sound and light. For example, lightsabers can flash and make sound effects as they touch. <\/p>\n In Lego cars, the bricks could track which one finishes first in a race, make engine noises, and trigger crash sound effects when a vehicle is turned upside down.\u00a0<\/p>\n Why it matters: Lego has printed money, in part, by bringing its patented bricks into video games, movies, and other digital worlds<\/a>. The Smart Bricks, however, are the toy giant\u2019s first real crack at bringing digital technology into its physical products.\u00a0<\/p>\n And it\u2019s not just a one-off product. A top Lego exec compared Smart Bricks to launching a gaming console<\/a>. Even if the first game doesn\u2019t take off (i.e., the Star Wars sets), it\u2019s confident the computerized brick system will eventually catch on.\u00a0<\/p>\n