Lego's Latest Move: Blending Imagination with Tech in Star Wars Sets
Get ready for liftoff as Lego takes its intergalactic playtime to new heights with the introduction of "smart bricks" that integrate sound effects, light displays, and even music into its popular Star Wars sets. The innovative brick design features play-sensitive miniature speakers, a custom-made chip smaller than a single Lego stud, and advanced algorithms to create immersive experiences for young fans.
When building Luke Skywalker's X-wing fighter or Darth Vader's TIE fighter, kids can now activate sounds that simulate the iconic hyperspace zoom effect, laser blasts, and even the beeps of R2D2. The smart bricks can also detect when a player has hit their opponent with accurate laser blasts, signaling victory in a dogfight scenario.
But what does this mean for the future of playtime? Some critics have raised concerns that Lego's focus on technology might compromise the very essence of imaginative play. "I can go 'swoosh' and 'pew-pew' too," wrote one Reddit user, expressing skepticism about the new feature.
On the other hand, fans are abuzz with excitement, eagerly awaiting the possibility of smart bricks in future sets, such as a Lego Titanic that plays Céline Dion's My Heart Will Go On. As Tom Donaldson, senior vice president at the Lego Group, explained, "this technology brings creativity, technology and storytelling together to make building worlds and stories even more engaging, all without a screen."
With its latest move, Lego is positioning itself against a backdrop of rising engagement by children with screen-based games. Roblox, for example, boasts approximately 150 million daily users. By merging the boundaries between playtime, technology, and imagination, Lego aims to create an unparalleled experience that will captivate young minds and inspire endless creativity.
The new Star Wars sets featuring smart bricks are set to retail at £79.99 for Skywalker's X-wing fighter and £59.99 for Vader's TIE fighter. While some may question the value of this technological innovation, it remains to be seen whether Lego's bold move will redefine the world of playtime or simply add another layer of complexity to an already iconic brand.
Get ready for liftoff as Lego takes its intergalactic playtime to new heights with the introduction of "smart bricks" that integrate sound effects, light displays, and even music into its popular Star Wars sets. The innovative brick design features play-sensitive miniature speakers, a custom-made chip smaller than a single Lego stud, and advanced algorithms to create immersive experiences for young fans.
When building Luke Skywalker's X-wing fighter or Darth Vader's TIE fighter, kids can now activate sounds that simulate the iconic hyperspace zoom effect, laser blasts, and even the beeps of R2D2. The smart bricks can also detect when a player has hit their opponent with accurate laser blasts, signaling victory in a dogfight scenario.
But what does this mean for the future of playtime? Some critics have raised concerns that Lego's focus on technology might compromise the very essence of imaginative play. "I can go 'swoosh' and 'pew-pew' too," wrote one Reddit user, expressing skepticism about the new feature.
On the other hand, fans are abuzz with excitement, eagerly awaiting the possibility of smart bricks in future sets, such as a Lego Titanic that plays Céline Dion's My Heart Will Go On. As Tom Donaldson, senior vice president at the Lego Group, explained, "this technology brings creativity, technology and storytelling together to make building worlds and stories even more engaging, all without a screen."
With its latest move, Lego is positioning itself against a backdrop of rising engagement by children with screen-based games. Roblox, for example, boasts approximately 150 million daily users. By merging the boundaries between playtime, technology, and imagination, Lego aims to create an unparalleled experience that will captivate young minds and inspire endless creativity.
The new Star Wars sets featuring smart bricks are set to retail at £79.99 for Skywalker's X-wing fighter and £59.99 for Vader's TIE fighter. While some may question the value of this technological innovation, it remains to be seen whether Lego's bold move will redefine the world of playtime or simply add another layer of complexity to an already iconic brand.