Entertainment
Lego unveils a technology-packed Smart Brick at CES 2026 ๐งฑโจ
While Lego bricks have always arrived in a myriad of shapes and sizes ๐, they are receiving a massive technical overhaul in 2026, according to announcements made at this year’s CES ๐๏ธ. Enter the Lego Smart Brick: a component that maintains the classic 2 x 4 form factor but is internally packed with modern technology designed to react to gameplay and the structures you build ๐๏ธ. This innovation is part of the companyโs broader “Smart Play” initiative, which encompasses the Smart Brick, Smart Minifigures, and Smart Tags ๐ง . It remains to be seen how the diehard community will embrace this digital shift ๐, but it is undeniably Lego’s most significant attempt yet to infuse its physical products with connected capabilities โก.
At the heart of the Smart Brick lies a 4.1mm ASIC chip ๐, which Lego notes is smaller than a single standard stud. This hardware runs the “Play Engine,” a system capable of sensing motion, orientation, and magnetic fields ๐งญ. Through integrated copper coils, the Smart Brick can detect the distance, direction, and placement of other Smart Bricks in the vicinity during a build ๐งฒ. The hardware suite also includes an accelerometer, an LED array ๐ก, and a compact built-in speaker ๐. According to Lego, this speaker is designed to generate audio tied directly to live actions, offering a dynamic experience rather than simply cycling through pre-recorded clips ๐ต.
By comparison, the Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures are much simpler devices ๐ท. The Tag takes the form of a 2 x 2 studless tile embedded with a digital ID, which the Smart Brick reads via “near-field magnetic communication” ๐ก. While this technology sounds strikingly similar to NFC, it is currently unclear if these proprietary pieces will interface with standard NFC-enabled devices ๐ฒ. The Smart Minifigures utilize the same method, carrying a readable digital ID within them ๐.
The primary function of these peripheral components is to provide context to the Smart Brick ๐ฏ. As Lego describes it, “The role of the Smart Tag is to tell the Smart Brick how it should play back with you.” Essentially, the Tag informs the Brick whether it has become a vehicle ๐๏ธ, an animal ๐ฆ, or an object. For instance, a Smart Tag included in a Star Wars X-Wing set will carry a unique ID containing specific instructions on how the Smart Brick should behave within that model ๐.
To tie the ecosystem together, Lego has developed a local wireless layer known as BrickNet ๐ธ๏ธ. Built on Bluetooth technology, it utilizes a proprietary “Neighbor Position Measurement” system that allows Smart Bricks to understand their proximity and orientation relative to one another ๐. Lego emphasizes that this architecture allows the bricks to “talk” directly to each other without requiring mobile apps, internet connections, or external controllers ๐ต. The goal seems to be a seamless interaction where all three smart elements communicate instantly out of the box, preserving the “pick up and play” nature of traditional Lego ๐คฒ.
Naturally, all this onboard tech requires power ๐. Lego claims the batteries are designed to perform even after “years” of inactivity. Furthermore, the coil and power systems are engineered to allow multiple bricks to charge wirelessly simultaneously on a shared charging pad โก๐.
Unsurprisingly, Lego is debuting the Smart Play system alongside its most prominent licensed partner: Star Wars โจ. The launch features three “all-in-one” Star Wars sets. These initial offerings are on the smaller scale and appear geared specifically toward children ๐ง, rather than the complex, 1,000-plus piece sets the company typically markets to adult collectors ๐ง.
While the price points carry a premium compared to standard sets, they aren’t astronomically higher ๐ฐ. The lineup includes Darth Vaderโs TIE Fighter ($70), a 473-piece set featuring a smart Vader Minifigure, one Smart Brick, and one Smart Tag ๐ธ. Next is Lukeโs Red Five X-Wing ($100), a 584-piece build with two Smart Minifigures, one Smart Brick, and five Smart Tags โ๏ธ. Finally, the Throne Room Duel & A-wing ($160) offers 962 pieces, three Smart Minifigures, two Smart Bricks, and five Smart Tags ๐.
This marks a radical departure for the company, and fans won’t have to wait long to experience it ๐๏ธ. Pre-orders for the three sets open on January 9, with an official launch scheduled for March 1 ๐. Given the amount of new technology involved, it is difficult to visualize exactly how the experience will come together on paperโbut we are hopeful that Lego will have hands-on demonstrations available here at CES so we can get a closer look at the Smart Play system in action ๐๐ธ.
Entertainment
Sonyโs new Bravia 7 II TVs combine True RGB visuals with AI-powered Google TV features ๐ค๐
Sony just redefined the home theater experience in India ๐ฎ๐ณ. From “True RGB” tech to a massive 98-inch display ๐บ and upcoming Gemini AI integration ๐ค, the new Bravia 7 II series is a beastโand itโs officially here! ๐ฅ
The all-new Sony Bravia 7 II series premium television lineup in India. The latest models introduce Sonyโs True RGB technology ๐, bringing independently controlled RGB LED lighting for more accurate colours and deeper contrast โจ. Alongside improved visuals, the new TVs also focus on gaming ๐ฎ, immersive sound ๐, and AI-powered smart features ๐ง designed for modern home entertainment setups ๐ .
Sony Bravia 7 II key features ๐
The Bravia 7 II series is powered by Sonyโs RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro technology ๐ก, which independently controls red, green, and blue LEDs to improve color precision and contrast. Sony has paired this with the Cognitive Processor XR โ๏ธ, enabling the TV to analyze scenes in a way that mimics human vision and hearing ๐๏ธ๐. The lineup also includes RGB Triluminos Max, Smooth Colour Gradation, and X-Wide Angle Pro technologies for wider viewing angles and more detailed colour transitions ๐จ.
Sony is offering the Bravia 7 II in screen sizes ranging from 55-inch to 98-inch ๐. The TVs support Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, and DTS formats for a theatre-like viewing experience ๐ฟ๐ฌ. Acoustic Multi-Audio+ technology on larger variants places sound more accurately with on-screen action, while Voice Zoom 3 improves dialogue clarity during movies and shows ๐ฃ๏ธ.
For gamers ๐ฎ, the Bravia 7 II supports 4K 120Hz gaming through HDMI 2.1 along with Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode support โก. Features such as Game Menu 2, Dolby Vision Gaming, PS Remote Play ๐น๏ธ, Auto HDR Tone Mapping, and Auto Genre Picture Mode are also included.
The televisions run Google TV and support Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2 ๐, Apple HomeKit, Chromecast, and Alexa-compatible devices ๐. Sony has also confirmed that Gemini integration โจ for Google TV will arrive through a future software update ๐.
Sony Bravia 7 II price and availability ๐ฐ
Sony has started pre-bookings ๐ for select Bravia 7 II models in India starting today. The 55-inch variant is priced at Rs 2,21,990, while the 65-inch model costs Rs 2,74,990 ๐ณ. The 75-inch and 85-inch variants are expected to launch by the end of June ๐๏ธ, while the 98-inch model is scheduled for release by the end of July.
Entertainment
Amazon launches its fastest Fire TV Stick HD with Wi-Fi 6 and Xbox cloud gaming โก๐ฎ
Turn your old TV into a powerhouse! ๐บ Amazon just launched its fastest Fire TV Stick HD yetโitโs 30% faster, supports Wi-Fi 6, and even lets you play Xbox games without a console. ๐ฎ๐
Amazon has officially rolled out the new Fire TV Stick HD in India ๐ฎ๐ณ, offering a sleek solution for users wanting to breathe new smart capabilities into their older televisions ๐บ. This latest streaming stick boasts robust performance upgrades ๐, modern connectivity, and a revamped Fire TV interface designed to make navigating and discovering content faster and more intuitive โจ.
Under the hood, the new Fire TV Stick HD delivers a significant speed boost ๐จ, with Amazon claiming it performs over 30 percent faster than its predecessor ๐๏ธ. The physical footprint has been trimmed down as well; the more compact design tucks effortlessly behind your TV ๐ช and takes up minimal space in a travel bag ๐งณ. When it comes to visuals, the device supports Full HD resolution paired with HDR10+ ๐ฌ, ensuring enhanced color and contrast for compatible content ๐.
On the connectivity front, the stick is now equipped with Wi-Fi 6 ๐ถ and Bluetooth 5.3 ๐ต. According to Amazon, this Wi-Fi 6 integration is specifically designed to maintain smooth streaming quality, even on less-than-ideal internet connections ๐. Adding to its convenience, the Fire TV Stick HD can draw power directly from compatible television USB ports, eliminating the clutter of a separate wall adapter ๐.
The user experience has also received a major facelift ๐. Amazonโs updated Fire TV interface now features neatly reorganized categories for movies ๐ฟ, television shows ๐ญ, live broadcasts ๐ก, and free streaming options ๐. Navigating this new layout is a breeze thanks to the included Alexa Voice Remote ๐๏ธ, which lets users search for shows, control playback, and manage Alexa-compatible smart home devices using just their voice ๐ฃ๏ธ.
In a notable first for a Fire TV HD device, Amazon has integrated support for Xbox cloud gaming ๐ฎ. By pairing a compatible Bluetooth controller ๐น๏ธ and maintaining an active Xbox Game Pass subscription, users can dive directly into cloud-enabled Xbox titles โ๏ธ. Furthermore, the companion Fire TV mobile app has been updated ๐ฑ, allowing users to seamlessly browse media, manage their watchlists, and control playback right from their smartphones ๐ฒ.
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD price and availability ๐ฐ
The new Amazon Fire TV Stick HD carries a price tag of Rs 4,999 (approximately $52) in India ๐ฎ๐ณ. Shoppers can purchase it online right now through Amazon.in, Blinkit, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto ๐, with offline retail availability expected in the near future ๐๏ธ.
Entertainment
Sony Launches the HT-B500 Soundbar: A 3.1-Channel Powerhouse Featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS:X ๐๐
Sony has officially expanded its home audio lineup in China ๐จ๐ณ with the debut of the HT-B500 soundbar. Designed to elevate everyday home entertainment ๐ , this 3.1-channel system is currently available on JD.com for 2,341 yuan (approximately $342) ๐ฐ๐.
Under the Hood: Sony HT-B500 Specifications โ๏ธ๐ ๏ธ
At its core, the HT-B500 boasts a 3.1-channel configuration anchored by a physical, front-facing three-channel array ๐. A standout feature is the dedicated center speaker, which is specifically tuned to ensure crystal-clear dialogue ๐ฃ๏ธ. To round out the low end, Sony includes a robust wireless subwoofer engineered to deliver deep, room-filling bass ๐๐ธ.
#HT-B500 Soundbar:
Audiophiles will appreciate the soundbar’s native support for premium formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X ๐. To maximize these technologies, the system relies on Sonyโs Vertical Surround Engine (VSE), which convincingly simulates overhead sound without the need for dedicated ceiling speakers โ๏ธ๐๏ธ. This verticality is perfectly complemented by S-Force Pro Front Surround technology, which effortlessly widens the horizontal soundstage โ๏ธ๐ง.
The HT-B500 also shines when handling standard audio, thanks to the integration of Sony’s one-touch 3D upmix surround technology ๐. This smart feature takes traditional stereo or 2-channel sources and intelligently scales them into an immersive, three-dimensional audio experience ๐, bringing a richer, more spatial feel even to basic streaming content ๐บ. Additionally, the inclusion of AI Voice Enhancement 3.0 works in real time to isolate and boost dialogue against heavy background noise ๐ค๐๏ธ.
When it comes to connectivity, the HT-B500 is fully equipped for modern setups ๐. It features Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless wireless streaming from laptops, tablets, and smartphones ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ป. Audio quality is further refined by Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE), which actively restores lost details in compressed audio files โจ. For wired connections, the unit offers both HDMI eARC output and an optical input ๐.
Aesthetically, the soundbar embraces a sleek, minimalist profile characterized by a premium metal grille and soft, rounded edges โจ๐ผ๏ธ. Its compact footprint offers excellent versatility, looking just as natural mounted on a wall as it does resting on a tabletop media console ๐๐ .
In other audio industry news ๐ฐ, boAt recently expanded its portfolio with the Aavante Prime Xโa massive 700W wireless 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos soundbar ๐ฅ๏ธ๐ฅ. Meanwhile, Samsung has given enthusiasts a glimpse into the future by unveiling its 2026 home audio lineup, highlighting brand-new Music Studio speakers alongside updated Q-Series soundbars ๐ฐ๐ท๐ถ.
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