I got to see a demo of this at CES. Very neat. I asked about downloading custom firmware to the brick, and they said it would be supported. Since is runs some version of the Linux kernel now, that should really expand the range of software which can be run. It has a USB port, so WiFi networking is now also a possibility.

Since it supports Bluetooth (presumably serial port profile), that makes communication to smartphones easy.

I'm hoping 3rd parties will make more sensors and motors for this platform. I can envision uses for small solenoids, and maybe stepper motors too.