2) Goodbye CGI, Hello Practical Effects
The prequel trilogy was derided for its reliance on CGI. George Lucas got so carried away with green screens that he eventually did away with flesh-and-blood Clone Troopers altogether in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, opting instead on creating them all in a computer.
Abrams has seemingly abandoned that technique (for the most part, anyway), and has promised to bring Star Wars back to its practical roots. That’s clear in one shot in particular, which shows a TIE Fighter hangar under attack:
Abrams has applied the natural approach to the film’s new droids, as well. Fan-favorite new addition, ball-droid BB8, was brought on stage at Star Wars Celebration to show off how lifelike he is. He even gets a moment to shine in the new trailer, seen cowering behind a wall.
BB8 appears to be inside the Millennium Falcon. Perhaps he’s scared of the Wookie that pilots it…