As many Star Wars fans have guessed, there is another Death Star at the center of the conflict in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. But comparing the weapon of mass destruction in The Force Awakens to the on ein 1977's Star Wars may be akin to comparing a .45 revolver to an AK-47. Said director J.J. Abrmas on Starkiller acknowledging its Death Star heritage, “It is very much — and it’s acknowledged as such in the movie — apparently another Death Star. But what it’s capable of, how it works, and what the threat is, is far greater than what the Death Star could have done. Starkiller Base is another step forward, technologically speaking, in terms of power."
Rumors would have everyone believe that the Starkiller functions by imploding suns or stars, causing the destruction of entire solar systems. Whether this rumor proves to be true remains to be seen but it would certainly count as a technological advancement. Think about how far warfare on our planet has come in the last 30 years. The war tech seen in Captain America: The Winter Soldier is probably not too far off the horizon (if something similar doesn't already exist).
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in North American theaters on December 18th.