This week:  why 2015 was one of Apple's best (and worst!) years ever.  Plus:  everything Apple needs to improve in 2016; future tech that could change the world; and stick around for our deep-dive into The Force Awakens, our in-depth review of the magic, delight, and heartbreak of J.J. Abrams' new Star Wars universe.
 

This episode supported by
 

Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!
 
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We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.

 

On the show this week




@erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney

 
Why 2015 was Apple’s most important year since original iPhone’s unveiling
http://www.cultofmac.com/404188/why-2015-was-apple-most-important-year-since-iphone-unveiling/
 



What would you like to see Apple improve in 2016? (discussion)





 


What technology could change the world around us in the next 5 years? (discussion)
 



J.J. Abrams, the force behind the new Star Wars
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-ot-how-the-new-star-wars-begins/
 
How the new “Star Wars” begins
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/how-the-new-star-wars-begins



 
Thoughts on the end of Force Awakens (SPOILERS)
https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWars/comments/3xhy39/i_have_this_to_say_about_the_end_of_the_new_star/