You'll soon see Hollywood's treatment of one of the most important (and dangerous) moments in scientific history. Universal has released a trailer for Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan's biopic of the physicist who played a key role in developing and testing the first atomic bomb. The clip underscores the ethical issues surrounding the Manhattan Project and its work. While the team is hopeful that nuclear weapons will end World War II and usher in a new era of peace, they're also worried abut sparking an apocalyptic arms race — the movie doesn't end with the detonation.

The adaptation of Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin's American Prometheus book stars Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders) as its namesake scientist, with Emily Blunt as Oppenheimer's wife Katherine. Matt Damon plays Manhattan Project directo Gen. Leslie Groves Jr., while Robert Downey Jr. plays US Atomic Energy Commission co-founder Lewis Strauss. Rami Malek, Matthew Modine and Alden Ehrenreich also star.

Nolan's reputation and the top-tier cast will be the draws for many. However, this is also a rare movie that explores the role science played in WWII, not to mention in setting the stage for the Cold War and nuclear energy. The production of the movie is also notable. This is the first movie to feature sections of IMAX black-and-white film footage, so it may be worth heading to a supporting theater to get the full experience.

If you've wants Beats' most value-packed wireless earbuds but wanted them in a more vibrant color, now's the time to buy them. Amazon is selling the Beats Fit Pro in its latest colors (Coral Pink, Tidal Blue and Volt Yellow) for $160, or $40 off. All but the Kim Kardashian variants are discounted if you'd rather have a relatively safe hue like black or sage gray.

The Beats Fit Pro are our favorite workout earbuds for a good reason: the feature set is practically tailor-made for exercise. They have a secure but comfortable fit, and their balanced yet strong bass is well-suited to a thumping dance or rap track. Good active noise cancellation and a six-hour battery life also make these buds useful well beyond the gym.

There are some considerations before you leap on these buds. While the Beats Fit Pro are generally more Android-friendly than AirPods, they're unsurprisingly optimized for Apple devices. The absence of wireless charging may also be a setback if you'd rather not plug in. At this price, though, they're a better bargain than the AirPods Pro — you're getting solid sound quality and most of the convenience for considerably less.

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Google may have taken years to ship the first Pixel Watch, but it might not take nearly so long to introduce a sequel. A 9to5Googlesource claims the company will release the Pixel Watch 2 this fall alongside the Pixel 8 phone family this fall. Details are scarce, but Google has historically delivered new flagship Pixels in October. It teased the first smartwatch at I/O last year, and we wouldn't be shocked if there was a repeat at this year's event.

There's plenty of room for improvement, at least. The current Pixel Watch is based on a 2018-era Exynos 9110 system-on-chip that leaves it lagging in efficiency compared to the Apple Watch and numerous Wear OS watches. A newer SoC could wring more battery life out of the design, not to mention more performance. Google could borrow health sensors from newer Fitbit devices like the Sense 2. There's also just one 41mm case, so it won't be surprising if there's a larger model for those who prefer big timepieces.

Software could also play an important role as well. Pre-release Android 14 code hints Wear OS may use the adaptable Material You color theming seen since Android 12. Google also has yet to enable key health metrics like oxygen saturation (SpO2) and overnight skin temperature for the existing Pixel Watch, although those might not require new hardware.

Whether or not the rumor is accurate, expectations are high if and when the Pixel Watch 2 arrives. Google's wristwear is supposed to be a showcase that raises interest in Wear OS as a whole. A successful follow-up could not only fix the Pixel Watch's flaws, but push other smartwatch makers to step up their efforts.

New York State may soon have its own legislation to prevent crypto scandals on par with FTX's downfall. Attorney General Letitia James has proposed a law, the CRPTO Act (Crypto Regulation, Protection, Transparency and Oversight), that's meant to thwart cryptocurrency fraud and protect investors. Whether or not it's the "strongest and most comprehensive" set of crypto regulations that James touts, it would theoretically prevent repeats of some high-profile incidents.

The CRPTO Act would bar conflicts of interest, such as owning multiple practices or marketplaces that trade for their own accounts. Companies would have to publicly report financial statements, including risk disclosures. There would be a host of investor safeguards, such as "know-your-customer" requirements, compensation for fraud victims and a ban on stablecoins (crypto coins whose value is tied to a safe asset) that aren't pegged directly to US currency or "high-quality" liquid assets.

The bill would let the Attorney General's office shut down lawbreakers and fine $10,000 per violation for individuals, and $100,000 per violation for companies. The office would also have the power to issue subpoenas and demand damages, penalties and restitution. The Department of Financial Services, meanwhile, would be ensured authority to license various crypto service providers.

James pointed to multiple real-world examples of alleged abuse the CRPTO act would potentially stop. Terraform Labs, for instance, promised a very high 20 percent interest rate to investors in one token on its marketplace if they bought the company's other token, supposedly hiding the assets' real value. Celsius, meanwhile, bought up its own token and created an artificial appearance of demand. That left investors "caught by surprise" when Celsius declared bankruptcy, according to the Attorney General.

The federal government is already cracking down on crypto fraud. The Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) believe existing rules already cover numerous crypto-related activities, and in some cases have jockeyed to claim primary responsibility for regulating the technology. Politicians in the House and Senate are pushing for nationwide regulations. New York's efforts go one step further by tackling crypto-specific problems, though, and the state's role as a financial hub may effectively let it dictate policies guiding firms across the US.

Ever wish your Fortnite skills could lead to Olympic glory? They can now. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has addedFortnite to the Olympic Esports Finals lineup. A dozen players from the Fortnite Champion Series will participate in an International Shooting Sport Federation-backed sharpshooting competition on a special Fortnite Creative Island. There won't be any last-one-standing battles or building demonstrations, then, but this will give you a chance to see some of the world's best virtual sport shooters in action.

Simultaneously, the IOC has opened up ticket sales for the Olympic Esports Week, which centers on the first in-person finals of the 2023 competition series. If you can make it to Singapore between June 22nd and June 25th, it will cost you 10 SGD (about $7.50) to attend one day or 20 SGD ($15) for the three days of competition starting June 23rd. The Fortnite sport shooting matches take place June 24th. You can stream the events through both Olympics.com and the Olympics' social media channels.

The Olympic Esports Series already included nine games that roughly line up with real-world sports run by international federations. The mix includes Just Dance, Gran Turismo racing, Zwift cycling and even web chess. It's a follow-up to the Olympic Virtual Series from 2021, which covered five digital sports. The IOC sees this as part of a broader effort to foster esports and connect with the video game community.

The addition of a Fortnite island is in step with the Committee's esports goals: this is a "peaceful competition" with a physical equivalent. You still aren't about to see a digital Olympics featuring Counter-Strike 2 or League of Legends. With that said, Fortnite is clearly the most popular game to reach the Esports Series. Theoretically, that could bring in audiences who would otherwise pass in favor of conventional esports tourneys.

This is a good moment to buy wireless earbuds as a Mother's Day gift, or just as a treat for yourself. After a month, Amazon is once again selling third-generation AirPods for $150, or $20 off. That's near the best price we've seen, and makes them easier to choose if you're looking for mid-priced personal audio. You can also get the second-gen model for $99 if you're just looking for the fundamentals.

The third-gen AirPods represent a major improvement over their predecessors. They sound dramatically better, with a more open sound that delivers clearer highs and richer bass. They're more comfortable to wear for prolonged periods, and the longer six-hour battery life can help you get through a longer flight or a long stretch of the workday. Water resistance also makes them better-suited to use in the rain or certain workouts.

They're not for everyone. This model won't sound as good or fit as snugly as the AirPods Pro. You also won't get active noise cancellation (ANC) to shut out the rest of the world. And while you can use them with Android, they're still best-suited to Apple devices. The tight ecosystem integration makes them extremely convenient if you have Apple gear, though, and you might even prefer the lack of ANC if you need to pay attention to coworkers or traffic.

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Google now routinely uses its I/O developer conference to launch or preview a flurry of new hardware, and that’s likely to be true for 2023. Company chief Sundar Pichai even teased news about Pixel devices during an earnings call in April, along with the requisite “exciting new developments” for Android. Just what can you expect when Pichai and others take the stage on May 10th, however? From all indications, it may be one of the busiest events yet.

Pixel Fold

After years of offering support for foldable phones, Google will unveil one of its own at I/O. The company has confirmed it will introduce a Pixel Fold that, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, unfolds like a book. Rumors suggest it will have a 5.8-inch 120Hz external screen for quick interactions, and a 7.6-inch 120Hz internal display when you want more visual real estate. It has thicker bezels than the Z Fold, but it’s supposed to feature a durable, almost-gapless hinge and a battery that lasts 24 hours in normal use.

Unlike past Pixels, the Fold might not offer tremendous value for the money. The foldable is reportedly shipping in June for around $1,700, and it may come with the Pixel 7’s Tensor G2 chip using 12GB of RAM. Camera rumors also suggest varying levels of quality. CNBC hears the Fold could have old cameras that predate the Pixel 6, while Front Page Tech and 91Mobiles, respectively, believe it will jump to a 48MP or 64MP main sensor. Regardless of the exact specs, you’re really buying the Fold for the software — including a ‘clean’ take on Android foldables and AI-driven features like Clear Calling.

Pixel 7a

Photo by OnLeaks/Smartprix

Don’t worry if the Pixel Fold turns out to be well beyond your budget. Google is rumored to be launching the Pixel 7a at I/O, and it could address some of the shortcomings of the 6a. While the design that surfaced in Zing News’ hands-on photos isn’t wildly different from its predecessor, it might include a faster 90Hz display, wireless charging and a 64-megapixel main camera. Add a possible Tensor G2 chip with 8GB of RAM and you might not be in any rush to get a pricier phone, especially if you prefer a 6-inch screen over the Pixel 7’s larger panel.

Unfortunately, all those additions might come at a cost. Google reportedly plans to begin taking orders for the Pixel 7a on May 10th at a price of $499, or $50 higher than the 6a. If true, the A-series is now focused more on relative performance, rather than pricing first and foremost (as with the $350 Pixel 4a). Think of it as an alternative to the Galaxy A54 that trades screen size for a few creature comforts.

Pixel Tablet

Google

Google previewed the Pixel Tablet at last year’s I/O and again in the fall, so there’s a real chance the Android slate will finally launch this time around. There’s not much mystery left at this point; outside of pricing and exact specs, the company has shared most of what you’ll get.

If you need a primer, the Pixel Tablet is really two devices in one. You can use it handheld, but it also doubles as a smart display thanks to a speaker dock. It can stay in your kitchen while you’re cooking, but come to the living room when you’re ready to unwind. It uses the same Tensor G2 chip as the Pixel 7, and offers a unique nano-ceramic finish that promises to be grippy while feeling premium.

Leaks suggest this Pixel is a mid-sized 11-inch tablet with 8GB of RAM, and may start at €600 (about $660) in Europe with 128GB of storage and an included dock. That could translate to $600 in the US. It might not blow away the Galaxy Tab S8 or iPad Air in terms of raw power, but you could ultimately save money if you were already planning to get a smart display like the Nest Hub.

Android 14

Google

If there’s anything certain about I/O 2023, it’s the formal debut for Android 14. Test versions have been available since February, and Google plans to release the finished operating system in late summer. If there’s any prime moment to share more, this is it.

The confirmed features to date are modest additions like improved accessibility, stronger app security, longer battery life and custom sharing features. There haven’t been any major upgrades so far, but that’s not surprising. Android developer previews and early betas are usually meant to help creators prepare their apps — it’s not until I/O that Google typically shares interface changes or other significant public-facing improvements.

There are a few hints of extra changes thanks to sleuthing by Esper’s Mishaal Rahman. Health Connect, the hub for data from fitness apps, may come with Android 14. A previously optional predictive back gesture, which shows where you’ll go when you swipe, might be standard. Neither of these are earth-shaking, but they imply that Google is making numerous small refinements on top of any more noticeable changes.

Pixel 8 preview

Photo by OnLeaks/Smartprix

Google used I/O 2022 to offer a brief glimpse of the Pixel 7. While there’s no guarantee of a repeat, we wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a Pixel 8 preview at the 2023 gathering. Provided OnLeaks renders are true to the finished product, this will be a subtle evolution with more rounded corners and a slightly different camera cutout.

After that, details are murky. WinFutureclaims the Pixel 8 series will use a next-generation Tensor chip (presumably the Tensor G3) with 8GB of RAM in the standard model and 12GB in the Pro. The camera array might not change much, but code indicates Google could bring its unblur tool to videos for the first time.

If there is a Pixel 8 preview, you’ll probably be waiting a while to get a device in your hands. Google usually waits until the fall to deliver flagship Pixel phones, and we expect that to be the case here. You may not have to wait as long to hear more, though. Given Google’s historically poor track record for preventing leaks, there could be a flurry of scoops in the next few months.

Wildcards: Pixel Watch 2 and experimental tech

Photo by Cherlynn Low/Engadget

It seemingly wouldn’t be I/O without a seemingly leftfield hardware announcement. Google teased next-generation augmented reality glasses in 2022, for instance. As such, we can’t rule out surprises this year.

A sequel to the Pixel Watch is one option. Google hasn’t said how often it will refresh its first in-house smartwatch, but the current model has ample room for improvement. There’s only one case size, and the circa-2018 Samsung Exynos processor does no favors to the battery life or performance. There aren’t any substantive leaks as of this writing, though, so we wouldn’t bet on a preview.

The more plausible possibility is an update on those previously mentioned AR glasses. Google only showed a rough prototype last time and could easily have more to say if work has progressed well in the months since. That’s a big “if,” mind you. Even Meta isn’t believed to be releasing its first true AR eyewear until 2027, and there’s no certainty Google has solved technical challenges following initial field tests. If the glasses appear, they may only be slightly further along.

Don’t be surprised if there are genuine surprises, too. Google caught more than a few people off guard with its pandemic-friendly Project Starline video chat booth at I/O 2021, and the decision to preview the Pixel Tablet a year early was more than a little unusual. This is a tech giant that isn’t afraid to tease devices long before they’re viable.

The Biden administration may be funding AI research, but it's also hoping to keep companies accountable for their behavior. Vice President Kamala Harris has met the CEOs of Alphabet (Google's parent), Microsoft, OpenAI and Anthropic in a bid to get more safeguards for AI. Private firms have an "ethical, moral and legal responsibility" to make their AI products safe and secure, Harris says in a statement. She adds that they still have to honor current laws.

The Vice President casts generative AI technologies like Bard, Bing Chat and ChatGPT as having the potential to both help and harm the country. It can address some of the "biggest challenges," but it can also be used to violate rights, create distrust and weaken "faith in democracy," according to Harris. She pointed to investigations into Russian interference during the 2016 presidential election as evidence that hostile nations will use tech to undercut democratic processes.

Finer details of the discussions aren't available as of this writing. However, Bloombergclaims invitations to the meeting outlined discussions of the risks of AI development, efforts to limit those risks and other ways the government could cooperate with the private sector to safely embrace AI.

Generative AI has been helpful for detailed search answers, producing art and even writing messages for job hunters. Accuracy remains a problem, however, and there are concerns about cheating, copyright violations and job automation. IBM said this week it would pause hiring for roles that could eventually be replaced with AI. There's been enough worry about AI's dangers that industry leaders and experts have called for a six-month pause on experiments to address ethical issues.

Biden's officials aren't waiting for companies to act. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is asking for public comments on possible rules for AI development. Even so, the Harris meeting sends a not-so-subtle message that AI creators face a crackdown if they don't act responsibly.

Apple is facing additional scrutiny over its alleged crackdown against pro-union retail workers. House Representatives Emanuel Cleaver and Sylvia Garcia have sent a letter to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) asking for an investigation into alleged labor abuses at Houston and Kansas City, Missouri stores. The politicians are concerned about claims Apple fired five Kansas City staff in retaliation for unionization efforts, and disciplined multiple Houston employees for attempting to organize.

In March, the Communications Works of America union (CWA) filed charges with the NLRB over the purported retaliation. The CWA believes Apple used thin pretexts to fire and intimidate employees, such as slightly late arrivals and even typos in timesheets. Some of the workers were reportedly forced to sign a release of claims against the company if they wanted a severance package. These practices are illegal, Cleaver and Garcia say.

The House members also pointed to the NLRB's January finding that Apple was violating labor rights with rules barring leaks and discussions of employment conditions. The representatives are worried about a "recurring pattern," according to the letter. In December, the board said Apple also broke the law by holding anti-union meetings in Atlanta.

We've asked Apple for comment. The company has previously argued that it can better care for retail staff without unions. At the same time, it has addressed concerns by raising pay, improving benefits and easing its scheduling rules.

The letter doesn't obligate the NLRB to respond, and there's no certainty that an investigation will lead to official action. Even so, it's notable that Apple's stance on retail labor has drawn Congress' attention. It won't be surprising if there's more interest from the federal government, whether or not the NLRB responds to the letter.

Paramount+ is still growing quickly even as its competitors recover. Paramount has revealed that its streaming service has over 60 million subscribers, having added 4.1 million in the first quarter. For context, the platform had 43 million users at the end of last spring — that's a nearly 40 percent jump in several months. Not surprisingly, the media giant is giving credit to its slate of originals and exclusives.

The service had help from shows like the final season of Star Trek: Picard, Tulsa King and the Yellowstone spinoff 1923. Paramount+ also touts access to recent movies like Top Gun: Maverick. And yes, the NFL playoffs kept customers tuning in. The Showtime bundle also helped draw in people eager to watch titles like Yellowjackets.

There were other successes. Paramount's free-to-watch Pluto TV service topped 80 million monthly active users thanks to a 35 percent year-to-year jump in viewing hours. The company's increasing reliance on streaming also became clear through financial figures. While overall subscription revenue climbed 50 percent compared to a year earlier, the money flowing from Paramount+ surged 65 percent.

To some extent, Paramount+ is taking advantage of its rivals' misfortunes. While Netflix has bounced back from last year's rare losses, it still added a modest 1.7 million new subscribers in its first quarter. That's partly due to saturation — at 232.5 million total customers, Netflix doesn't have as much room to grow. Still, this suggests that studio-owned streaming services can fare well against incumbents.

Don't expect Paramount+ to change its strategy much as a result. The service is still leaning on Star Trek shows like Strange New Worlds, not to mention sports exclusives like the UEFA Champions League. That flurry of new content may come at a cost, as Paramount+ recently hiked prices. If viewers are willing to stay, though, the investment could easily pay off.