Michael L Hicks
Michael is Android Central's resident expert on fitness tech and wearables, with an enthusiast's love of VR tech on the side. After years freelancing for Techradar, Wareable, Windows Central, Digital Trends, and other sites on a variety of tech topics, AC has given him the chance to really dive into the topics he's passionate about. He's also a semi-reformed Apple-to-Android user who loves D&D, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings.
For wearables, Michael has tested dozens of smartwatches from Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung, Apple, COROS, Polar, Amazfit, and other brands, and will always focus on recommending the best product over the best brand. He's also completed marathons like NYC, SF, Marine Corps, Big Sur, and California International — though he's still trying to break that 4-hour barrier.
Latest articles by Michael L Hicks
Google Pixel Tablet: Everything you need to know
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Pixel Tablet Google designed the Pixel Tablet as both a tablet and Google Home hub; here's what you need to know before you decide whether or not to buy one.
Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: Every key difference
By Michael L Hicks published
The Pixel 8a is barely a compromise compared to last year's Pixel 8, but there are a few downgrades in exchange for the $200 off the price tag.
Samsung wants to convert your Galaxy Watch heart data into ECGs using GenAI
By Michael L Hicks published
Galaxy AI Samsung already has passive AFib detection of irregular heart rhythm. This new patent will use generative AI to convert PPG data into ECG graphs — and we're intrigued.
YouTube Premium: Everything you need to know
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Watch it all YouTube Premium is essentially ad-free YouTube, right? Yes, but there are other benefits to using it.
Google Assistant explained: Tricks, devices, and latest updates
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Google Assistant From making shopping lists to controlling your smart home gadgets, here's everything you need to know about Google Assistant!
Only one running watch brand admits its VO2 Max and recovery estimates aren't perfect
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Smartwatches take weeks to give you accurate health and fitness data, and even then, they're not always right. One brand lets you take matters into your own hands, and it's all the better for it.
Samsung's rumored Galaxy Watch Ultra has only one path to success
By Michael L Hicks published
We can expect the Galaxy Watch Ultra to have a larger display and better battery life. It needs more than that, if Samsung can manage it.
Meta Quest 4: Everything we expect from the Quest 3 successor
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Thinking ahead Yes, the Quest 3 just came out. No, it's not too early to think about how the next Quest 4, Quest Lite, or Quest Pro can top the current-gen headset.
Quest v65 update brings iPhone-only feature as it tries to win over the Vision Pro crown
By Michael L Hicks published
Meta Quest update The Quest v65 update, hot on the heels of v64, gives everyone some vital new tricks, but its fun photography tricks are still iOS only for now.
Coros vs. Garmin vs. Polar fitness test: How the new Vertix 2S compares to the Forerunner 965 and Vantage V3
By Michael L Hicks published
Fitness test I ran, sprinted, and hiked with the top Garmin, Coros, and Polar watches to see which came out on top. Here are the results.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 long-term review: Your move, Samsung
By Michael L Hicks published
Worth getting jealous The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the combination of fitness tools and smarts I've been waiting for — and the gorgeous 1.9-inch display doesn't hurt, either.
How to change and customize Garmin watch faces
By Michael L Hicks published
Add some style Changing a Garmin watch face isn't as easy as it is on most Android watches. We'll show you the steps you'll need, including downloading a second Garmin app for customized faces and data fields.
Will wireless Bluetooth headphones work on Quest 3?
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Latency is a problem Issues with latency and performance mean you shouldn't use Bluetooth headphones wirelessly, but there are alternative methods to consider.
The 46-day COROS VERTIX 2S targets Alex Honnold-esque adventurers; here are our early impressions
By Michael L Hicks published
Adventurers only The COROS VERTIX 2S is a massive watch for mountaineers, XC skiers, climbers, and ultramarathoners, with some minor-yet-significant upgrades over the VERTIX 2.
The Meta Quest just became the Pixel of VR headsets
By Michael L Hicks, Nicholas Sutrich published
Industry changing Meta is becoming the Android of virtual reality, with Meta Horizon OS bringing more varieties of open-source VR gaming headsets.
I asked Garmin how to fix my running form, and the answer will surprise beginners
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday You shouldn't "obsess over" or "monkey with" running dynamics, says a Garmin Forerunner head. But there IS a way to improve your stats.
How to find eco-friendly routes and EV charging stops in Google Maps
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Earth Day Every Earth Day, Google adds new sustainability features for eco-friendly travelers. These are the tools you need to know about.
Google's bullying is predictable, self-defeating, and barely justifiable
By Michael L Hicks published
C'mon Google Google will put California news orgs out of business and lobotomize its AI rather than lose a small fraction of its billions in Search ad revenue.
Google Wallet explained: Licenses, banks, new features, and the Google Pay shutdown
By Michael L Hicks published
Get Paying Google Wallet replaced Google Pay, which will shut down soon. Here's all the latest news and added features you need to know.
How to transfer a Wear OS smartwatch from one phone to another
By Michael L Hicks published
Fresh start We show the steps and screenshots for transferring your Galaxy Watch 6, Pixel Watch 2, or OnePlus Watch 2 to your new Android phone.
Best GPS smartwatches and fitness trackers 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Accurate location data We round up the best GPS watches with all-systems or dual-frequency satellite data, plus the fitness trackers with built-in GPS.
Smartwatches would be the perfect place to revive this '90s gaming fad
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Did you own a Tamagotchi or Pikachu pedometer as a kid? Raising a virtual pet on your smartwatch would motivate you to hit your steps and stay fit.
Best Apple Watch alternatives 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
A new start Whether you're switching from iPhone to Android but want a comparable experience to Apple Watch, or if you own an iPhone but want something new, we're here to help you choose!