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
Smartwatches got bigger to avoid solving their biggest problem
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday There are three main ways to make a smartwatch battery last longer than a day. Each of them has their problems.
Best Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 games 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
We've selected the best Oculus Quest, Meta Quest 2, and Meta Quest 3 games in every category: shooters, rhythm, exercise, puzzle, action, horror, and more!
Garmin Forerunner 165 review: Barely a compromise
By Michael L Hicks published
Affordable high-end data Our Garmin Forerunner 165 review shows why it's the best budget running watch, with (almost) all of the core features and accuracy that serious runners need.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Leaks, models, upgrades, and what we want to see
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Galaxy AI watch Leaks suggest the Galaxy Watch 7 could get a new Exynos chip, AI tricks, double the storage, and (possibly) a major redesign.
Google Photos: Everything you need to know
By Michael L Hicks last updated
AI-powered memories Google Photos can do more than just store your photos and videos. Here's everything you need to know about this powerful app!
Best tablet for students 2024
By Andrew Myrick, Michael L Hicks last updated
Education tools Getting the school year started can be a little intimidating, but the best tablets for students can help ease this process more successfully.
These are my favorite running and step-counting apps to keep me motivated
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Sunday Runday Whether you're looking for motivation to run your first 5K, hit a marathon PR pace, or just to walk enough steps every day to stay healthy, these are the apps I'd recommend.
Ultrahuman Ring Air review: Forgettable, in a good way
By Michael L Hicks published
Smart rings The Ultrahuman Ring Air is an excellent sleep-tracking companion and among the best smart rings out there, despite some flaws.
Best Samsung tablet 2024
By Michael L Hicks, Samuel Contreras last updated
Plenty of options Samsung makes the best Android tablets, and these models are the best of the best.
Best Garmin Forerunner: choosing the right watch for each runner
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Best running watches When you're a runner, it's important to find a watch that can keep up. We're here to help you decide which Garmin Forerunner is right for your needs.
Meta Quest 3: Everything you need to know
By Michael L Hicks published
MR + VR The Meta Quest 3 is the best VR headset available today (yes, even better than the Apple Vision Pro, in our opinion). Here's what you should know about it.
These are my favorite upcoming Quest 3 and Vision Pro games from GDC 2024
By Michael L Hicks published
GDC 2024 From dodging lasers to racing motorcycles, GDC had some impressive VR and MR game demos due out later this year.
I'm never wearing a smartwatch to sleep again
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday The lightest fitness band or watch you'll find can't beat a smart ring for seamless comfort. Seriously, NEVER again.
Best smart thermostats that don't require a C wire 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Time to upgrade These smart thermostats don't need a C wire, making them easier to install in any home.
Google had its LLM murder itself in Werewolf to test its AI smarts
By Michael L Hicks published
GDC 2024 At GDC 2024, Google engineers explained how its Large Language Model played the popular party game. It has a long way to go.
These Samsung Galaxy Tab models support the S Pen
By Michael L Hicks, Andrew Myrick last updated
Styluses galore Which Tab S, A, FE, and Active tablets work with Samsung's best stylus?
This VR dev veteran has thoughts on the four 'killer apps' that the Quest 3 and Vision Pro need
By Michael L Hicks published
GDC 2024 Jesse Schell, the VR veteran behind Among Us VR and I Expect You to Die, explained his vision for how MR will have its breakout moment.
GDC 2024: Google's vision for AI 'living games' sounds awful, but inevitable
By Michael L Hicks published
GDC 2024 Google engineers described how Gemini 1.5 and Vertex AI will help make games "much more human" with hundreds of thousands of NPC chatbots with memories.
Best smartwatches for students 2024
By Michael L Hicks, Namerah Saud Fatmi published
Student-friendly Need a portable calendar, workout tracker for your club, or a way to stay atop messages without disrupting class? These smartwatches may help you.
Wear OS 4: New features, One UI 5 Watch, and more
By Michael L Hicks, Namerah Saud Fatmi published
Latest wearable software Two years after Wear OS 3, Wear OS 4 is here to make Android smartwatches better than ever.
Best Oculus Quest 2 headphones 2024
By Michael L Hicks, Nicholas Sutrich last updated
Immersed in sound While the Oculus Quest 2 has its own audio solution built-in, many people prefer headphones a little more tailored to their preferences. Here are the best headphones for the Oculus Quest 2.
Dream team: Modders behind Half-Life 2 VR, Doom VR join forces for licensed Quest ports
By Michael L Hicks published
GDC 2024 Flat2VR and Team Beef have formed a studio and are developing a licensed VR game port for "official platforms."
I'd swap my Garmin Forerunner 965 for this much cheaper smartwatch in a heartbeat — if it weren't for one thing
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Garmin strategically withholds software from its cheaper watches. Only one missing Garmin Forerunner 165 tool is hard to lose.