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
Galaxy AI is jumping from the Galaxy S24 to your favorite Samsung earbuds
By Michael L Hicks published
Galaxy AI Samsung's Buds 2 and Buds FE earbuds can now work with Live Translation and Interpretation, provided you have a Galaxy S24 phone connected to them.
Garmin Forerunner 255 vs. COROS PACE 3: Which is the best affordable MIP running watch?
By Michael L Hicks published
Bargain running watches The PACE 3 costs much less than the Forerunner 255, but both have very similar tech. Is Garmin's MIP running watch worth paying extra for?
I never expected to love the Apple Watch Ultra 2 so much, and now I'm in trouble
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday I've tested the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for the past few months, and it's changed what I want from smartwatches. Worse, it's made me a fan of the squircle.
Best Bluetooth adapters for PS5 2024: Connect any wireless headphones
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Adapted audio If you want to connect your Bluetooth headphones to the PS5 without using the DualSense controller's 3.5mm port, you'll need a PS5 Bluetooth adapter.
New Moto Watch 40 looks to beat Galaxy Fit 3 at its own budget game
By Michael L Hicks published
Affordable health data Motorola's new budget tracker sounds very similar to its past watches, except with a band-sized display and a lower price. Will it be able to compete with Samsung or Xiaomi?
Leaked Garmin Forerunner 165 has nearly everything thrifty runners would want
By Michael L Hicks published
AMOLED upgrade Garmin running watches are among the best, but they're not cheap. The Forerunner 165 should offer upgrades over 55 and 255; the only question is how much it'll cost.
Samsung Galaxy AI: Everything you need to know
By Michael L Hicks published
New tricks The big hook to the new Galaxy S24 series is Galaxy AI. We run through what it does, why Samsung will eventually make you pay for it, and whether or not you should be excited.
Best fitness watch 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Time to get fit There are fitness bands — and then there are smartwatches. But some smartwatches can pull double duty in the fitness space, too. These are the best ones.
Samsung could pair the Galaxy Watch 7 with a cheaper Galaxy Watch FE this year
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Budget wristwatch Following in the footsteps of the Apple Watch SE, Samsung will sell a Galaxy Watch FE, according to two leakers.
I wore five smartwatches to Mount Diablo's peak. These brands were best for elevation accuracy
By Michael L Hicks published
To the top Once again, I wore way too many smartwatches to help you figure out which watches will give you accurate results when it comes to your next trail hike or climb.
Quest v62 update courts would-be Vision Pro buyers with gestures, spatial video
By Michael L Hicks published
v62 update Meta wants to be the "Android of VR," and apparently that starts by offering a lot of Apple's software tricks in a much more affordable headset.
Meta Q4 2023 earnings report shows record-breaking Quest 3 sales, ad profits
By Michael L Hicks published
Q4 2024 earnings Meta is still losing billions every quarter on Reality Labs and AI investments, but its ad revenue was so absurdly high that it still made more money than ever.
This Fitbit-breaking update feels like the last straw
By Michael L Hicks published
No answers Most Fitbit Charge 5s now last less than a day per charge, if they turn on at all. And Google's response thus far has been to tell people to buy newer Fitbits instead.
Google Bard explained: Gemini, Assistant with Bard, availability, and controversies
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Generative AI You may soon find the Bard AI available on your Android phone in place of Assistant; here's how it works and whether you'll pay for it.
Feeling stressed? New Oura Ring 'Resilience' update will help you pinpoint why
By Michael L Hicks published
Test your Resilience Most modern smartwatches will tell you when you're stressed; the Oura Ring will determine how good you're body is at overcoming high-stress situations, both during the day and overnight.
Samsung website leak gives away key details about the Galaxy Fit 3
By Michael L Hicks published
Forthcoming Fit While you wait for the Galaxy Ring or Galaxy Watch 7, Samsung has another promising fitness tracker coming soon: the Galaxy Fit 3.
Fitbit Charge 6 vs. Sense 2: The best fitness tracker or its deluxe sibling?
By Michael L Hicks published
Fitbit fight! The Charge 6 costs half as much as the Sense 2 with most of the same tools — but each has its strengths and exclusives.
How to use Live Translate on the Galaxy S24
By Michael L Hicks published
Unleash the Galaxy AI With the Galaxy S24 Ultra, you can have your phone interpret over a dozen languages for you, both during phone calls and within your messages. But you'll need to go into your settings first.
Samsung's most intriguing fitness tech of 2024 isn't Galaxy Ring or Watch 7 — it's Galaxy AI
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday We're fired up by the Galaxy Ring and curious about the Galaxy Fit 3 and Samsung Glasses. But it's the software behind them that shows the most promise.
Your next Fitbit or Pixel Watch could monitor your mental health
By Michael L Hicks published
Big Brother Would you want your watch to warn you if you're showing signs of depression? Google and Fitbit made plans to test for that, but it would need to collect a lot of data about you to do so.
How long do Quest 3 controller batteries last?
By Michael L Hicks published
Longevity Q&A The Quest 3 Touch controllers last longer than the Quest Pro's, but not as long as the Quest 2 controllers. Here's what you need to know.
Meta fixed the Quest 3's notorious mic issues, but your face cover may still block them
By Michael L Hicks published
I can hear you now The Quest 3's mic issues have frustrated fans of multiplayer games for months, but now Meta has taken significant steps to fix them for good.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. Apple iPhone 15: One clear winner, one near-miss
By Michael L Hicks published
The inevitable battle The iPhone 15 predictably wins for general performance and upgraded its main camera, while the Galaxy S24 has the superior display and puts a greater emphasis on AI and power.
Masimo's blood-oxygen smartwatch matters beyond the Apple Watch ban — even if you won't buy it
By Michael L Hicks published
Blood oxygen You're not going to buy this $999 smartwatch, but it could put pressure on companies to stop treating blood oxygen data as an afterthought.
Why you should be excited by the Galaxy Ring — and why Samsung will struggle to convince you
By Michael L Hicks published
Put a ring on it The Galaxy Watch 7 will undoubtedly outsell the Galaxy Ring, but I'm much more excited about a Samsung smart ring than another smartwatch that struggles with health tracking.