Michael L Hicks

Michael L Hicks

Michael spent years freelancing on every tech topic under the sun before settling down on the real exciting stuff: virtual reality, fitness wearables, gaming, and how tech intersects with our world. He's a semi-reformed Apple-to-Android user who loves running, D&D, and Star Wars. Find him on Twitter at @Michael_L_Hicks.

Latest articles by Michael L Hicks

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 tiles

Best Wear OS watch 2022

By Michael L Hicks published

Before the Pixel Watch arrives, there are plenty of Wear OS options to consider, starting with the Galaxy Watch 4.

Kiwi Quest 2 face cover

Best Oculus Quest 2 face covers 2022

By Michael L Hicks, Nicholas Sutrich published

It's best to invest in a higher-quality face cover for your Quest 2.

OPPO Air Glass press image

OPPO will show off its AR glasses in the U.S. for the first time

By Michael L Hicks published

Could this signal that OPPO wants to bring more of its hardware to North America?

Polar Pacer Pro close-up of display

Polar Pacer Pro review: Tailor-made for data-driven runners

By Michael L Hicks published

Polar's new running watch is a strong rival to Garmin Forerunner and Coros Pace.

Kiwi Quest 2 head strap adjustment

Best Oculus Quest 2 head strap & Elite Strap alternatives 2022

By Nicholas Sutrich, Michael L Hicks published

Ensure you get the best-fitting head strap on your Oculus Quest 2.

A gamer plays Fortnite on a Razer Phone 2 using a SteelSeries Stratus Duo

Best gaming accessories for phones 2022

By Michael L Hicks, Samuel Tolbert, Charlie Wacholz published

Mobile gaming is getting more extensive and more competitive every day. We've rounded up the best gaming accessories so you can be the best at whatever game you choose to play.

VR Cover Controller Grip

Best hand straps for Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Quest 2022

By Michael L Hicks last updated

Don't let the controllers slip out of your hands. Use these great Oculus Quest hand straps.

iPhone SE 2022 review

Google’s Pixel 6A with Tensor out-Appled Apple’s iPhone SE

By Michael L Hicks published

Google took a leaf out of Apple's book. Now I'm hoping Apple copies Google and makes a proper mid-range phone.

Gorilla Tag screenshot

The joy of Gorilla Tag for Oculus Quest proves Meta should do more with App Lab

By Michael L Hicks published

"Become gorilla."

Hisense H9G

Best Android TVs 2022

By Joe Maring, Ted Kritsonis, Michael L Hicks, Andrew Myrick published

Android TV is a sleek and powerful smart TV operating system, and these TVs ship with it built right in. Here are the best Android TVs you should consider and why they're so great!

Ring Stick Up Cam and Nest Cam Indoor (2021)

Best indoor security cameras 2022

By Jeramy Johnson, Michael L Hicks published

Home security is a topic people are paying ever more attention to these days, and we've got a round-up of the best indoor security cameras on the market to help you secure your home.

Woman wearing a Pixel Watch using Fitbit for a workout

7 Fitbit features we want on the Google Pixel Watch

By Michael L Hicks published

If Google combines the best of Wear OS with the best of Fitbit, this could be a fitness smartwatch for the ages.

Snapdragon Wireless AR Smart Viewer Reference Design

Future AR glasses will rely on same XR2 chip as Oculus Quest 2

By Michael L Hicks published

Qualcomm released a reference design for wireless AR glasses that devs will certainly copy in the next few years.

The Oculus Quest and Touch controllers sitting outside

Best cases for Oculus Quest 2022

By Sean Endicott, Michael L Hicks, Nicholas Sutrich published

Keep your Oculus Quest safe and secure.

Google Wallet

Google Wallet: How it works, which countries, and everything you need to know

By Michael L Hicks published

Google Wallet will soon arrive to "replace" Google Pay, but GPay will still exist in some places. How do the two services compare? We'll help you figure out Google's latest confusing rebranding.

Oculus Quest 2 Logitech G333 VR Headphones

Best Oculus Quest 2 headphones 2022

By Michael L Hicks, Sean Endicott, Nicholas Sutrich published

While the Oculus Quest 2 has its own audio solution built-in, many people prefer something a little more tailored to their preferences. So here are the best headphones for the Oculus Quest 2.

YouTube translates captions to Hindi

New YouTube feature lets you jump straight to the best part

By Michael L Hicks published

You'll now see a graph spoiling which parts of videos had people coming back for more.

Google Pay app

Google Pay: How it works, where it's available, and how it compares to Wallet

By Mark Knapp, Michael L Hicks published

The Google Pay app is being replaced by Google Wallet in some countries. But Pay will still exist in various ways.

Project Cambria Oculus Teaser

Oculus Quest Pro: Everything we know about Project Cambria

By Michael L Hicks published

It'll be a "Chromebook for your face," it'll cost well over $800, and it'll offer both work features and Quest games.

Fitbit Versa 3

Best smartwatches that can measure blood oxygen saturation levels 2022

By Courtney Lynch, Michael L Hicks published

If you want a watch that measures your blood oxygen saturation levels with plenty of other great perks, these are the best ones you can buy right now.

Removing the Facebook login requirement from the Quest 2

Here's why Meta hasn't removed the Quest Facebook login requirement yet

By Michael L Hicks last updated

It's less to do with the technical challenge of supporting two account systems, and more to do with Meta trying to figure out how to safely and legally monetize your data.

Fitbit Sense design

Fitbit Sense 2: News, leaks, specs, and rumors

By Jeramy Johnson, Michael L Hicks published

From possible Wear OS support to a proper side button, the Sense 2 could evolve in various directions.

Google Pixel Watch Google Home

We waited years for a Pixel Watch, not another last-gen Galaxy Watch

By Michael L Hicks published

Editor's Desk Google's partnership with Samsung looks less like an inspired alliance and more like lazy bandwagoning if this latest report is true.

Editor's Desk
Emoji Kitchen on Android 13 Beta 2

Android 13 Beta 2 adds some charming new emoji mashups to Emoji Kitchen

By Michael L Hicks published

The new Android 13 beta went live at Google I/O, bringing with it four new emojis and a ton of new combos to try.

Josh Woodward showing off AI Test Kitchen app at Google I/O 2022

Google's AI Test Kitchen lets you teach its AI better conversational skills

By Michael L Hicks published

The AI Test Kitchen app will help Google crowdsource teaching its AI to give more intelligent responses, but you'll have to wait a bit to try it.

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