Michael is Android Central's resident expert on wearables and fitness. He's reviewed or tested dozens of smartwatches, fitness bands, VR headsets, smart rings, earbuds, and other wearable tech from brands like Amazfit, Apple, COROS, Fitbit, Garmin, Google, Meta, Polar, Shokz, Suunto, Ultrahuman, Withings, and more. After earning a degree in English and an MA in Publishing & Writing, he started as a tech freelancer in 2015, covering emerging tech news for Techradar and VR films and games for Wareable in off-hours while working full-time at an educational publisher, coding e-books. Eventually he discovered he had more passion for tech writing than publishing and became a full-time freelancer in 2020, writing for Android Central, Windows Central, Digital Trends, and other sites. AC hired him as Senior Editor by the end of 2020 in a "jack-of-all-trades" tech role, but he channeled his passion for running into a set role covering Wearables and VR in 2022. his trademark is to thoroughly test every fitness smartwatch he reviews, checking its steps, heart rate, GPS, and elevation accuracy against other brands so that athletes know whether they can trust that data. In his free time, Michael has run marathons in NYC, SF, DC, Sacramento, and Big Sur.
Latest articles by Michael L Hicks

I tried both of Google's AI glasses prototypes. Here's everything I learned
By Michael L Hicks published
Android XR Google and Samsung will launch smart glasses in 2026 and 2027. I tried out prototypes of both, and learned more about their hardware and apps.

If you want your 2026 fitness goals to succeed, you'll start them now
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday I finished most of my New Year's resolutions in 2025, and I have five simple suggestions for how you can pull off yours in 2026.

I've run thousands of miles wearing running watches, and these are the six I'd recommend
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Run Forrest, run! Out of the best running watch options out there, the Garmin Forerunner series earns its reputation, but there are plenty of alternatives.

I've tested all of Samsung's smartwatches and these are the 5 best picks in 2025
By Michael L Hicks, Namerah Saud Fatmi last updated
Galactic greatness Finding the best Samsung watch for yourself depends on whether you want the flagship Galaxy Watch 8, a Classic bezel, Pro battery, or last-gen prices.

The best Fitbits to buy in 2025
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Fit for your wrist Want a Fitbit but aren't sure which one is for you? Here's a guide to help make your decision a little easier.

First 12 things to do with your new Google Pixel Watch 4
By Michael L Hicks published
Wearables Weekly This Pixel Watch 4 beginner's guide will break down the new Wear OS tricks, fitness AI tools, safety settings, and more to activate on your new smartwatch.

Google Gemini AI: Gemini 3, Nano Banana, Live, best features, linked apps, and more
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Google AI From Gemini 3 Pro to all the Google apps that use Gemini, this guide will break down every key AI feature and whether you need to pay for it.

Garmin's 'Year in Review' report shows whether you're better than other athletes for steps, Body Battery, and more
By Michael L Hicks published
Are you average? Garmin's 2025 report reveals the fastest-growing sports, most stress-free countries, and how your stats compare to others.

The Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus is a new, affordable alternative to the Fenix 8 Pro's satellite tools
By Michael L Hicks published
Satellite tricks The Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus lets you send voice messages, texts, photos, or live location data, all over satellite, at a lower price than the Fenix 8 Pro.

Top fitness smartwatches and trackers in 2025 - the best tools for tracking health, activity, and more
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Time to get fit There are fitness bands — and then there are fitness trackers and smartwatches. Some smartwatches pull double duty in the fitness space. Here are the best ones.

The Cyber Monday sales are over, but you can still reach your 2026 fitness goals for cheap with these leftover Garmin deals
By Michael L Hicks, Patrick Farmer last updated
Cyber Monday Garmin is still running quite a few discounts following Cyber Monday, including new models like the Venu 4 and Forerunner 970 that you've been craving.

Samsung's best cheap Galaxy phone is 25% off for Cyber Monday — but not for long
By Michael L Hicks published
Cyber Monday If you're still hunting for a last-minute Cyber Monday Android phone deal that's a cheap impulse buy (but still good), start here.

The best under-$200 Android phone is another $50 off for Cyber Monday, but you need to hurry
By Michael L Hicks published
Cyber Monday You only have about seven hours left to snag our favorite cheap Moto phone of 2025, discounted even further for Cyber Monday.

Samsung is HIDING this $150-off Galaxy Watch 8 deal, and it won't last
By Michael L Hicks published
Cyber Monday You'll see $100 off the Galaxy Watch 8 with most retailers — already a great deal — but you can find $150 off on Samsung's site, no trade-in required.

It's your LAST chance to snag the best hybrid smartwatch for $100 off (with a hidden discount) before Cyber Monday ends
By Michael L Hicks published
Cyber Monday The Withings ScanWatch 2 lasts a month, catches warning signs with your health, and looks good doing it — and it's $80 off (with a hidden $20 discount).

The official Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery deal is good, but these two alternatives are better
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Cyber Monday Two of the best Meta Quest 3 and 3S accessories are discounted for Cyber Monday, while Meta's (expensive) official deal ends soon.

These are the Cyber Monday running deals I'd buy, for both serious and casual athletes
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday From Garmin watches and wireless earbuds to cheap stocking stuffers, these are the tech and running gear that I personally recommend or plan to buy.

The Fenix 8 has never been cheaper; and its STILL on sale, so is it a mistake to buy one?
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Should you get it? Having reviewed the Garmin Fenix 8, I know how impressive it is; I've also reviewed much cheaper Garmin watches that'll work just as well for many athletes.

I've worn these headphones every day for three years, and they're as low as $13 for Black Friday
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday I love these Sony headphones for their simple on-ear comfort and respectable sound, and I'm buying a new pair as soon as I finish this post.

Don't spend hundreds — this $79 Black Friday fitness watch deal gives athletes all the essentials
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday The Amazfit Active 2 has fallen to match its best-ever price, giving you tools that you'd normally pay hundreds more to get.

The best Garmin alternative for runners and hikers is $50 off (with a sneaky second deal)
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday The COROS PACE Pro doesn't have a huge discount, but it's already much more affordable than your typical Garmin Forerunner, with one key perk you'll love.

Garmin's Black Friday sale makes its 2025 watches cost what they SHOULD have originally
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday Garmin watch prices soared in 2025. Now, great (but slightly overpriced) watches like the Venu 4, Forerunner 570, and Instinct 3 are more reasonable to buy.

Best Android smartwatch
By Michael L Hicks last updated
The best Out of dozens of options we've reviewed, our expert Android team has picked out the best Android watches available today.

If I weren't a smartwatch hoarder, I'd buy these Black Friday deals
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Wearables Weekly My closet is filled to bursting with smartwatches, but if I were robbed and needed to start over, these are the Black Friday smartwatch deals I'd genuinely buy.

I love the second-gen Meta AI glasses. Newbies should buy the first-gen Meta Black Friday deal, and here's why
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday Meta's Gen 2 glasses are upgraded but more expensive. Is it savvy shopping or poor planning to buy the Gen 1 Ray-Ban Metas for much less?
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