Michael L Hicks

Senior Editor, VR/AR and fitness

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.

Grid List

Latest articles by Michael L Hicks

Beat Saber gets first-ever DLC flash sale, makes every song half-off

By Michael L Hicks published 2 December 22

Beat Saber is free for new Quest owners through the end of 2022, and now you can get hundreds of DLC songs for half off, too!

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 vs Duet 3: What's the difference?

By Michael L Hicks published 2 December 22

Both are 2-in-1 tablet Chromebooks are listed on our "Best Chromebooks" buying guide and are very similar in design and specs. But you can only pick one, so which should it be?

Best outdoor security cameras 2022

By Michael L Hicks published 1 December 22

Choosing the right outdoor camera can be the best way to deter would-be robbers from even trying to get in. Here are the best picks for outdoor cameras.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro close-up of default watch face.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro vs. Apple Watch Series 8

By Michael L Hicks published 1 December 22

Despite being the most expensive Android watch for pros, the GW5 Pro is just slightly more expensive than the Apple Watch Series 8. So which is the better value?

Best Ethernet adapters for Chromecast or Fire TV Stick 2022

By Michael L Hicks, Namerah Saud Fatmi published 1 December 22

Take advantage of these awesome Ethernet adapters to get direct access to your Chromecast or Fire TV Stick. A wired connection adds plenty of useful features.

Heart rate monitor test on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

Best heart rate monitor straps that work with Garmin, Fitbit, and other trackers

By Michael L Hicks published 1 December 22

No matter how accurate smartwatches get for heart rate data, a heart rate chest strap or armband will always help you get more accurate results.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs. Apple Watch SE 2 (2022)

By Michael L Hicks published 30 November 22

How the flagship Fitbit compares to Apple's "budget" Watch in features and hardware.

Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar (left), COROS APEX 2 Pro (middle), and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro (right)

Best GPS smartwatches & fitness trackers 2022

By Michael L Hicks published 29 November 22

Can't live without GPS? You're not the only one. We've rounded up the best smartwatches and fitness trackers with GPS.

Here’s what the Android Central team bought for Cyber Monday

By Michael L Hicks published 28 November 22

From the Pixel Watch and HP Chromebase to fans and kids' bikes, the AC team saved money...by spending a ton of money this Cyber Monday.

Fitbit Sense 2 vs Google Pixel Watch comparison

Nearly every Fitbit has a Cyber Monday deal, but which is worth buying?

By Michael L Hicks last updated 28 November 22

There are some solid deals on even newer models like the Fitbit Versa 4 and Sense 2, but you may want an older model (or a Pixel Watch) instead.

Minecraft Dungeons on Xbox Game Pass on the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus

Our favorite mid-range Android tablet is $120 off for Cyber Monday

By Michael L Hicks published 27 November 22

Get the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus for just $225 (or $300 with the keyboard and stylus bundle) and upgrade your streaming and gaming-in-bed setup.

Meta Quest 2 Cyber Monday 2022 sale with Beat Saber and Resident Evil 4 in the background

The best Cyber Monday Quest 2 deals go way beyond the $120-off headset bundle

By Michael L Hicks last updated 27 November 22

All of the accessories we'd personally recommend, plus a ton of popular VR games that anyone will enjoy.

Out of all the Cyber Monday Garmin deals, choose between these four

By Michael L Hicks last updated 28 November 22

You can save hundreds on expensive Fenix watches you don't really need, or you can pick the Venu 2 Plus, Forerunner 245, or Vivoactive 4 instead.

Get Inspired to work off Thanksgiving pounds with 33% off these Fitbit trackers

By Michael L Hicks published 25 November 22

The Fitbit Charge 5 is $50 off, while the new Fitbit Inspire 3 will save you $30 more. Both are excellent fitness trackers that we've tested and would recommend.

Multiple windows open on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

Get this massive Samsung tablet for just $380 for Black Friday

By Michael L Hicks published 25 November 22

Save up to $230 on the Galaxy Tab S7 FE, a great mid-range tablet that'll save you hundreds compared to the Tab S8 series.

Meta Quest 2 Black Friday 2022 sale with Beat Saber and Resident Evil 4 in the background

Free games and $50 off? Now that's an unbeatable Oculus Quest 2 Black Friday deal

By Michael L Hicks published 25 November 22

Save $50 on the 128GB Quest 2 model, plus get two free games worth an extra $70.

Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (5th Gen, 2022)

Alexa is a $10 billion 'failure;' should you still buy an Echo during Black Friday?

By Michael L Hicks published 23 November 22

Echoes are currently 30-60% off, but should you buy one if Amazon plans to scuttle its Alexa division?

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 next to Apple Watch Series 7

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vs. Apple Watch Series 8

By Michael L Hicks published 22 November 22

These rival watches have pretty similar perks to compete with one another, but Samsung wins for battery life while Apple has a few software upsides.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Pro (left) and Apple Watch Ultra (right) side-by-side.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Which flagship watch is best?

By Michael L Hicks published 19 November 22

The Apple Watch Ultra is far more of a "pro" device for athletes and outdoorsmen than the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, but it's extreme price makes it harder to recommend.

This early Black Friday deal on the Fitbit smart scale will jump-start your weight loss goals

By Michael L Hicks published 17 November 22

Save 20% on this smart scale, which syncs with the Fitbit app to better track your progress as you work out with your Pixel Watch or Fitbit Versa 4.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (right) and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (left)

Both the Galaxy Watch 4 and 4 Classic are $80 off, and are still worth buying

By Michael L Hicks published 17 November 22

Compared to the Galaxy Watch 5 44mm, the GW4 44mm will save you $110 total with this deal, while the Classic is much cheaper than the 5 Pro.