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
Will wireless Bluetooth headphones work on Quest 3?
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Latency is a problem Issues with latency and performance mean you shouldn't use Bluetooth headphones wirelessly, but there are alternative methods to consider.
The 46-day COROS VERTIX 2S targets Alex Honnold-esque adventurers; here are our early impressions
By Michael L Hicks published
Adventurers only The COROS VERTIX 2S is a massive watch for mountaineers, XC skiers, climbers, and ultramarathoners, with some minor-yet-significant upgrades over the VERTIX 2.
The Meta Quest just became the Pixel of VR headsets
By Michael L Hicks, Nicholas Sutrich published
Industry changing Meta is becoming the Android of virtual reality, with Meta Horizon OS bringing more varieties of open-source VR gaming headsets.
I asked Garmin how to fix my running form, and the answer will surprise beginners
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday You shouldn't "obsess over" or "monkey with" running dynamics, says a Garmin Forerunner head. But there IS a way to improve your stats.
How to find eco-friendly routes and EV charging stops in Google Maps
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Earth Day Every Earth Day, Google adds new sustainability features for eco-friendly travelers. These are the tools you need to know about.
Google's bullying is predictable, self-defeating, and barely justifiable
By Michael L Hicks published
C'mon Google Google will put California news orgs out of business and lobotomize its AI rather than lose a small fraction of its billions in Search ad revenue.
Google Wallet explained: Licenses, banks, new features, and the Google Pay shutdown
By Michael L Hicks published
Get Paying Google Wallet replaced Google Pay, which will shut down soon. Here's all the latest news and added features you need to know.
How to transfer a Wear OS smartwatch from one phone to another
By Michael L Hicks published
Fresh start We show the steps and screenshots for transferring your Galaxy Watch 6, Pixel Watch 2, or OnePlus Watch 2 to your new Android phone.
Best GPS smartwatches and fitness trackers 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Accurate location data We round up the best GPS watches with all-systems or dual-frequency satellite data, plus the fitness trackers with built-in GPS.
Smartwatches would be the perfect place to revive this '90s gaming fad
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Did you own a Tamagotchi or Pikachu pedometer as a kid? Raising a virtual pet on your smartwatch would motivate you to hit your steps and stay fit.
Best Apple Watch alternatives 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
A new start Whether you're switching from iPhone to Android but want a comparable experience to Apple Watch, or if you own an iPhone but want something new, we're here to help you choose!
The latest Garmin Forerunner beta update is built for power users and clumsy runners
By Michael L Hicks published
Bug fixes & features Beta update 19.09, the Garmin Forerunner 165's first, adds new widgets for Messenger and Jet Lag Adviser, along with a long-overdue bug fix.
Wi-Fi 7 explained: Key upgrades and how 802.11be works
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Officially known as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7 brings significant upgrades over Wi-Fi 6 and 6E. But what are those improvements and which devices can take advantage of them?
We tested Meta Quest 3's improved passthrough with the Quest v64 update
By Michael L Hicks published
Meta wants to make it easier to read your phone notifications without removing your Quest 3 headset. We tested the feature to see how it compares to the Apple Vision Pro.
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.