Michael L Hicks
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 Sir.
Latest articles by Michael L Hicks
![One of the new watchfaces on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xW2LVmcVmpS2trBX3dKLtD-320-80.jpg)
The Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra won't be the only watches worth buying in July
By Michael L Hicks published
Prime Day tips If last year is any guide, Prime Day 2024 should have real bargains on Galaxy Watch 6, Watch FE, and other old models.
![Step tracking tile on Fitbit Versa 4](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3HrbTVXFdtSXytnoKKuhYH-320-80.jpg)
Best cheap smartwatch for Android 2024
By Michael L Hicks published
Affordable wearables If you want to own a smartwatch to pair with your Android phone without breaking the bank, be sure to check out these affordable options!
![The Pixel Watch 2 and Galaxy Watch 6 on a table, both showing their respective brightness settings menus.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GdmnTc8eMdpDvWLA5HDCdQ-320-80.jpg)
How to change screen brightness on Wear OS
By Michael L Hicks published
Lighten up! We break down how to change screen brightness on Wear OS watches.
![Huion Kamvas Pro 13 2.5K graphics / drawing tablet being used on a wooden table in an office space in the daytime.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hbGCrVoegw4WBSxbXYV3nJ-320-80.jpg)
Best drawing tablets 2024
By Michael L Hicks, Namerah Saud Fatmi last updated
Ready, set, draw! Aching to incorporate freehand lines into your digital creations? It sounds like you need a drawing tablet! We've put together the best models for your perusing pleasure.
![An iPhone 14 Pro showing the AllTrails app, specifically a post-hike summary showing distance and elevation gain, among other stats.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/K73LLP2uLWXK3XksgD9QDM-320-80.jpg)
My new favorite outdoor hobby might force me to switch phones
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday As much as I love hiking, I don't love how most phones can't handle a few hours of GPS mapping before they're running on empty.
![One of the new watchfaces on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2DCyL78nL8tV6P3bMq3CgD-320-80.jpg)
Best smartwatches for students 2024
By Michael L Hicks, Namerah Saud Fatmi last updated
Student-friendly Need a portable calendar, workout tracker for your club, or a way to stay atop messages without disrupting class? These smartwatches may help you.
![Amazon Prime Box](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kuNDnfxYYqJSTdkS9qQWDM-320-80.jpg)
How to share your Amazon Prime account with friends and family
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Sharing is essential, and all the benefits that come with your Amazon Prime account are great ways of showing a kind gesture. Here's how to set it up.
![The Fitbit Charge 6 and a smart ring next to one another.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PRD4QshXhNpaRNTRvmftEP-320-80.jpg)
A Fitbit smart ring could challenge the Galaxy Ring in ways Oura can't
By Michael L Hicks published
Barring an Oura legal roadblock, your favorite brands will rush to follow in the Galaxy Ring's footsteps. Is that what people want?
![Google Discover feed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fYGT9UPqiDFkuJgLgn2wke-320-80.jpg)
5 key ways to customize your Google Discover feed
By Michael L Hicks published
Discover We break down how to personalize your Google Discover feed to get more relevant content (and weed out the junk).
![The Apple iPad (2022)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nZxBkSgLkKTgThiKXBwryV-320-80.jpeg)
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.
![Press photo of the COROS DURA bike computer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gA2WFp3J2pS2ScwW9nLS5g-320-80.jpg)
Coros' first bike computer makes Garmin Edge look short-lived and expensive
By Michael L Hicks published
If you're looking for a bike display to make navigating easier, but are turned off by how expensive bike computers are, the COROS DURA might be a good first option.
![Photo of a person wearing a Meta Quest 3 and using the Logitech MX Ink stylus](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eF6npq4XPC3TZmk6vL8YdW-320-80.jpg)
The Quest 2 and 3 are getting an official stylus controller for artists and designers
By Michael L Hicks published
Drawing in VR is a lot of fun, but a Quest Touch controller isn't a very good tool for it. Logitech's new MX Ink will make drawing, designing, and note-taking much easier while using a Quest 2 or 3.
![Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 (left) and Sennheiser Momentum Sport (right) earbuds side-by-side](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZrjnmiGhG8hxw8bTotD5bX-320-80.jpg)
Heart rate tracking on earbuds was probably a mistake
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Heart rate tracking built into earbuds is an intriguing idea, but it's apparently one that's difficult to execute. Based on my test results, the data isn't especially trustworthy.
![Google Wallet](https://dev.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/D4z4y7iB9gB66tkTPPQvBb-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Wallet vs. Google Wallet: the battle for your pockets loyalty
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Payment battle Samsung Wallet vs. Google Wallet: the fight for a spot in your digital life. While your choice might lean towards your phone's loyalty, both wallets offer compelling virtual payment features.
![Opening the case of the Soundcore VR P10 earbuds for Meta Quest](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AspwTvWFJqmwpcoFRme9v4-320-80.jpg)
Best Oculus Quest 2 headphones 2024
By Nicholas Sutrich, Michael L Hicks last updated
Immersed in sound While the Oculus Quest 2 has its own audio solution built-in, many people prefer headphones a little more tailored to their preferences. Here are the best headphones for the Oculus Quest 2.
![Best Mest Quest games Fall 2023 hero](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/g9EPEuzabF5fasfEEHLwb6-320-80.jpg)
Best Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 games 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Get in the game 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!
![One of the new watchfaces on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xW2LVmcVmpS2trBX3dKLtD-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE vs. Galaxy Watch 6: Downgrade or bargain?
By Michael L Hicks published
Return of the Watch 4 We compare the Galaxy Watch FE vs. 6 to see if you can live with compromises to design, features, and sensors.
![Chromecast with Google TV](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dsn6VB9Vx8vW77pTnYEnHB-320-80.jpg)
Best 4K TVs for Chromecast 2024
By Ted Kritsonis, Michael L Hicks last updated
Vivid 4K! Getting your 4K content on a TV is easy, but which TV you plug it into is also extremely important when seeking the best 4K TV for Chromecast.
![Best Samsung Tablets buying guide hero](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AYcXpcFU34WrEAbWBGjBbi-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A bunch of Garmin watches sitting on a table: The Venu 3, Forerunner 965, 955, 265, and 255 Music, Instinct 2 Solar and 2X Solar, and Vivomove Trend.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/u4fZiakWkjhXjsRFHdHV6i-320-80.jpeg)
Best Garmin watch 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Best for fitness training These are the best Garmin watches across the Venu, Forerunner, Instinct, Epix, and other Garmin lineups, for every type of athlete.
![Apple WWDC 2024 logo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jEr7CepcAFgqyNwNGu2FbH-320-80.jpg)
WWDC 2024 should kick off a new AI fitness war between Apple, Samsung, and Google
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday 'Apple Intelligence' could deliver a proper fitness coach to compete with Galaxy AI and Fitbit Premium.
![The Apple Watch badge for Global Running Day 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qWs6ejpG2evCiYgEC9uLt9-320-80.jpg)
Global Running Day 2024: How to race other runners, limited-time rewards, and tips
By Michael L Hicks published
Global Running Day 2024 is a fun way to jumpstart your love of running. Here's how to race virtually (or in person) with other runners.
![Oura Ring (Gen 3) next to the Galaxy Watch 5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Wb9oyrF5LEDLoYMfLh6SJH-320-80.jpg)
Samsung is suing Oura, and the outcome will decide the future of smart rings
By Michael L Hicks published
Preemptive strike I predicted months ago that Oura would sue Samsung over the Galaxy Ring. Well, so did Samsung's lawyers.