Latest articles by Michael L Hicks
Garmin's post-tariff strategy could include pricier watches and cutbacks
Tariff challenges Garmin's plan to "mitigate" tariffs is a perfect example of how Big Tech in general will change products to keep shareholders happy.
Gemini needs a sidekick for Android XR to work, and it could be on your wrist
Wear OS Weekly Gemini and gesture controls work great in demos. In the real world, AR glasses could use a tactile alternative, and smartwatches are the obvious choice.
Meta's Q1 2025 earnings show major AI priority shift, Ray-Ban success
Earnings Zuckerberg laid out Meta's 'five major opportunities' for growth while discussing their outlook on tariffs, Meta AI, and major Ray-Ban glasses growth.
New Meta AI app provides a Llama 4-powered challenge to Gemini
Conversational AI The Meta View app is becoming the Meta AI app, moving beyond Ray-Ban glasses settings to a more general AI experience built to rival Gemini Live.
I used Boston Marathon runners' official smartwatch stats to help with my training
Sunday Runday You'd be surprised how much an amateur can learn from the running stats of someone twice as fast as them!
Best Samsung tablet 2025
Options galore Samsung makes the best Android tablets, and these models are the best of the best.
The best Fitbits to buy in 2025
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 nine things to do with the Google Pixel 9a
A+ 9a tips The Google Pixel 9a is a straightforward phone to use, but there are plenty of settings you should change to get the most out of your experience.
Galaxy vs. Pixel Watch: The battle of the faces
Wear OS Weekly I looked in-depth at how Samsung and Google's default watch faces compare, and it tells a surprising amount about their design approach.
Meta Ray-Bans roll out Live AI and Live Translation, add new frames and apps
Meta AI Get ready to hold in-depth, natural conversations with your Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses based on whatever the camera sees.
Android XR: Everything you need to know
Gemini unleashed Android XR is the software that Samsung and other brands will use for XR headsets, AR glasses, and smart glasses. We'll explain how it works.
Strava's AI Performance Predictions offer a grounded alternative to Garmin's Race Predictor
AI estimates I compared Strava's new race predictions against Garmin's race widget, and the differences between them are telling.
Second April Wear OS 5.1 update 'resolves' bad step algorithm issues
Ctrl+Z Google's second update this month will finally align November, March, and April update users onto one version that fixes a key accuracy issue.
Meta Quest 4 and Quest 4S: Everything we expect from the Quest 3 successor
Thinking ahead The Quest 4 most likely won't arrive until 2026, but we already have some hints of what to expect courtesy of Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, and leakers.
Forget iOS vs. Android, the smart glasses war between Apple, Meta, and Google should be much more fun
Free for all The race to sell AR and smart glasses is all about breaking into the mainstream. And Meta has shown how Big Tech needs outside help to pull this off.
AR running glasses aren't there yet, but the future is almost here
Sunday Runday These particular glasses are imperfect, but don't be surprised if Meta, Google, and others try to tempt runners and cyclists with AR glasses soon.
Make sure your smartwatch calorie burn is accurate with this scientific calculator
No more mystery Different smartwatch brands calculate burned calories from workouts very inconsistently. This scientific tool gives you exact data.
The Meta Quest 3S FINALLY gets discounted at Best Buy — plus you can claim $70 of free stuff
New low Meta rarely discounts its headsets, and its free Batman: Arkham Shadow credit expires by end of April. That's TWO reasons to snag this deal now.
Is Google's new step count algorithm any good? I put the Pixel Watch 3 to the test
Wear OS Weekly Google's new step algorithm is designed for "challenging situations" where a watch normally can't track movement. Here's how it does in real life.
Best smartwatches for battery life 2025
Leading the charge With some smartwatches, you need to recharge every day or two. But these smartwatches last for a week, sometimes several weeks (or more!) per charge.
OnePlus Watch 3 'Mini' should prove that small watches can have big batteries
Oppo redux Why make a new mini-watch when you can borrow your parent company's Oppo X2 Mini design?
Gemini on Wear OS should stick to the Assistant status quo, mostly
Portable AI Gemini on Wear OS is coming soon, and based on this Google Assistant code, it's going to function a lot like the current assistant.
James Cameron may have tested the Meta Quest 4, and he's a huge fan
Avatar on Quest? James Cameron is partnered with Meta on VR films, and he's already tested future Quest prototypes that he thinks are "f***ing cool."
