Latest articles by Michael L Hicks
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.
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."
Best Android smartwatch 2025
The best Out of dozens of options we've reviewed, our expert Android team has picked out the best Android watches available today.
Polar follows Garmin's lead as 'optional' subscriptions becomes the new normal
Another day, another sub Polar is the latest expensive fitness watch brand to add a subscription, and we probably won't have any sub-free smartwatches soon.
The Wear OS 5.1 update mess has me annoyed and looking for solutions
Wear OS Weekly It's frustrating to be told to expect a major Wear OS update, wait weeks, then find out you were never going to receive it.
Google Pixel 9a launch live blog: review, camera comparisons, deals, and more
It's finally here The Google Pixel 9a is here and we're reacting to all the reviews and telling you everything we think about the phone. Follow along!
Google Pixel 9a review: The Energizer Pixel
It keeps going... The Pixel 9a has cutbacks to on-device AI, cameras, and charging that you'll gladly accept in exchange for its epic battery life and $300 discount.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Specs, upgrades, deals, and more
Galaxy AI watch Watch Ultra aside, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is the best Android watch available. But should you keep your Watch 6, upgrade to the Ultra, or wait for the Watch 8?
Testing the Garmin HRM 200 and Polar H10 convinced me I was (mostly) too harsh on chest straps
Sunday Runday If you're not hypersensitive to tight devices, a chest strap is unquestionably better than your current smartwatch.
UNA and Pebble represent a new wave of open-source smartwatches, and I'm on board
Totally modular We're seeing a rise of modular, open-source smartwatches for enthusiasts who want to step away from AI-focused, subscription-backed watches.
