
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 Sur.
Latest articles by Michael L Hicks

Breaking down every key Garmin Fenix 8 Pro feature, from LTE and SOS to MicroLED
By Michael L Hicks published
Blinding brightness Ranging from $1,200 to $2,000, plus a subscription, the Fenix 8 Pro is a significant change for Garmin. Here's everything you need to know.

The 8-day Polar Loop tracker challenges Whoop and Garmin with subscription-free workout data
By Michael L Hicks published
Screenless fitness Polar, the brand behind the popular H10 chest strap and Vantage running watches, is challenging Whoop with its own screenless wristband.

The Garmin Venu X1 gives the Forerunner 970 a flashy run for your money
By Michael L Hicks published
Gaunt Garmin Garmin made some odd choices with the Venu X1, but if you can stomach the short battery life (for Garmin), it mostly lives up to its painful price tag.

This Galaxy Watch clearance deal could be your LAST CHANCE at this classic model — score $287 off!
By Michael L Hicks published
Labor Day deals The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic still has years of support and a stylish design, and it's 60% off on Amazon and Best Buy (until it's gone for good).

How to use Google Maps on a Garmin watch
By Michael L Hicks published
Find your way We'll explain how to set up Google Maps so it works automatically, as well as how it compares to Maps on a Pixel Watch and which Garmin watches support it.

Best drawing tablets 2025
By Michael L Hicks 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.

Best smartwatches that can measure blood oxygen saturation levels 2025
By Michael L Hicks last updated
SPO2 monitor If you want a watch that measures your blood oxygen saturation levels with plenty of other great perks, these are the best ones you can buy right now.

Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: More than a facelift
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Stepping it up The Google Pixel 9a will wow you with its larger, brighter display and excellent battery life, but 8a owners may not have enough reason to upgrade.

Why Google's AI health coach might not attract traditional Fitbit users
By Michael L Hicks published
Wear OS Weekly You can use an old Fitbit watch or tracker with the new Fitbit personal health coach, but the best perks still require a Pixel Watch.

The Suunto Race 2 looks like a battery beast for ultramarathoners
By Michael L Hicks published
Never stops running The Suunto Race 2 has key upgrades over the original Race in terms of battery longevity, design, and display quality.

Samsung should finally launch Project Moohan soon — but you may not be willing to pay for it
By Michael L Hicks published
Not long to wait We knew Project Moohan would be expensive and launch sometime in 2025. Now we have more specifics on what to expect.

Best Android smartwatch 2025
By Michael L Hicks last updated
The best Out of dozens of options we've reviewed, our expert Android team has picked out the best Android watches available today.

Google Pixel Watch 5: What we know and everything we want to see
By Michael L Hicks published
5th-gen changes We have one credible Pixel Watch 5 leak so far, as well as thoughts on how it can improve on a solid Pixel Watch 4 template.

Should you buy the Google Pixel Watch 4?
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday The Pixel Watch 4 has exciting upgrades on paper. I broke down which ones you should or shouldn't care about, plus the reasons to hold off on buying one.

This is the best Pixel Watch 4 deal we've spotted so far - don't miss it
By Michael L Hicks published
Once the preorder period ends, you'll be paying full price on the Pixel Watch 4. This is your best chance to save $200 or more.

Why monocular smart glasses from Google and Meta could lead the future of wearable tech
By Michael L Hicks published
ThVRsday thoughts Leaks suggest that Meta will unveil its monocular Hypernova glasses next month. Here's why Meta and Google aren't giving their glasses two displays.

The Garmin August 2025 update throws the Forerunner 970's best tricks onto other watches
By Michael L Hicks published
A feature feast Garmin is plucking the Forerunner 970's exclusives for its other premium watches, while adding several exciting new coaching tools.

Exclusive: I interviewed the Pixel Watch 4's product manager about its cutting-edge dual-frequency GPS
By Michael L Hicks published
Wear OS Weekly Using new Qualcomm hardware and satellites designed for airplanes, the Pixel Watch 4 will finally deliver accurate workout data (in theory).

Does the Google Pixel Watch 4 support Qi wireless charging?
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Charging switch-up Google gave the Pixel 10 support for Qi2 charging; will that also apply to the Pixel Watch 4?

The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 inside the Pixel Watch 4 lacks a major performance boost — but it's not all bad news
By Michael L Hicks published
Subtle upgrades The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 does make substantial changes for battery life, watch size, and satellite connectivity, but not raw power.

The COROS NOMAD has impressed me as a more fun Garmin Instinct 3 rival
By Michael L Hicks published
Hiking companion The COROS NOMAD has a 22-day battery life with dual-band GPS and revamped training load data, plus fun voice pins for remembering your adventures.

Best Samsung tablet 2025
By Michael L Hicks, Andrew Myrick last updated
Options galore Samsung rules the Android tablet world, offering an option for every budget and need, including everything from tablets for kids to full laptop replacements.

Only a few smartwatches have marathon training plans — so I found the best and worst options for my Garmin marathon
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday I found every fitness watch with a personalized marathon training plan, so I could choose one for my own marathon this November.
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