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
![YouTube Premium Galaxy Z Fold 3.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fbeSpBwcSYx94g4taJRYTQ-320-80.jpg)
YouTube Premium: Everything you need to know
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Watch it all YouTube Premium is essentially ad-free YouTube, right? Yes, but there are other benefits to using it.
![Google Assistant pop-up message](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ADfnbAWLWjdhaCNncfLvwB-320-80.jpg)
Google Assistant explained: Tricks, devices, and latest updates
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Google Assistant From making shopping lists to controlling your smart home gadgets, here's everything you need to know about Google Assistant!
![The "Tests" widget screen on the Polar Vantage V3.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8zvsvPeG3xz4MKgQtMr7jR-320-80.jpg)
Only one running watch brand admits its VO2 Max and recovery estimates aren't perfect
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Smartwatches take weeks to give you accurate health and fitness data, and even then, they're not always right. One brand lets you take matters into your own hands, and it's all the better for it.
![The Apple Watch Ultra 2 (left) and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (right) side-by-side](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aKsQ2PKB9YkEFnsyv2WML3-320-80.jpg)
Samsung's rumored Galaxy Watch Ultra has only one path to success
By Michael L Hicks published
We can expect the Galaxy Watch Ultra to have a larger display and better battery life. It needs more than that, if Samsung can manage it.
![A panorama viewed in a Meta Quest 3 headset, a promotional image for the Quest v65 update.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ng2p6v6x9AWabkcPkdjSWZ-320-80.jpg)
Quest v65 update brings iPhone-only feature as it tries to win over the Vision Pro crown
By Michael L Hicks published
Meta Quest update The Quest v65 update, hot on the heels of v64, gives everyone some vital new tricks, but its fun photography tricks are still iOS only for now.
![The Garmin Forerunner 965 (left), COROS VERTIX 2S (center), and Polar Vantage V3 (right) sitting on a table together, all showing post-hike result screens.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6WwzBnhkRXb2itxeTpo7Qb-320-80.jpg)
Coros vs. Garmin vs. Polar fitness test: How the new Vertix 2S compares to the Forerunner 965 and Vantage V3
By Michael L Hicks published
Fitness test I ran, sprinted, and hiked with the top Garmin, Coros, and Polar watches to see which came out on top. Here are the results.
![The app drawer on the Apple Watch Ultra 2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JrMZwbtWthxocdKP6hpvLa-320-80.jpg)
Apple Watch Ultra 2 long-term review: Your move, Samsung
By Michael L Hicks published
Worth getting jealous The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the combination of fitness tools and smarts I've been waiting for — and the gorgeous 1.9-inch display doesn't hurt, either.
![A custom Garmin Connect IQ watch face showing a cat.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wRy3qR7pk76qS7MCSbUjtD-320-80.jpg)
How to change and customize Garmin watch faces
By Michael L Hicks published
Add some style Changing a Garmin watch face isn't as easy as it is on most Android watches. We'll show you the steps you'll need, including downloading a second Garmin app for customized faces and data fields.
![Soundcore VR P10 earbuds for Meta Quest charging in their case](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8QcEpBFqF2sWKBDe55Up75-320-80.jpg)
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.
![All three COROS VERTIX 2S models sitting on a boulder.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PuKaUeAcgzwWvSHqJPM55f-320-80.jpg)
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 Quest 3 sitting next to logos for ASUS ROG, Xbox, and Lenovo, along with a "Made with Meta Horizon OS" label.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wAZkwXWR6UCUy3JskwksvA-320-80.jpg)
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.
![The post-run Run Power Zones on the Garmin Forerunner 165.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SDfb3CqChaNnV4YouNkmcA-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Google Maps on Android Auto](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Uih6DXPKuhDrKVKigxXgoC-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Hey Google sign at CES 2018](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/b3ndmqXhWuVMunqP9U2NFS-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Menu to add a payment card, transit pass, loyalty card, or gift card to Google Wallet on an Android phone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iSNZtYCjj8zGf6UCJZgbrC-320-80.jpeg)
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.
![The OnePlus Watch 2 sitting in-between two Android phones for an OHealth data transfer, for showing how to transfer Wear OS watch to new phone.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i5R5GaDyvJAtD7JhffhgEh-320-80.jpg)
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.
![The Garmin Forerunner 165 and 965 side-by-side on a bench, two of the best GPS smartwatches for accuracy.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/teRxbiMs3Mdcn6iG45FiT7-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A mock-up of a Tamagotchi virtual pet app on a Wear OS smartwatch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UcCqFm7Yvu7foAW5G5cHdm-320-80.jpg)
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.
![The Samsung Galaxy Watch Pro (left) and Apple Watch Ultra (right) side-by-side.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NkUVxDi8tRrWBM9KmdhCXh-320-80.jpg)
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 Garmin Forerunner 165 and 965 side-by-side on a bench, showing identical heart rate data after a run activity.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JHA6woJL8Bv6ysTsdHozw8-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Netgear Orbi 970 Wi-Fi 7 mesh system](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hp35xSucVtUcFrj3qNS7D9-320-80.jpg)
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?
![A Meta Quest 3 headset on the arm of a grey couch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KWhXbH4WSh2YZSJGxdztkh-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A hiking activity on the Apple Watch Ultra 2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rJ8f5hRPohAu9FkXt6RHaT-320-80.jpeg)
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.