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
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.
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.
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.
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 Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 games 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Feature 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Quest fans, mark your calendars for a jam-packed Meta Connect on September 25
By Michael L Hicks published
Meta Connect 2024 Meta Connect 2024 will take place on September 25 and 26; here's what we expect from the showcase, from a new Quest headset to an AR glasses demo.
Smart rings will stay niche until they add these missing features
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Smart rings are getting more popular by the year, but there are a few things keeping them from really breaking into the mainstream. Here's my wishlist for what these smart rings could really use.
Google Gemini AI explained: Cost, features, availability, and controversies
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Generative AI From Gemini 1.5 Flash to Pro, Gemini Advanced to Gemma and Vertix, here's every Gemini AI feature and version you need to know about.
Samsung could leapfrog Apple and Google with new Galaxy AI fitness tools for Galaxy Watch 7
By Michael L Hicks published
Game changer Galaxy Watch 7 owners will get a personalized fitness coach via Galaxy AI, helping Samsung catch up to (or surpass) the competition.
How to move passwords from iOS to Android
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Moving to Android Leaving your iPhone behind without losing all your old data can be a challenge. Here's how to export your iPhone passwords to Android.
Best smart thermostats that don't require a C wire 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Time to upgrade These smart thermostats don't need a C wire, making them easier to install in any home.
Meta Quest 3 128GB vs. 512GB: Which storage size do you need?
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Savings or space? Meta charges an extra $150 for quadruple the storage, but do you need it? We've checked game sizes for the most popular Quest titles to help you decide if it's worth the extra cost.
I used to think I wanted an LTE smartwatch. Now I know better
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Plenty of athletes love LTE smartwatches. But they're fated to stay a niche product, the same way satellite phones are.
Month-long Garmin Venu bug represents a worrying trend across fitness watches
By Michael L Hicks published
More updates, more problems It's hard to catch every bug from a software update if you're testing a feature across dozens of different products.
Qualcomm is spitting out XR2 chips faster than VR headsets can use them
By Michael L Hicks published
Even though we've yet to see XR2+ Gen 2 headsets, Qualcomm is hard at work at the next generation of chipsets.
Google made a mistake with YouTube Premium
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Bundles suck Google canned its Premium Lite option, tying YouTube Music to an ad-free streaming experience. It's still disappointing.
Leaked Meta Quest 3s looks like a Quest 2 with a new brain and eyeballs
By Michael L Hicks published
Quest 2.5 A new Quest 3 Lite leak gives us a better idea of what to expect from Meta's 2024 headset, including performance, comfort, software, and passthrough.
Smartwatch 'smart straps' died for a reason. I still want them to come back.
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Samsung and Pebble tried and failed to fill watch bands with modular tech. I still love the idea, no matter how impractical it is.
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