Michael L Hicks
Michael is Android Central's resident expert on fitness tech and wearables, with an enthusiast's love of VR tech on the side. After years freelancing for Techradar, Wareable, Windows Central, Digital Trends, and other sites on a variety of tech topics, AC has given him the chance to really dive into the topics he's passionate about. He's also a semi-reformed Apple-to-Android user who loves D&D, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings.
For wearables, Michael has tested dozens of smartwatches from Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung, Apple, COROS, Polar, Amazfit, and other brands, and will always focus on recommending the best product over the best brand. He's also completed marathons like NYC, SF, Marine Corps, Big Sur, and California International — though he's still trying to break that 4-hour barrier.
Latest articles by Michael L Hicks
Fitbit patented a 'Fit Score' trick that every smartwatch could use
By Michael L Hicks published
Watches worn right Fitbit first filed a patent to detect how well your fitness tracker is fitted to your wrist for more accurate results in 2019. More than four years later, it officially owns the concept.
What I want to see from smartwatches and wearables in 2024
By Michael L Hicks published
New year, new tech Get ready for the AI watch wars, an explosion of smart rings and glasses, and a make-or-break moment for brands like Fitbit that need a real win to stay in the wearables game.
Garmin Venu 3 vs. Venu Sq 2 Music: Which is the best 'mainstream' Garmin watch?
By Michael L Hicks published
Which Venu to get? The Garmin Venu series tempts first-time users with familiar designs and lifestyle tools. Should you pick the affordable or high-end watch?
Best Oculus Quest 2 face covers 2024
By Michael L Hicks, Nicholas Sutrich last updated
Under cover It's best to invest in a higher-quality face cover for your Quest 2.
Fitbit Charge 6 vs. 5: Should you upgrade?
By Michael L Hicks published
Fitbit standoff Fitbit gave the Charge 6 a haptic button, Google apps, and key software upgrades. Are these enough to tempt you away?
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs. 265: Which running watch do you need?
By Michael L Hicks published
The two best Do you need the 965's maps, battery boost, larger screen, and extra software, or is the excellent 265 enough for your training?
In 2023, smartwatches tried to become fitness watches and vice versa
By Michael L Hicks published
2023 in review Google, Apple, and Samsung all tried to brew the perfect mix of smarts, health tracking, and fitness tools, while dedicated fitness brands tried to add mainstream smarts.
Garmin Venu 3 vs. Forerunner 265: Mainline champ or enthusiast's dream?
By Michael L Hicks published
Same price, different focuses Despite identical prices and similar levels of quality, the Venu 3 and Forerunner 265 cater to very different people.
Michael Hicks' Top 10 of 2023
By Michael L Hicks published
The highlights Our senior wearables editor looks back on the highs and lows of his year with Android Central, from step tests to attempted cat-murder.
Best Christmas smartwatch deals available now — 12 wearable gift ideas for Android fans
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Holiday deals If you're hoping to buy a smartwatch or fitness tracker this holiday season, look no further than this expertly curated gift guide.
The Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses just got a big AI update, but you should act fast to get access
By Michael L Hicks published
"Hey Meta" We're one step closer to true "smart glasses," but this multimodal AI tool is only in U.S. early access for now.
You can stream Xbox Game Pass on Quest 2 and 3 now; here's what you need
By Michael L Hicks published
Ultimate sub required You can access hundreds of Xbox Game Pass games on your Quest 2, 3, or Pro, but you can't access them without the right software and an Ultimate subscription.
Garmin's new watch faces make you earn your holiday cheer — download them now for free
By Michael L Hicks published
Holiday watch faces Garmin's four new watch faces in Connect IQ let you build a snowman, golf with Santa, decorate a Christmas tree, or go skiing on the slope.
That Quest 2 holiday deal made it more popular than the new Quest 3
By Michael L Hicks published
Still sellin' Industry experts report a massive boost in Quest and PSVR 2 headset sales in the week of Black Friday, as the discounted Quest 2 outsold the new Quest 3.
A decade later, Zombies, Run! and its new Marvel Move expansion are as great as ever
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Sunday Runday Whether you're a new or experienced runner, Zombies, Run! and Marvel Move are two great tools for keeping you distracted, entertained, and motivated.
Samsung's new fitness tracker, the Galaxy Fit 3, is one step closer to launch
By Michael L Hicks published
Not long now Will Samsung give away a Galaxy Fit 3 with Galaxy S24 pre-orders, or wait closer to the Galaxy Watch 7 launch this summer?
Rockley has a skin-penetrating IR sensor that your next smartwatch could borrow
By Michael L Hicks published
More than skin-deep Most smartwatches use IR sensors for heart rate and blood oxygen readings, but Rockley claims its new multiband spectrophotometer goes deeper than ever before.
Beefy Garmin Venu 3 update adds skin temperature, glucose watch face, and more
By Michael L Hicks published
Skin temperature The Venu 3 steals some useful Forerunner running metrics and gets the sleep temperature readings we've waited months for.
Withings combines its two best watches into one with the luxury ScanWatch Nova
By Michael L Hicks published
Luxury health tracking Withings took its robust health sensors from the ScanWatch 2 and shoved them in the rugged ScanWatch Horizon with its stainless steel design.
Strava Messaging will help you connect with friends and local athletes
By Michael L Hicks published
Gym gabbing The popular fitness app will now let you coordinate with your Mutuals or Followers, planning runs or rides or just praising them for a PR.
One of Garmin's oldest metrics needs a serious revamp
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Performance Condition tries to determine your current fitness level or race condition in six minutes. That's not enough time!
The latest Garmin Forerunner update is a boon to sleepy, stressed runners
By Michael L Hicks published
Nap time! You no longer need to download beta software to get the coolest Venu 3 tricks on your new Forerunner watch.
COROS Heart Rate Monitor review: A seamless band I didn't know I needed
By Michael L Hicks published
Casual quality The COROS HRM arm strap gives you accurate heart rate data for your gym workouts, runs, and bike rides. It's a simple purpose, but COROS handles it very well.
Why I'm not waiting until New Year's to start my fitness resolutions
By Michael L Hicks published
January 1 sucks I can't think of a worse time to start your body's self-improvement than January 1. That is, unless you've already spent December getting a running start on your fitness goals.