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
This 30%-off Cyber Monday record player deal is perfect for beginner vinyl nerds (like me)
By Michael L Hicks published
All-in-one Intimidated by turntables, amplifiers, and other vinyl necessities? This 1 by One record player is a great all-in-one option for playing LPs or streaming music from your Android phone.
My favorite running earbuds dipped to a new low, thanks to Cyber Monday
By Michael L Hicks published
Cyber Monday The Shokz OpenFit ($30 off) and OpenRun Pro ($55 off) are two great outdoor workout options that'll keep your ears unencumbered.
Garmin's Forerunner 255 and 745 are the same cheap Cyber Monday price; there's one obvious choice
By Michael L Hicks published
Cyber Monday Don't assume the higher-numbered watch is the better one; you're better off with the Forerunner 255.
Cyber Monday's your last chance on the best Garmin deals of the year
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Sweet Garmin savings If you want a Garmin watch, you have no reason to wait, with deals across the board like $350 off the Epix Gen 2 or $100 off most popular running models.
The best fitness smartwatch of 2023 just hit a new low, thanks to this leftover Black Friday deal
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday The Garmin Venu 3 is $50 off, the lowest price we've seen on a watch that's less than 3 months old.
Give your Garmin watch a comfort upgrade for $12 this Black Friday
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday deal Official Garmin watch band replacements cost $40 apiece, and there's no good nylon option for a lighter, more comfortable fit. That's where the Abanen Hook and Loop comes in.
This Garmin hiking tool will save your life, and it's $200 off for Black Friday
By Michael L Hicks published
Garmin GPSMAP Garmin's handheld GPS devices will keep you on the right trail, your family apprised of where you are at all times, and emergency services notified if there's a problem.
I wear the Garmin Forerunner 965 every day, and it's finally discounted thanks to Black Friday
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday Either save $50 on the best running watch of 2023, or choose a better deal on the Forerunner 955 or Epix Gen 2 (with some compromises).
The Venu 2S is ridiculously cheap for Black Friday; buy the Venu 3S instead
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday The Venu 2S costs $199, the lowest price we've seen on that series. It's a great deal, but you should decide whether or not you can give up what the Venu 3 has to offer.
Google wants your Pixel Watch to double as a VR controller
By Michael L Hicks published
Project Iris In Google's latest patent, you can draw a "U" on your smartwatch display and have your glasses open the Uber app automatically.
MediaTek challenges the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 with AI-focused Dimensity 8300
By Michael L Hicks published
Mid-range showdown The Dimensity 8300 will power entry-level 5G flagships in Europe and Asia. Here's what you need to know about it.
Shokz OpenFit review: Wireless earbuds for runners who hate bone conduction
By Michael L Hicks published
Open ears, solid audio Bone conduction headphones are popular with runners and cyclists, but they don't deliver the strong audio of traditional earbuds. The Shokz OpenFit try to deliver the best of both worlds.
Using Google Maps for public transit is about to become much less frustrating
By Michael L Hicks published
From A to B In the coming weeks, Google Maps will help ensure "you're catching the right train in the right direction." It'll also improve its Lists and add emoji reactions to Maps photos and reviews.
I'd buy this PSVR 2 Black Friday bundle in a heartbeat (if I didn't already have it)
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday Get the PSVR 2 bundle with Horizon Call of the Mountain included for $100 off.
Meta opens up Metaverse marriage with Qualcomm to make AR glasses with MediaTek
By Michael L Hicks published
Seeing new people Despite Meta's dependence on Snapdragon silicon for the Quest 2 and 3, its future AR glasses will use custom silicon developed in partnership with MediaTek.
Garmin Venu 3 review: A tightrope walk between casual smarts and serious fitness
By Michael L Hicks published
Your fitness venue The Garmin Venu 3 costs more than your typical smartwatch, with the same health sensors and functionality but fewer apps and "smarts." Should you leave your Galaxy or Pixel Watch behind for it?
New premium Garmin watches dive much deeper than the Apple Watch Ultra 2
By Michael L Hicks published
The deepest depths Don't believe it when your watch says it's rated to go 50 meters deep. You need a specialized dive computer like the new Descent Mk3 capable of functioning well below that depth.
Best indoor security cameras 2024
By Jeramy Johnson, Michael L Hicks last updated
Secure your home Home security is a topic people pay attention to. We've got a round-up of the best indoor security cameras to help you secure your home.
Google confining Fitbit makes sense, but it's a portent of doom
By Michael L Hicks published
Fitbit's popularity may have waned, but Google execs' solution isn't going to help matters.
VR news of the week: Quest 3 Lite, Pico woes, SteamVR Theater, and a stacked November
By Michael L Hicks published
Meta x Tencent Everything you need to know about the world of VR this week, including Meta's plans to steal Pico's Chinese market, AAA game releases in November, and a cool new SteamVR trick.
Instead of buying a watch for Black Friday, stock up on watch bands instead
By Michael L Hicks published
Affordable face lift You can 'save hundreds' on a brand new watch, or you can give your current watch a style or comfort upgrade for cheap.
Leaked Galaxy Fit 3 renders show a larger display to challenge the Fitbit Charge 6
By Michael L Hicks published
Fitness refocus The wider display will make the Fit 3 more convenient to navigate, but also less comfortably light. Its success will depend more on software upgrades than hardware upgrades, however.
Spotify takes the fight to Audible with 200,000 'free' audiobooks, but there's a catch
By Michael L Hicks published
Free until it isn't Spotify is adding hundreds of thousands of audiobooks for Premium subscribers, but you won't be able to listen to them all at once.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i review: I'm not smart enough for this handheld GPS
By Michael L Hicks published
Asking for directions This handheld mapping tool comes built in with dual-frequency GPS and satellite functionality, so you never get lost and you can send an SOS or message even when there's no cellular signal.