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
I'm shocked you can already save $170 on our 'staff favorite' Android watch
By Michael L Hicks published
Both the Google Pixel Watch 3 and 2 have major deals, from 42% off the Watch 2 to $170 off the priciest Pixel Watch 3 model.
Best Link Cable alternatives for Meta Quest in 2024
By Michael L Hicks, Nicholas Sutrich last updated
No weak link Meta's official Link Cable is pricey, but these alternatives won't break the bank.
It's a TRAP! Don't be tempted by this Galaxy Watch FE Black Friday deal; there's a MUCH better option
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday 2024 The Galaxy Watch FE is basically a reskinned Galaxy Watch 4. It's a solid budget option, but there's no way you should buy one when the Watch 6 is $160 off.
Best fitness watch 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Time to get fit There are fitness bands — and then there are smartwatches. But some smartwatches can pull double duty in the fitness space too. These are the best ones.
The Polar Vantage M3 has premium guts in a mid-range package — with one key flaw
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday The new Polar Vantage M3 is an intriguing mid-range running watch; I put its GPS and HR accuracy to the test against Garmin and COROS.
New to Garmin? The $100-off Vivoactive 5 is the perfect starting point
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday 2024 Both the Garmin Vivoactive 5 and Forerunner 165 are $199 for Black Friday; first-time Garmin users, skip the pricey models and start here.
Black Friday puzzle: Buy the Galaxy Watch 6 for 53% off or the Watch 7 for 32% off?
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Black Friday 2024 You have a deal dilemma on your hands: The Galaxy Watch 6 is 53% off...but the Watch 7 is 32% off! We'll help you make the best choice.
Fitbit fire sale: Black Friday drops Charge 6, Pixel Watch 3 & more to match all-time lows
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday 2024 Whether you want a tiny inspire 3, feature-packed Charge 6, health-focused Sense 2, or Wear OS-ready Pixel Watch 3, there are some great Black Friday deals for all of them.
Black Friday smartwatch deal hunters should look at smart rings instead
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Black Friday Black Friday smartwatch deals are a dime a dozen. But there are very few reliable smart rings, and deals on them are harder to find.
Best Android smartwatch 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
The best There's no shortage of outstanding Android smartwatches nowadays. Here are our top picks!
Best smartwatch with LTE 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Cellular on your wrist If you depend on your wearable for just about everything, you may benefit from an LTE smartwatch. So, we've rounded up some of the best options.
Google Pixel Watch 3: Upgrades, new Fitbit perks, and differences from the Pixel Watch 2
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Third time's the charm? The Google Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes and is full to the brim with cool new AI features, handy apps, and more. Here's everything you need to know about it!
Google Pixel Watch 4: Everything we know and want from the Pixel Watch 3 successor
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Necessary upgrades The Pixel Watch 3 has only just arrived, but we're already seeing specific areas where Google didn't make the specific upgrades we wanted. Here is what the Pixel Watch 4 could do better.
I don't care much for watch apps, but I'm giving them a second chance
By Michael L Hicks published
Wear OS Weekly Smartwatch apps don't seem much more useful than smartphone apps, but they can sometimes be more convenient.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Specs, deals, Ultra & Watch 6 differences, and more
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Galaxy AI watch The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 beats the Watch 6 for key specs and holds its own surprisingly well against the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
This smart ring is basically an April Fool's joke, but is it ahead of the curve?
By Michael L Hicks published
Why not both? This tiny smartwatch/ smart ring hybrid isn't going to appeal to most people, but there is a definite niche market for smart rings with working displays.
Garmin Fenix 8 review: Frankenstein's watch
By Michael L Hicks published
Garmin's greatest hits The Garmin Fenix 8 is an all-around monster that steals the best parts from all the other Garmin watches; it's a great device with an insane price.
The Garmin Instinct 3 has leaked; I'm hoping for two major changes
By Michael L Hicks published
Coming soon? An official Garmin website listing for the Instinct 3 45mm Solar has us wondering whether it'll keep its "unlimited" battery life while making upgrades.
Best Wear OS watch 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Wear this If you want a feature-packed and stylish Wear OS watch, you have plenty of options from manufacturers such as Samsung, Google, Mobvoi, and more.
Every feature Wear OS watches should borrow from Garmin
By Michael L Hicks published
Wear OS Weekly Our staff regularly uses Wear OS watches, but Garmin watches have tricks that tempt us away that Google and Samsung should borrow and make their own.
Best Fitbit 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Fit for your wrist Want a Fitbit but aren't sure which one is for you? Here's a guide to help make your decision a little easier.
How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Android
By Michael L Hicks last updated
iOS to Android If you're switching from iPhone to Android, transferring your contacts to your new phone is just a backup, an import, and an email away!
I ran a 20-mile race wearing four fitness watches (like an idiot); here's what I learned
By Michael L Hicks published
Running test I ran a 20-mile race wearing a Garmin, Pixel, Apple, and Coros watch. You might be surprised how similar the results were in some areas — and how different in others.
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