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
Android XR vs. Meta Horizon OS: How Meta Quest and Google tech will stack up
By Michael L Hicks published
XR showdown We break down how Google's new Android XR will compare against Meta for software, hardware, AI, partnerships, and more.
Meta Quest 3 128GB vs. 512GB: Which storage size do you need?
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Savings or space? With 512GB now being the default option for the Quest 3, should you bother hunting down a deal for the 128GB variant anymore? Or, is the Quest 3S the best alternative?
Meta Quest 3S vs. Quest 3: More similar than you'd expect
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Affordable or premium? You'll be shocked how alike the Meta Quest 3S is to the costlier Quest 3, though some budget-friendly Quest 2 traits return.
Samsung Project Moohan: Everything we know about Samsung's Android XR headset
By Michael L Hicks last updated
A new contender Samsung Project Moohan will be the first Android XR headset to make its debut in 2025. Here's everything we know so far.
Android XR: Everything you need to know
By Michael L Hicks published
Gemini unleashed Android XR is the software that Samsung and other brands will use for XR headsets, AR glasses, and smart glasses. We'll explain how it works.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Specs, Ultra & Watch 6 differences, and more
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Galaxy AI watch Here's everything you need to know about the Galaxy Watch 7's pricing, specs, design changes, new health features, and differences from other Galaxy Watches.
Which Quest 2 & 3 accessories work with Meta Quest 3S?
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Save on accessories Just bought a new Quest 3S or upgraded from a Quest 2? You'll probably be looking to get some new accessories too. Here are the best accessories for the Quest 2 and 3 that work with the 3S.
Best cheap smartwatch for Android 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Affordable wearables If you want a solid smartwatch to pair with your Android phone without breaking the bank, be sure to check out these options!
Google Gemini AI: 2.0, Live, features, connected apps, and more
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Google AI From Gemini 2.0 to Nano and Live, this guide will break down every Gemini version and how to best use them.
Here's everything we expect and want from wearables and smartwatches in 2025
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday I asked two industry analysts and mixed in my own predictions for what 2025 has in store for smartwatches, smart rings, and smart glasses.
I'm kind of shocked at how good smartwatches have gotten
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday I tested dozens of smartwatches, trackers, and rings in 2024 — and they were consistently high-quality in a way I'm not used to.
Best smartwatches for battery life 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Leading the charge With some smartwatches, you need to recharge every day or two. But these smartwatches last for a week, sometimes several weeks (or more!) per charge.
Wear OS finally achieved its potential in 2024
By Michael L Hicks published
Wear OS Weekly I look back on Wear OS' path in 2024, from messy updates and a major brand lost to new partnerships and promising developments.
Oura's 2024 Year in Review praises Kiwis and Scandinavia, roasts the US lifestyle
By Michael L Hicks published
Oura has released its annual Year in Review and its Global Community Data report for 2024. Here's what we learned (spoiler: U.S. users didn't do great).
These Samsung Galaxy Tab models support the S Pen
By Michael L Hicks, Andrew Myrick last updated
Putting pen to screen Which Galaxy Tab S, A, FE, and Active tablets work with Samsung's best stylus?
Meta Quest 3S vs. Quest 2: New brain and eyes, old tricks
By Michael L Hicks last updated
New gen, old tricks The Quest 3S is the affordable, wireless VR headset that most Quest 2 owners will want to buy. But is it different enough to upgrade? We break it down!
Samsung Galaxy AI: Everything you need to know
By Michael L Hicks last updated
New tricks Which Samsung phones have Galaxy AI, how the features compare to Gemini, and everything else you need to know.
Ray-Ban Meta glasses just got their most futuristic AI update yet
By Michael L Hicks published
AI tricks Your Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses just got the live translate demo Zuckerberg showed off at Connect, plus another major AI trick.
Why don't more smartwatches use this smart ring's seemingly obvious trick?
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Ultrahuman is adding a new Smart Alarm feature reminiscent of Fitbit's Smart Wake feature, and I'd love to see it spread to more watches.
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!
I love Garmin watches, but they could learn a thing or two from Android smartwatches
By Michael L Hicks published
Wear OS Weekly Even as Samsung and Google play catch-up with Garmin on fitness, Garmin itself could learn a thing or two from Wear OS watches to keep customers happy.
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.
Best GPS smartwatches and fitness trackers 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Accurate positioning Today, most smartwatches have GPS, but GPS alone can be inaccurate and skew your results. We've rounded up the best smartwatches and fitness trackers that go beyond GPS for more accurate data.
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