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 Galaxy Watch Ultra (mostly) lives up to Samsung's lofty fitness promises
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Both the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Watch 7 have upgraded heart rate and GPS data. I put their revamped accuracy to the test.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Everything we want from the next flagship watch
By Michael L Hicks published
Beyond Ultra The Galaxy Watch Ultra has some epic upgrades, but it also has some weird design choices. Maybe the Ultra 2 will fix them.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: Leaks and our wishlist for Galaxy Watch 7 upgrades
By Michael L Hicks published
Looking ahead The Galaxy Watch 8 could get all the leaked features that didn't make it into the Watch 7, including that rumored squircle redesign.
Samsung Galaxy Ring 2: Everything we want from the next Samsung smart ring
By Michael L Hicks published
Getting smarter The Galaxy Ring is a pretty straightforward smart ring. The Galaxy Ring 2 will hopefully bring more to the table.
Which finger should you wear the Samsung Galaxy Ring on?
By Michael L Hicks published
Find the right fit Although many smart ring makers recommend you wear one on a specific finger, you actually have three main options we'd recommend when wearing the Galaxy Ring.
Samsung's Apple Watch Ultra clone forgot to copy the most important thing
By Michael L Hicks published
Why, Samsung? The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a rugged design and ultra-bright display, but a $650 watch should have better controls.
Samsung Galaxy Ring vs. Oura Ring Gen 3: Choosing the best smart ring
By Michael L Hicks published
Rings of power The Samsung Galaxy Ring vs. Oura Ring is about more than features; it's a legal battle, too.
Smart rings vs. smartwatches: Every key and hidden difference, from features to accuracy
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday It's obvious what smartwatch features a smart ring can't offer, like notifications or phone calls. But are there any smart ring perks that a smartwatch can't offer? Let's run through the list!
I lost 30 pounds in a year. These are the apps, tech, and tools I used to stay on track
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday You'd be surprised how much weight loss you can achieve with a smart scale, a Google Doc, a smartwatch, and some determination.
The Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra won't be the only watches worth buying in July
By Michael L Hicks published
Prime Day tips If last year is any guide, Prime Day 2024 should have real bargains on Galaxy Watch 6, Watch FE, and other old models.
How to change screen brightness on Wear OS
By Michael L Hicks published
Lighten up! We break down how to change screen brightness on Wear OS watches.
Best drawing tablets 2024
By Michael L Hicks, Namerah Saud Fatmi last updated
Ready, set, draw! Aching to incorporate freehand lines into your digital creations? It sounds like you need a drawing tablet! We've put together the best models for your perusing pleasure.
My new favorite outdoor hobby might force me to switch phones
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday As much as I love hiking, I don't love how most phones can't handle a few hours of GPS mapping before they're running on empty.
How to share your Amazon Prime account with friends and family
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Sharing is essential, and all the benefits that come with your Amazon Prime account are great ways of showing a kind gesture. Here's how to set it up.
A Fitbit smart ring could challenge the Galaxy Ring in ways Oura can't
By Michael L Hicks published
Barring an Oura legal roadblock, your favorite brands will rush to follow in the Galaxy Ring's footsteps. Is that what people want?
5 key ways to customize your Google Discover feed
By Michael L Hicks published
Discover We break down how to personalize your Google Discover feed to get more relevant content (and weed out the junk).
Coros' first bike computer makes Garmin Edge look short-lived and expensive
By Michael L Hicks published
If you're looking for a bike display to make navigating easier, but are turned off by how expensive bike computers are, the COROS DURA might be a good first option.
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.
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.
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