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
My two favorite running watches are both at all-time lows
By Michael L Hicks published
Sprint to buy Garmin rarely discounts its newer watches more than $50, which makes this $100-off deal on two of our favorite running watches — the Garmin Forerunner 265 and 965 — such a rare opportunity.
Best cheap smartwatch for Android 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Affordable wearables If you want a smartwatch to pair with your Android phone without breaking the bank, be sure to check out these affordable 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 Pixel Watch 3 offers a revamped display with two sizes, better Pixel integration, faster charging, and other upgrades.
Google Pixel Watch 3 initial review: Stronger than ever
By Michael L Hicks published
Running towards the goal The Google Pixel Watch 3 fixes most of the Watch 2's shortcomings, gets more Google smarts, targets runners, and makes Wear OS more appealing.
I depend on this Garmin training tool to improve, but it needs one obvious fix
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday More fitness watches are offering basic training load stats. Garmin goes one step further with training load focus, but not quite far enough.
Looking for the perfect back-to-school kids' watch? You don't need an Apple Watch SE.
By Michael L Hicks published
Back to school Plenty of parents buy their kids an Apple Watch SE in lieu of a smartphone, but we'll point those parents towards the Fitbit Ace LTE (or Garmin Bounce, if you need geofencing) instead.
What do Fitbit Cardio Load and Target Load mean?
By Michael L Hicks published
Long-term progress Fitbit Cardio Load is coming to the Pixel Watch 3 and other Fitbit-branded watches. Here's how it'll work.
First 11 things to do with your Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Make sure you get the most out of your Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra by diving straight into the settings and activating little-known or hidden features.
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 VR headsets 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Extend your reality Whether you have a gaming PC, a PC, or nothing at all, we show you which headset is best, and what you should be putting your money towards for VR.
Best Garmin Forerunner: choosing the right watch for each runner
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Best running watches When you're a runner, it's important to find a watch that can keep up. We're here to help you decide which Garmin Forerunner is right for your needs.
Google Pixel Watch 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Different takes, same goal
By Michael L Hicks published
Flagship wear off These are two fitness-focused watches, each with a valid approach to targeting athletes, but only one will probably appeal to you.
Batman: Arkham Shadow hands-on: A fantastic Batman LARP without open-world fluff
By Michael L Hicks published
I am the Knight If you loved the Batman Arkham series but got worn out by the size and bloat of games like Knight, then Arkham Shadow will be the game for you.
Garmin launches new Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 while retiring Epix — these are the key upgrades and new tools
By Michael L Hicks published
New flagships The Fenix 8 will be available in AMOLED or MIP Solar, with a new, twice-as-powerful solar panel for up to 48 days of battery.
OnePlus Pad 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Dethroning the tablet champion?
By Michael L Hicks published
Slab power We compare the OnePlus Pad 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, with OnePlus' newer tablet actually beating the twice-as-expensive Ultra in key areas.
I'm done with heart rate monitor chest straps
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday I used to use the Polar H10 chest strap for testing smartwatches' OHR accuracy. Here's why I'm switching to an arm strap.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro: Which takes the Wear OS battery crown?
By Michael L Hicks published
Charging deferred The TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro matches the twice-as-expensive Ultra in many ways, if you can accept delayed software and a plainer design.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review: Stronger than expected
By Michael L Hicks published
Fully revamped The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a bright display, fast performance, surprisingly accurate tracking, and respectable battery life. If only it didn't cost so much!
Is the Google Pixel Watch 3 waterproof?
By Michael L Hicks published
Swimming-ready We break down every watery activity you can or can't safely use the Google Pixel Watch 3 with.
Batman: Arkham Shadow first gameplay trailer pays tribute to Asylum fans
By Michael L Hicks published
You are the Dark Knight Batman: Arkham Shadow lets you experience combat, Predator mode, and detective work in a whole new light — if you have a Meta Quest 3.
Best Garmin watch 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Best for fitness training These are the best Garmin watches across the Venu, Forerunner, Instinct, Epix, and other Garmin lineups, for every type of athlete.
The Pixel Watch 3 should have runners both excited and depressed
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday A Fitbit interview during Made by Google makes it clear that the Fitbit brand is better — and less accessible — than ever.
Best Samsung tablet 2024
By Michael L Hicks, Samuel Contreras last updated
Options galore Samsung makes the best Android tablets, and these models are the best of the best.
Best smartwatches for students 2024
By Michael L Hicks, Namerah Saud Fatmi last updated
Student-friendly Need a portable calendar, workout tracker for your club, or a way to stay atop messages without disrupting class? These smartwatches may help you.
Google Pixel Watch 4: Early rumors, patents, and everything we want improved over the Pixel Watch 3
By Michael L Hicks published
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.
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