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

OnePlus set an interesting standard with Watch 3 and Wear OS 5
By Michael L Hicks published
Wear OS Weekly We couldn't be sure how OnePlus would handle Wear OS updates, given the platform's history. Now we have good and bad news about what to expect.

Meta announces its next Connect — and a Llama AI surprise
By Michael L Hicks published
Mark your calendars Meta Connect 2025 begins this September. Here's what we know (and hope to see) at the next Meta developer event.

Garmin added the rucking tool I'd craved, but I already want more
By Michael L Hicks published
Rucking cool Garmin gave the new Tactix 8 first dibs on a new pack weight feature that all Garmin watches need. And I have ideas for where this feature goes next.

OnePlus Watch 3 vs. Watch 2: A massive generational gap
By Michael L Hicks published
OnePlus 2 ≠ 3 The OnePlus Watch 3 makes significant upgrades for almost every complaint we had with the Watch 2 while improving on its strengths.

We're entering the medical era of wearables
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Smartwatches do well selling to consumers, but future devices will focus on medical-grade accuracy to court B2B healthcare sales.

Garmin Instinct 3 vs. 2X vs. 2: Every key upgrade
By Michael L Hicks published
Battery life battle The Garmin Instinct 3 vs. 2 has major differences in battery life, accuracy, smarts, display quality, and memory, but the Instinct 2X is surprisingly similar.

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.

Google Pixel Watch 3: Specs, new tricks, and Watch 2 comparison
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Buyer's guide 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!

Fitbit freefall! Snag a Charge 6 for its lowest price in months during Amazon's Presidents' Day sale
By Michael L Hicks published
Presidents' Day steal The top-rated Fitbit Charge 6 just scored its first real discount of 2025 during Amazon's Presidents' Day sale.

Best smartwatches for battery life 2025
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.

Best Link Cable alternatives for Meta Quest in 2025
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.

The OnePlus Watch 3 is a bigger deal than you think — here's why
By Michael L Hicks published
Wear OS Weekly Even if the OnePlus Watch 3 can't match Apple or Samsung for sales, it drew first blood in the upcoming battle for battery life supremacy.

Android XR headsets will take a vital camera option from Android phones
By Michael L Hicks published
Permission to peep As details slowly trickle in about Android XR, a VR veteran has revealed official Google info about how mixed-reality apps will access your living room space.

Wear OS 5: New features, One UI 6 Watch, & eligible watches
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Wear tools Wear OS 5 arrived with the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7, but has since rolled out to some older models. Here's what you need to know about its perks and features.

ChatGPT and Google won battle for best tech Super Bowl ads — and Meta lost
By Michael L Hicks published
Super Bowl Meta's confusing smart glasses ad traded too heavily on star power and bad humor, while Gemini and ChatGPT focused on AI's potential and heart.

I can't decide if the Garmin Instinct 3 is a winner or a flop
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday After a week with the Instinct 3, I'm struggling to decide if I should be content with more of the same, or if Garmin should have done more.

Best cheap smartwatch for Android 2025
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!

Galaxy S25 phones help drive record Qualcomm Q1 2025 revenue to $11.6 billion
By Michael L Hicks published
Qualcomm earnings Qualcomm's earnings call was optimistic about smart glasses and automotive AI, but warned about flagging Android phone sales hurting business in 2025.

Best Fitbit 2025
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.

Reminder: Android watches don't need sideloading gimmicks for gaming
By Michael L Hicks published
Wear OS Weekly People love hacking Android watches to play "real" video games, but don't forget there are actual Wear OS games you can play.

Apple is making Samsung look good without even trying
By Michael L Hicks published
No guts no glory Foldable phones. Smart rings. Will smart glasses be the next category Apple decides isn't worth the trouble, while Samsung takes advantage?

Android smartwatches should soon get better charging options
By Michael L Hicks published
Save your battery An APK teardown of the Pixel Watch system app shows plans for adaptive charging.

Huawei follows Apple, Samsung with intriguing fingerprint smartwatch idea
By Michael L Hicks published
Patently interesting Samsung and Apple patented plans for a smartwatch fingerprint sensor years ago, but never used one. Now Huawei has its own plans.
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