Latest articles by Michael L Hicks
Only one Android phone could tempt my partner to switch from an iPhone
Foldable freedom Back in 2021, I switched from iOS to Android to see which I preferred. This December, I gave my partner the one Android foldable that might make her switch too, but it was a more difficult battle.
New Snapdragon XR2+ will help Samsung outclass the Meta Quest 3
Ready for primetime Samsung's new headset will be capable of 4.3K resolution per eye, more cameras, and a major graphical boost compared to Meta's MR headset. Here's what we know so far.
Somehow, an 8-year-old Garmin watch is still most popular
Forerunning forever You know how Strava records which smartwatch uploaded your workout data? Turns out a lot of you really like using the Garmin Forerunner 235, which refuses to die.
Fitbit patented a 'Fit Score' trick that every smartwatch could use
Watches worn right Fitbit first filed a patent to detect how well your fitness tracker is fitted to your wrist for more accurate results in 2019. More than four years later, it officially owns the concept.
What I want to see from smartwatches and wearables in 2024
New year, new tech Get ready for the AI watch wars, an explosion of smart rings and glasses, and a make-or-break moment for brands like Fitbit that need a real win to stay in the wearables game.
Garmin Venu 3 vs. Venu Sq 2 Music: Which is the best 'mainstream' Garmin watch?
Which Venu to get? The Garmin Venu series tempts first-time users with familiar designs and lifestyle tools. Should you pick the affordable or high-end watch?
Best Oculus Quest 2 face covers 2024
Under cover It's best to invest in a higher-quality face cover for your Quest 2.
Fitbit Charge 6 vs. 5: Should you upgrade?
Fitbit standoff Fitbit gave the Charge 6 a haptic button, Google apps, and key software upgrades. Are these enough to tempt you away?
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs. 265: Which running watch do you need?
The two best Do you need the 965's maps, battery boost, larger screen, and extra software, or is the excellent 265 enough for your training?
In 2023, smartwatches tried to become fitness watches and vice versa
2023 in review Google, Apple, and Samsung all tried to brew the perfect mix of smarts, health tracking, and fitness tools, while dedicated fitness brands tried to add mainstream smarts.
Garmin Venu 3 vs. Forerunner 265: Mainline champ or enthusiast's dream?
Same price, different focuses Despite identical prices and similar levels of quality, the Venu 3 and Forerunner 265 cater to very different people.
Michael Hicks' Top 10 of 2023
The highlights Our senior wearables editor looks back on the highs and lows of his year with Android Central, from step tests to attempted cat-murder.
Best Christmas smartwatch deals available now — 12 wearable gift ideas for Android fans
Holiday deals If you're hoping to buy a smartwatch or fitness tracker this holiday season, look no further than this expertly curated gift guide.
Best Samsung tablet 2024
Samsung makes the best Android tablets, and these models are the best of the best.
The Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses just got a big AI update, but you should act fast to get access
"Hey Meta" We're one step closer to true "smart glasses," but this multimodal AI tool is only in U.S. early access for now.
You can stream Xbox Game Pass on Quest 2 and 3 now; here's what you need
Ultimate sub required You can access hundreds of Xbox Game Pass games on your Quest 2, 3, or Pro, but you can't access them without the right software and an Ultimate subscription.
Garmin's new watch faces make you earn your holiday cheer — download them now for free
Holiday watch faces Garmin's four new watch faces in Connect IQ let you build a snowman, golf with Santa, decorate a Christmas tree, or go skiing on the slope.
That Quest 2 holiday deal made it more popular than the new Quest 3
Still sellin' Industry experts report a massive boost in Quest and PSVR 2 headset sales in the week of Black Friday, as the discounted Quest 2 outsold the new Quest 3.
Best smart thermostats that don't require a C wire 2024
Time to upgrade These smart thermostats don't need a C wire, making them easier to install in any home.
A decade later, Zombies, Run! and its new Marvel Move expansion are as great as ever
Sunday Runday Whether you're a new or experienced runner, Zombies, Run! and Marvel Move are two great tools for keeping you distracted, entertained, and motivated.
Best smartwatch with LTE 2024
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.
Samsung's new fitness tracker, the Galaxy Fit 3, is one step closer to launch
Not long now Will Samsung give away a Galaxy Fit 3 with Galaxy S24 pre-orders, or wait closer to the Galaxy Watch 7 launch this summer?
Rockley has a skin-penetrating IR sensor that your next smartwatch could borrow
More than skin-deep Most smartwatches use IR sensors for heart rate and blood oxygen readings, but Rockley claims its new multiband spectrophotometer goes deeper than ever before.
