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
![Heart rate zones on the OnePlus Watch 2R](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9ULLXiozMaGNELSmLXfLyT-320-80.jpg)
The OnePlus Watch 2R blew my low fitness expectations out of the water
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Both of our OnePlus Watch 2 reviewers had problems with its fitness data; so far, the Watch 2R doesn't have those same issues.
![Google Maps on Android Auto](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Uih6DXPKuhDrKVKigxXgoC-320-80.jpg)
Is anyone else sick of this unreliable Google Maps tool?
By Michael L Hicks published
Faster route my a** If Google Maps' "faster route available" feature has ever led you astray and caused more problems that it has solved, then you're in good company.
![The RingConn Smart Ring and Oura Ring Gen 3](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9szTm994H89RsmcghQJdo-320-80.jpg)
Who needs the Galaxy Ring with all these epic Prime Day smart ring deals?
By Michael L Hicks published
Prime Day 2024 The Galaxy Ring doesn't have any proper pre-order deals, so look at these Prime Day smart ring deals from Oura, RingConn, Ultrahuman, and Amazfit instead.
![A bunch of Garmin watches sitting on a table: The Venu 3, Forerunner 965, 955, 265, and 255 Music, Instinct 2 Solar and 2X Solar, and Vivomove Trend.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/u4fZiakWkjhXjsRFHdHV6i-320-80.jpeg)
Garmin Prime Day deals are selling out faster than Prime Day ends — only five left are worth buying
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Prime Day 2024 As always, Prime Day is a great time to save hundreds on expensive Garmin watches. I'll run through the ones to pay attention to.
![Shokz OpenFit](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kZMhyt5BQKzinaVZchV3zi-320-80.jpeg)
The only earbuds I trust for running safely are $55 OFF for Prime Day
By Michael L Hicks published
Save money (and yourself) Two open-ear earbuds for those who dislike bone conduction are pretty darn cheap for Prime Day.
![Google Pixel Watch 2 while charging](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Z2MbiqEcTUtvawQryYpuX6-320-80.jpg)
One of my favorite Android watches just dipped to its lowest price EVER during Prime Day
By Michael L Hicks published
Prime Day 2024 The Google Pixel Watch 2 rarely falls below its full price; now you can get one for the same price as the original Pixel Watch: $80 off!
![The Ultrahuman Ring Air held in fingertips to show the Ultrahuman logo engraved inside.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s2JMLAg9gfcFFFs72AYoqY-320-80.jpg)
Ultrahuman challenges Oura and Galaxy Ring with a whole app store of new data, including AFib
By Michael L Hicks published
Smart rings Ultrahuman plans to add "thousands" of customized plug-ins to its Ring Air smart ring, so that you can choose which data to see and focus on for your heath journey.
![The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (left, silver) and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (right, black) side-by-side](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zf4zp3Q9kXJw3piCVVngMk-320-80.jpg)
Should you upgrade to the Galaxy Watch 7, Watch Ultra, or Galaxy Ring?
By Michael L Hicks published
Which one? Samsung has three wearable options this year, leaving you to wonder if you should upgrade to the Galaxy Watch 7, Watch Ultra, or Galaxy Ring.
![The Garmin Venu 3 (left) and Forerunner 265 (right) side-by-side](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mK2aJq2oB8nghqjQwE7ntU-320-80.jpeg)
Best fitness watch 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Time to get fit There are fitness bands — and then there are smartwatches. But some smartwatches can pull double duty in the fitness space, too. These are the best ones.
![The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra showing a post-run summary of distance, pace, time, and other stats.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gSqUoTjNTtrUqYrRgaRrw-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VtzfMbxd5nYESKdwkN9H6F-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/M5DYH5SvvdMB4hK2vHFiuA-320-80.jpg)
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.
![The black and gold Galaxy Ring](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/otewimivudHS4cLxUTXFdL-320-80.jpg)
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.
![The Samsung Galaxy Ring](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MbPRicnvhWMhTqzRAFpnLP-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xFcKShwu2KXuLCG87jrpSF-320-80.jpg)
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.
![The Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring Gen 3](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jyiHZGeah28VHZ6KK3GrhL-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kLSPhFFayHEWQZWzUZRRmA-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: Specs, differences from Ultra & Watch 6, and more
By Michael L Hicks published
Galaxy AI watch The Galaxy Watch 7 has arrived. Here's everything you need to know about pricing, specs, design changes, new health features, and differences from other Galaxy Watches.
![The Ultrahuman Ring Air and Garmin Forerunner 965 sitting on a pillow.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SnuPedWdbZ2L68SDwhJFy7-320-80.jpeg)
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!
![Best Android Smartwatches hero 2024](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HsHRCG8nuKQM9DqHTQQKaE-320-80.jpg)
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!
![A close-up of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yPJxVVLin9sT5JtTkMPshL-320-80.jpeg)
Best Samsung watch 2024
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Galactic greatness The best Samsung watch is normally the Galaxy Watch 6, but you may want a Classic bezel, Pro battery, or last-gen prices.
![A 15-pound scale sits on the Withings Body Smart. The Eyes Closed icon is showing on the display.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wCMqQ3jdt7WU53n7cryAu-320-80.jpeg)
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.
![One of the new watchfaces on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xW2LVmcVmpS2trBX3dKLtD-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Step tracking tile on Fitbit Versa 4](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3HrbTVXFdtSXytnoKKuhYH-320-80.jpg)
Best cheap smartwatch for Android 2024
By Michael L Hicks published
Affordable wearables If you want to own a smartwatch to pair with your Android phone without breaking the bank, be sure to check out these affordable options!