Michael L Hicks
Michael spent years freelancing on every tech topic under the sun before settling down on the real exciting stuff: virtual reality, fitness wearables, gaming, and how tech intersects with our world. He's a semi-reformed Apple-to-Android user who loves running, D&D, and Star Wars. Find him on Twitter at @Michael_L_Hicks.
Latest articles by Michael L Hicks
One of Garmin's oldest metrics needs a serious revamp
By Michael L Hicks published
Sunday Runday Performance Condition tries to determine your current fitness level or race condition in six minutes. That's not enough time!
The latest Garmin Forerunner update is a boon to sleepy, stressed runners
By Michael L Hicks published
Nap time! You no longer need to download beta software to get the coolest Venu 3 tricks on your new Forerunner watch.
COROS Heart Rate Monitor review: A seamless band I didn't know I needed
By Michael L Hicks published
Casual quality The COROS HRM arm strap gives you accurate heart rate data for your gym workouts, runs, and bike rides. It's a simple purpose, but COROS handles it very well.
Why I'm not waiting until New Year's to start my fitness resolutions
By Michael L Hicks published
January 1 sucks I can't think of a worse time to start your body's self-improvement than January 1. That is, unless you've already spent December getting a running start on your fitness goals.
Threads reportedly plans major expansion as Elon Musk's X struggles
By Michael L Hicks published
Ready to grow Threads will reportedly add another 40 million users by expanding to the EU in December, though it'll still fall short of Twitter/X...for now.
Samsung Glasses: Rumors and leaks about Samsung's XR headset
By Michael L Hicks published
Mixed reality Samsung's mixed-reality headset will challenge Apple with Google's own software. Here's what we know, from its specs to its design.
Here we go again: Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery has serious charging issues
By Michael L Hicks published
Déjà vu This is the second generation in a row that Meta has sold a defective, expensive accessory out of the gate, and it's frustrating to see.
Google starts deleting old accounts very soon, but there are plenty of loopholes
By Michael L Hicks published
🎵 Stayin' alive 🎵 Certain account actions like downloading a digital book or uploading a YouTube video will make your Google account permanently safe from deletion, according to its current policies.
The Quest 3 skipped the Cyber Monday party, but these cheap accessory deals didn't
By Michael L Hicks last updated
VR savings! Meta's Quest 3 accessories are overpriced, when you can get 3rd-party options that are arguably as good, if not better, for about half the price. And during Cyber Monday, the prices are even better.
It's your last chance at a cheap Echo Show 8 (in more ways than one)
By Michael L Hicks published
Cyber Monday You can grab the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) for just $54 thanks to this great deal. And since Amazon is probably going to stop selling the 2nd-gen smart display soon, now could be your last chance.
This 30%-off Cyber Monday record player deal is perfect for beginner vinyl nerds (like me)
By Michael L Hicks published
All-in-one Intimidated by turntables, amplifiers, and other vinyl necessities? This 1 by One record player is a great all-in-one option for playing LPs or streaming music from your Android phone.
Tick tock — these Cyber Monday watch deals are selling out fast
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Cyber Monday Black Friday has come and gone, but most of its deals have stuck around for Cyber Monday. I say most, because they're starting to sell out! Check out the best active deals with this guide.
My favorite running earbuds dipped to a new low, thanks to Cyber Monday
By Michael L Hicks published
Cyber Monday The Shokz OpenFit ($30 off) and OpenRun Pro ($55 off) are two great outdoor workout options that'll keep your ears unencumbered.
Garmin's Forerunner 255 and 745 are the same cheap Cyber Monday price; there's one obvious choice
By Michael L Hicks published
Cyber Monday Don't assume the higher-numbered watch is the better one; you're better off with the Forerunner 255.
Cyber Monday's your last chance on the best Garmin deals of the year
By Michael L Hicks last updated
Sweet Garmin savings If you want a Garmin watch, you have no reason to wait, with deals across the board like $350 off the Epix Gen 2 or $100 off most popular running models.
The best fitness smartwatch of 2023 just hit a new low, thanks to this leftover Black Friday deal
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday The Garmin Venu 3 is $50 off, the lowest price we've seen on a watch that's less than 3 months old.
Give your Garmin watch a comfort upgrade for $12 this Black Friday
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday deal Official Garmin watch band replacements cost $40 apiece, and there's no good nylon option for a lighter, more comfortable fit. That's where the Abanen Hook and Loop comes in.
This Garmin hiking tool will save your life, and it's $200 off for Black Friday
By Michael L Hicks published
Garmin GPSMAP Garmin's handheld GPS devices will keep you on the right trail, your family apprised of where you are at all times, and emergency services notified if there's a problem.
I wear the Garmin Forerunner 965 every day, and it's finally discounted thanks to Black Friday
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday Either save $50 on the best running watch of 2023, or choose a better deal on the Forerunner 955 or Epix Gen 2 (with some compromises).
Best Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 games 2023
By Michael L Hicks last updated
We've selected the best Oculus Quest, Meta Quest 2, and Meta Quest 3 games in every category: shooters, rhythm, exercise, puzzle, action, horror, and more!
The Venu 2S is ridiculously cheap for Black Friday; buy the Venu 3S instead
By Michael L Hicks published
Black Friday The Venu 2S costs $199, the lowest price we've seen on that series. It's a great deal, but you should decide whether or not you can give up what the Venu 3 has to offer.
Google wants your Pixel Watch to double as a VR controller
By Michael L Hicks published
Project Iris In Google's latest patent, you can draw a "U" on your smartwatch display and have your glasses open the Uber app automatically.
MediaTek challenges the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 with AI-focused Dimensity 8300
By Michael L Hicks published
Mid-range showdown The Dimensity 8300 will power entry-level 5G flagships in Europe and Asia. Here's what you need to know about it.
Shokz OpenFit review: Wireless earbuds for runners who hate bone conduction
By Michael L Hicks published
Open ears, solid audio Bone conduction headphones are popular with runners and cyclists, but they don't deliver the strong audio of traditional earbuds. The Shokz OpenFit try to deliver the best of both worlds.
Using Google Maps for public transit is about to become much less frustrating
By Michael L Hicks published
From A to B In the coming weeks, Google Maps will help ensure "you're catching the right train in the right direction." It'll also improve its Lists and add emoji reactions to Maps photos and reviews.